We are just a few weeks into the new year, but my family is already starting the process to earn more miles and points through credit card sign-up bonuses!
First credit card approval of 2023
Drumroll please…..
My husband applied and was approved for the Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard (non-affiliate link). The bonus is 60,000 AA miles after making just one purchase in the first three months. It has a $99 annual fee.
Benefits of the card:
- Free checked baggage for you and up to 4 companions on domestic AA flights
- Priority boarding for you and up to 4 companions
- $25 back in statement credits for on-board WiFI charges
- 25% off inflight food and beverage purchases
- Anniversary companion certificate after spending $20k in one year
- No foreign transaction fees
- 2X miles on AA purchases, 1X miles on all other purchases
My husband and I have both owned this card before, but it’s been four years since we canceled it. The terms and conditions of the card state: “You may not be eligible for this offer if you currently have or previously had an account with us in this program.” However, data points on Doctor of Credit indicate that users are successful getting approved and getting the bonus on this card after a few years.
Why didn’t I apply for this card as player 2?
It’s because Barclays has an unofficial rule of not approving people with more than 6 new cards in the past 24 months. I am currently sitting at 6/24, so I decided to save myself a hard credit inquiry. See Bank Application Rules You Need to Know.
What will we do with the miles?
Living in DFW, which is an AA hub, we can never have too many AA miles. Plus, we’re looking at planning another trip to Europe next year (3rd year in a row!). We will have no issues finding a good use for these AA miles.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Hi Nancy – I always need AA miles, too! Rather than the Citi/Barclays route this go round, however, I recently got the Bilt card. Bilt offers 5x purchases on everything for 5 days upon receipt of the card, transferrable to AA (or Hyatt & other programs I actually never use).
A quick 50,000 miles posted today, along with the ability to earn: 6x AA miles at restaurants (.09); 4x on travel (.06); 2x non-bonus spend (.03) on the 1st of every month. On any other day I can still earn 3x AA miles (.045) on dining (only 2x Barclays & Citi).
This is a NO FEE card. Even if you don’t rent, there is HUGE potential for those of us looking for AA multipliers found absolutely nowhere else. Game changer for me, maybe worth another look for you.
@Pam Several readers have the Bilt card. I really wish it had a sign-up bonus, but maybe I need to consider it anyway. 🙂
Nancy, the 5 x 5 promo worked like a SUB for me, albeit heavy spend required in a very short timeframe. If someone can accumulate or prepay $10,000 of spend in 5 days, 50,000 AA miles earned is what Citi is publicly offering now on their AA card! The Hyatt SUB is only 10,000 points more with $15,000 spend (but also gets you a Free Night).
Bilt has already offered bonus weeks with double points and seems to be pretty creative so far with their spend promos. Bilt is ideal for anyone wishing to earn addtl AA or Hyatt points via an additional lucrative avenue once the lowest-hanging fruit has already been well picked.
We’ll see how it goes, but so far even with NO rent pmts I can definitely see long-term value for adding to my AA stash a WHOLE lot quicker (5 days); cheaper (no annual fees); & richer (best accelerators for AA miles avail on the market).
May keep this card in mind for travel down the road. Had gotten the JetBlue plus card last year and looking to use those points for spring travel.
@Deva Yes, keep it in mind for the future, as it has the easiest hurdle for the bonus miles.
One question…Any stipulations as far as the purchase amount…I mean can I just go to the Dollar store or something (no I wouldn’t actually do that) but just wondering… Thanks
Yep! Even buying a pack of gum will work. 🙂
I think I read somewhere that the 6/24 rule doesn’t apply for this card. I was also at 6/24 when I applied in December and was approved.
@HML Ooh, I’m tempted now. Glad you were approved!
Congratulations, just want to point out that the free checked bag is only on domestic AA flights.
@Audrey You are correct! I updated the post. Anecdotally, I’ve used the credit card to get free bags to Mexico. I wouldn’t count on it, though.