AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
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The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is an airline rewards card designed for those who prefer to fly American Airlines, but don’t travel enough to justify a premium credit card. It has a generous welcome offer, especially since you don’t have to spend a specific amount of money to earn it: just pay the annual fee and make a purchase within the first 90 days. There is a 0% intro APR offer for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening, then 21.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
Other benefits include a free checked bag, preferred boarding, and a $25 credit for inflight wifi purchases every anniversary year. You can also get a companion certificate for $99 (plus taxes and fees) each anniversary year if you spend $20,000 on your card in a year. To get the companion certificate, your account must remain open for 45 days after your anniversary date. Rewards for non-American Airlines purchases are pretty limited, though. We dive into the details and your approval odds in this AAdvantage® Aviator® Red review.
Our Rating
4.0/5.0
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles
Annual Fee
$99
0% Intro on Purchases
None
Reward Rate
1x to 2x miles
0% Intro on Balance Transfers
15 months
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
Editorial Review
Features & Benefits
| Security | EMV Chip Enabled, Zero Liability, Identity theft protection |
| Contactless Payments | Tap to Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Benefits | 24/7 customer service |
| Travel Perks | Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Concierge Services, Free Checked Bags, Luggage Protection, Travel Accident Insurance, Trip Cancellation Insurance |
Rewards
Interest Rates & Fees
| Annual Fee | $99 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Regular APR | 21.24% to 29.99% (V) APR |
| Balance Transfers | 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 21.24% to 29.99%(V) APR after that. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either 5% (min. $5) of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
What Credit Score Is Required to Get the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use numerous factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.
Lowest Approved Credit Score: 734
Average Approved Credit Score: 746
| App Status | Date | Credit Score | Bureau | Credit Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved | 05/23/2023 | Not Provided | ||
| Approved | 08/01/2023 | Experian | ||
| Approved | 08/01/2023 | TransUnion | ||
| Approved | 08/01/2023 | Equifax | ||
| Denied | 09/23/2023 | Not Provided |
Pros & Cons
- Welcome offer
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee
- High APR
- Requires good credit
- Sub-par rewards for non-American Airlines purchases
What Are the Best Alternatives?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rating
4.9
Rewards Range
1x - 5x points
Annual Fee
$95
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rating
4.5
Rewards Range
2x - 5x miles
Annual Fee
$95
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Rating
4.4
Rewards Range
1x - 2x Miles
Annual Fee
$0