American Airlines Simplifies Elite Status Calculation for Credit Card Spending
American Airlines has simplified its elite status calculation for credit card spending. Effective immediately, the change benefits casual flyers. Previously, charges on a credit card statement from the entire month before March 1 counted towards the following elite year. Now, all credit card charges through the end of the qualification year (last day of February) count towards the current status year, regardless of statement close date. This aligns with the introduction of Loyalty Points, which determine elite status within the AAdvantage loyalty program.
American Express offers several co-branded credit cards with American Airlines, including the Platinum Card, Gold Card (including Gold Rosé), and the Blue Card. These cards participate in the Membership Rewards program, earning 1 to 3 points per dollar spent, depending on the card and spending category. While specific American Airlines loyalty points per dollar aren't detailed, these Amex cards allow transferring points to American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
The new calculation method for credit card spending towards elite status simplifies the process and opens opportunities for casual flyers to achieve elite status through Loyalty Points. American Express' co-branded credit cards with American Airlines continue to offer valuable earning rates and transfer options.
