Citi Acquires Barclays American Airlines Co-Branded Card Portfolio

Citi has confirmed a deal to take over Barclays’ American Airlines co-branded card portfolio. While the official date for the transition is set for late April 2026, preparations are already underway. Until then, users can continue using their Barclays-issued Aviator Mastercard normally to earn rewards and bonuses.

It’s important to note that only the AAdvantage cards currently offered by Barclays will be impacted. The switch to Citi will happen automatically, but some setup may be required from cardholders. CNBC Select provides insights into the changes and which cards will be transitioning.

Citi Will Be the Sole Issuer of AAdvantage Cards

Barclays had been a co-issuer of the American Airlines credit card since the merger with US Airways in 2013. After 13 years, Citi will regain sole issuance rights for the AAdvantage card series, officially transitioning users from Barclays to Citi on April 24, 2026. New cards from Citi will start being distributed within six to eight weeks from the transition date. In the meantime, existing Aviator cardholders won’t see any changes to their cards.

Which Barclays AAdvantage Cards Are Affected?

If you hold an AAdvantage Aviator card issued by Barclays, you will be affected by these changes. Barclays will cease issuing American Airlines cards, transitioning affected users to one of Citi’s products.

Transferring from Barclays to Citi AAdvantage Card

What to Expect During the Transition

Anniversaries for cardholders will remain unchanged. However, new annual fees take effect on the next account anniversary. Cardholders will need to update any subscriptions linked to their Barclays card as the numbers will be different with the new Citi card. Your existing credit limit will carry over, but it could adjust in line with Citi’s policies. Starting April 27, 2026, non-Citi customers can create an online profile, while existing customers may link their new cards to their current profiles. In some cases, if a user holds both a Barclays card and a transferred Citi card, Citi assures that the membership will be adapted to an equivalent Citi card.

Citi AAdvantage Card Details

Upon transferring to Citi, cardholders will benefit from enhanced features, including some ‘Limited Time Legacy Benefits’ taken from their Barclays cards. While these perks may be advantageous initially, it’s worth noting that Citi may adjust or eliminate them later on.

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard

This card includes existing perks like a 25% discount on in-flight food and drinks. Besides, it offers 2x AAdvantage Miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and grocery store transactions, with no annual fee and the option to add authorized users at no cost.

Citi / AAdvantage Gold World Elite Mastercard

Although this card is no longer available to new applicants, Aviator Blue users can still transfer. The benefits are largely the same, but 2x AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases will classify as traditional rewards.

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

This card may be suitable for those who occasionally fly American Airlines without the need for elite perks. It doesn’t provide airport lounge access, but it does offer benefits such as priority boarding and one free checked bag. Also, it introduces new categories to earn 2x AAdvantage miles at restaurants and gas stations.

Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard

As a newer addition, this card entitles users to advantages like up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, travel protection, and multiple Admirals Club passes a year. Other benefits are influenced by legacy perks, which may change in time.

Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

This card sustains existing features like earning 2x AAdvantage miles on car rentals and communications services, free first checked bag, and priority boarding. However, some traditional benefits from Barclays may not transfer over.