Unlock the Secret Timing Hack That Could Maximize Your AAdvantage Card Rewards Like a Pro
Ever wonder if thereās a secret cosmic alignment to snagging the best welcome bonus on an American Airlines credit card? I mean, seriouslyāwhy does timing always feel like playing a roulette wheel blindfolded? American Airlines, a titan that stretches its wings to over 350 destinations across the globe, teams up with Citi to offer a constellation of cobranded cards. These arenāt just any credit cards; theyāre golden tickets brimming with hefty AAdvantage miles that can send you jetting off to some of the most delightful corners of the world. But hereās the rub: just when is the perfect moment to throw your hat in the ring and apply for one? Welcome bonuses are slippery little creatures, dancing up and down like a rollercoaster, teasing us with their fluctuations. While no crystal ball can predict the exact sweet spot, diving into the historical data reveals patterns that might just tilt the odds in your favor. So, buckle up as we unpack the history behind the best Citi/American Airlines welcome offers and pinpoint when you might want to hit āapplyā to make the most of these sky-high rewards. LEARN MORE
American Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines, serving over 350 destinations and connecting essentially every corner of the globe. Its loyalty program, AAdvantage, offers a suite of cobranded credit cards with Citi.
These credit cards offer valuable welcome bonuses that come with thousands of valuable AAdvantage miles. American Airlines has numerous sweet spots where you can redeem your miles for maximum value.
However, before applying for one of these cards, you may be wondering when the best time to apply is so that you can earn the highest welcome bonus.
Welcome bonuses are subject to frequent changes, whether that be offering a lower or higher bonus. While there is no simple answer to when the best time to apply is, our historical data on welcome offers can give you some guidance.
Knowing the welcome offer a card has previously offered can also help you when analyzing the current offer.
We’ve collected the offer history on the most popular Citi / American Airlines cards to help you decide when to apply for each.
Note: We will only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus miles or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.
Best Citi AA credit card welcome bonuses
| Card | Best welcome offer we’ve seen | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| CitiĀ® / AAdvantageĀ® Platinum SelectĀ® World Elite MastercardĀ® | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles |
| CitiĀ® / AAdvantageĀ® Globeā¢ MastercardĀ® | Earn 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first four months of account opening. | This is the only publicly available offer we’ve seen in the card’s history, but now is still a good time to apply |
| CitiĀ® / AAdvantageĀ® Executive World Elite MastercardĀ® | Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is higher than 80,000 miles |
| Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles |
The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select 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.Related: Best welcome offers of the month
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select’s perks include access to preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees and a free checked bag on domestic flights, making it an excellent choice for anyone who flies American Airlines regularly.
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Plus, you can earn a $125 flight discount after spending $20,000 or more per year on the card. The card has no introductory annual fee during the first year; the annual fee is $99 thereafter.
Here are the offers we’ve seen on the Citi AA Platinum Select Card:
Welcome offer history
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 to now | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| July 2025 to September 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,240 |
| May 2025 to July 2025 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| February 2025 to May 2025 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| October 2024 to February 2025 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| August 2024 to October 2024 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| April 2024 to August 2024 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| March 2024 to April 2024 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| February 2024 to March 2024 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| May 2023 to February 2024 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| April to May 2023 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| July 2022 to April 2023 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| June to July 2022 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| June 2019 to June 2022. | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| April to June 2019. | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| March to April 2019 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| November 2018 to March 2019 | Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months and an extra 10,000 miles after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 12 months. | Up to $775 |
| May to November 2018 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| February to May 2018 | Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $465 |
| November 2017 to February 2018 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Highest welcome offer
The highest offer we’ve seen offered new cardholders 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.
When to apply
If the offer is over 50,000 bonus miles, consider applying, but if you can wait for higher offers, this card typically has elevated welcome offers a few times a year.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card.
Related: 6 reasons to get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
The Citi AA Globe Mastercard is a newly launched mid-tier card option for American Airlines flyers. It offers perks frequently associated with a cobranded airline card, like a free checked bag and priority boarding, but it also offers more elevated perks, like four annual Admirals Club passes, a statement credit for inflight purchases and a companion certificate.
The only welcome offer we’ve seen on this card offers new cardholders 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. TPG’s October 2025 valuations peg this welcome offer at $1,395.
Learn more: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the premium card in the AAdvantage lineup.
Cardholders enjoy a complimentary American Airlines Admirals Club membership ā a value that alone more than makes up for the card’s $595 annual fee. It also offers up to $240 in annual statement credits for Lyft (up to $120 annually, allotted up to $10 monthly; you must take three eligible rides each month to receive the credit) and eligible Grubhub purchases (up to $120 annually, allotted up to $10 monthly).
Here are the offers we’ve seen on the Citi AA Executive World Elite Mastercard:
Welcome offer history
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 to now | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| May 2025 to July 2025 | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,550 |
| July 2024 to May 2025 | Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| June 2024 to July 2024 | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,550 |
| Sept. 2023 to June 2024 | Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| July to Sept. 2023 | Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,550 |
| December 2022 to July 2023 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| October to December 2022 | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,500 within the first three months of account opening. | $1,240 |
| October 2021 to October 2022 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| August to October 2021 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 elite qualifying miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
| July 2019 to August 2021 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $775 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Highest welcome offer
The highest welcome offer we’ve seen on the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard allowed new cardholders to earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.
When to apply
If the offer is over 80,000 bonus miles, it’s an excellent time to apply.
Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Related: Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard worth it?
Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is excellent for businesses with employees who frequently fly American Airlines. Its perks include a free checked bag on domestic flights, preferred boarding and the potential to earn a companion certificate. The card has no introductory annual fee during the first year; the annual fee is $99 thereafter.
Here are the offers we’ve seen on the Citi AA Business World Elite Mastercard:
Welcome offer history
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 to now | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| May 2025 to September 2025 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| April 2025 to May 2025 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| January 2025 to April 2025 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| October 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| June to October 2024 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| April 2024 to June 2024 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening. | $1,163 |
| August 2020 to April 2024 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| May to August 2020 | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| March to May 2020 | Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,008 |
| October 2019 to March 2020 | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,085 |
| July to October 2019 | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. | $930 |
| April to July 2019 | Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening. | $1,085 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Business card can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.
Highest welcome offer
The Citi AAdvantage Business is currently offering its highest welcome offer of 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.
When to apply
If the offer is over 50,000 miles, you should consider applying. The card is offering its highest welcome offer right now, so it’s a great time to apply.
Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Business credit card
Related: āāāāWhy you should have multiple credit cards
Application restrictions
Citi has some strict application restrictions. Citi doesn’t limit the number of cards you can have, but it will limit your overall credit.
Citi is also sensitive to recent inquiries, so for the best results, wait a few months from your last card application before applying for a Citi card.
Additionally, Citi has the 8/65 rule, which means:
- You can only apply for one card (whether personal or business) every eight days and no more than two cards in a 65-day window.
- You can only apply for one business card every 90 days.
There are exceptions to this rule, but this is general guidance for optimal results.
You’ll generally want a good credit score of at least 670 before applying for either card.
Additionally, if you have previously earned a welcome bonus on a Citi AA card, it’s possible to earn another. The terms on the Citi AA Executive World Elite Mastercard state:
“New account bonus is not available if you have received a new account bonus for a CitiĀ® / AAdvantageĀ® Executive account in the past 48 months or if you converted another Citi credit card account on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a CitiĀ® / AAdvantageĀ® Executive account.”
These terms only apply to individual cards and not the whole family of cards. You can also hold multiple Citi AA cards at the same time. You can even earn multiple welcome bonuses as long as they are different card products and it’s outside the 48-month window. It’s important to note the 48-month period starts when you receive the welcome bonus, not when you’re approved for the card.
For example, if you switch to the Citi AA Platinum Select after earning the welcome bonus on the Citi AA Executive Card, you’d still have to wait 48 months from when you earned your welcome bonus on the Citi AA Executive Card to earn another Citi AA Executive welcome bonus.
Related: What you need to know about earning another American Airlines card welcome bonus
Bottom line
Before applying for a Citi AA credit card, you want to make sure you’re getting the best welcome bonus possible.
Our historical data on welcome offer history can provide you with a good reference point for guidance on the best time to apply for Citi AA cards based on year-over-year trends.
Be sure to check our other offer history guides as a reference point when you’re looking to apply for your next credit card.
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