Citi is changing the benefits attached to two American Airlines credit cards from January 2027, with annual fees rising by $51 for affected cardholders. The changes will also add new rewards and travel benefits while removing some existing discounts.
Two Citi Cards Will Cost More
The changes will affect the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and Citi AAdvantage Business Elite cards. The new terms are due to take effect on January 24, 2027.
For cardholders, the main change is a higher annual cost. Citi is adding $51 to the annual fee while also changing how customers earn miles and use card benefits.
Platinum Select Gets New Ways To Earn Miles
The Platinum Select card will offer additional mileage earning options. Cardholders will be able to earn double miles at gas stations, as well as on eligible EV charging purchases.
The card will also offer triple miles on selected hotel bookings and car rentals, while miles earned on eligible rides and rail purchases will double.
Other additions include a complimentary Walmart+ subscription, valued at $98, and 50% off an annual FOX One subscription.
Some Platinum Select Benefits Are Being Removed
The changes are not entirely positive for existing cardholders. Platinum Select customers will lose the 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases.
The higher annual fee therefore comes alongside a combination of new rewards and the removal of some existing benefits.
Business Elite Card Gets New Benefits
The AAdvantage Business Elite card will also receive new features. One addition is a Self-Select Category, designed to provide extra value based on a business’s spending patterns.
The card will also have enhanced travel insurance, including improved trip cancellation and trip interruption protection. Businesses can receive 25% off a Melio subscription plan, which is designed to help manage company expenses.
Hotel booking and car rental benefits will also be available under the updated card.
TSA PreCheck Credit Remains
Business Elite cardholders will continue to have access to a TSA PreCheck application fee credit once every four years, provided the application fee is paid with the card.
The card will also lose some existing travel discounts. These include the 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases and the 25% discount on inflight Wi-Fi.
Changes Take Effect In January 2027
The revised benefits for both cards are scheduled to begin on January 24, 2027.
Customers will therefore need to compare the new annual fee with the updated rewards and benefits to decide whether the cards continue to suit their spending and travel habits.
The changes highlight Citi’s wider shift toward reshaping its credit card products while adding new rewards and travel features.
