Citi AAdvantage Credit Card Changes Coming in 2027: Higher Annual Fees and New Benefits

All information about Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® has been collected by 10xtravel.com

Citi and American Airlines have announced significant changes to two popular cobranded credit cards, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®.

Beginning January 24, 2027, both cards will receive expanded bonus categories, additional travel protections and new statement credits. However, these improvements come with a higher price tag. The annual fee on both cards will increase from $99 to $150, a $51 jump, with existing cardholders paying the higher fee at their next account renewal on or after January 24, 2027. The $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months will remain available to new cardholders.

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select will add 3X AAdvantage miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars bookings, plus 2X miles on select streaming services, eligible rides and rail purchases, and EV charging stations. Its annual American Airlines flight discount will increase from $125 to $150 after spending $20,000 in a cardmembership year and renewing the card. New benefits include a complimentary Walmart+ membership, 50% off an annual FOX One subscription, a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, and up to $100 annually in inflight statement credits.

The Citi / AAdvantage Business will also earn 3X miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and Cars bookings and introduce a selectable 2X category for U.S. shipping, office supplies or advertising purchases. Business cardholders will receive the same Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and inflight credits, along with 25% off a Melio subscription.

Both cards will gain improved travel protections, while the existing 25% inflight discounts will be replaced by the new statement credits. Importantly, both cards retain their existing core earning categories, free first checked bag benefit, preferred boarding and Loyalty Point earning structure.

Our Take

These changes are a mixed bag, but we think the higher annual fees will be relatively easy to justify for travelers who regularly fly American Airlines and take advantage of the new benefits. The $100 inflight credit alone could offset the $51 increase, although its value depends on how often you purchase eligible food, beverages or Wi-Fi onboard. The complimentary Walmart+ membership is another potentially useful addition for Platinum Select cardholders who already pay for the service. We’re also glad to see stronger travel protections, which are more practical than some of the lifestyle perks being added.

However, we’re less enthusiastic about the new bonus categories. Earning 3X miles through AAdvantage Hotels and Cars sounds appealing, but you should still compare prices and consider any hotel elite benefits or points you might forgo by booking through those platforms. And remember, bonus miles earned from spending multipliers don’t translate into additional Loyalty Points toward American Airlines elite status.

The Citi / AAdvantage Business card’s new selectable 2X category is a welcome improvement, especially for businesses with substantial advertising or shipping expenses, but earning 2X American Airlines miles isn’t necessarily the best return available.

For most points and miles enthusiasts, we wouldn’t recommend shifting significant everyday spending to either card simply because of these changes. There are still opportunities to earn more flexible rewards through credit cards with transferable points, particularly for dining, travel and other common purchases.

We think the strongest reason to keep either card remains the combination of free checked bags, preferred boarding and other American Airlines benefits. Before your next annual fee posts in 2027, calculate how much value you’re actually getting from those perks and the new credits. If you regularly fly American Airlines, the additional $51 may be worthwhile. Otherwise, we’d rather put that annual fee toward a card offering more valuable rewards and greater flexibility when booking award travel.