Why American Airlines’ Sudden Breakup with Barclays Could Shake Up Your Wallet—And How Citi Plans to Cash In
Have you ever wondered what happens when two titans of travel and finance suddenly switch dance partners? Well, American Airlines just made the leap, confirming that Citi will take over as the exclusive issuer for their AAdvantage credit cards starting in 2026. This means the beloved Barclays Aviator portfolio—once the golden key to elite status and loyalty perks—is being phased out for new applicants. It’s a bit like bidding farewell to an old friend who helped you glide through airport lounges and fast-track your way to executive benefits. Yet, with change comes curiosity: What fresh tricks will Citi bring to the table? And will the shortcuts to top-tier status we’ve grown fond of still be within reach? As a long-time aviator cardholder myself, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation swirling in the air. Let’s dive into what this shift means for travelers and status seekers alike. LEARN MORE
American Airlines has confirmed that as part of its newly exclusive deal with Citi, applications for the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® have been removed and the Barclays Aviator portfolio will eventually be transitioned to Citi in 2026.
“We are proud to build on our 38-year card partnership with Citi by naming them as our exclusive issuer for our AAdvantage® cobranded credit card portfolio in the U.S. beginning in 2026,” a spokesperson for American Airlines told TPG in a written statement.
The airline will fully transition the American Airlines credit card program to Citi in 2026 and is no longer accepting applications for new Barclays AAdvantage Aviator cards.
The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Barclays used to have several cards under its AAdvantage Aviator portfolio. However, only one was recently available to new applicants: the AAdvantage Aviator Red. That is no more.
We don’t yet know what cards in the Citi portfolio the various Aviator cards will transition to, but we’re told that more details on the transition to Citi will be shared with AAdvantage Aviator cardmembers in the coming months.
Bottom line
The Aviator card portfolio is no longer available for new applications and will be transitioned to Citi next year as American Airlines phases out its relationship with Barclays.
I’m feeling a bit bittersweet about the news.
This portfolio of cards has been key to my elite status strategy with American Airlines and its Loyalty Points system within the American Airlines AAdvantage program. I’ve long held the no-longer-available AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard®.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
It has a favorite feature: a shortcut to status. You can earn up to 15,000 Loyalty Points after qualifying spending each status qualification period. You get 5,000 Loyalty Points for spending $20,000 on the card, another 5,000 Loyalty Points for spending $40,000 and yet another 5,000 Loyalty Points if you hit $50,000 in spending each year on the card.
That will help me earn top-tier AAdvantage Executive Platinum status this year but it may no longer be an option beginning in 2026. I will be eager to learn if there are other ways to get shortcuts as the portfolio moves to Citi.
The information for the AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
For a look at some of the current best offers for Citi’s large portfolio of American Airlines credit cards, check out this story.
Related reading:
EcoBark Teacup Dog Harness - Luxury Step in Dog Harnesses XXXS - Reflective and Adjustable Vest Harness - Soft Mesh Halter Harness Vest for Puppies & Dogs (Baby Pink)
$15.99 (as of October 3, 2025 03:00 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
sajawass Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, Noise Canceling Ear Buds with 75hr Playtime, LED Power Display, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones Over-Ear Earphones for Sports/Workouts - Rose Gold
$22.99 (as of October 3, 2025 02:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Purina Cat Chow Naturals With Added Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients Dry Cat Food, Naturals Original - 13 lb. Bag
$16.99 (as of October 3, 2025 03:02 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Medium Dogs, 10 Pound
$14.98 (as of October 3, 2025 03:00 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment