For business owners who travel frequently, Travel Credit Cards can be an invaluable tool. They offer a way to accumulate rewards points or miles on business expenses, which can then be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel perks. Choosing the right travel credit card can significantly reduce your travel costs and enhance your overall travel experience. Let’s delve into the details of a leading option in the market, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, and explore how it can benefit your business travels.
Key Benefits of the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is designed with the business traveler in mind, offering a range of benefits that cater specifically to frequent flyers, especially those loyal to American Airlines. Here are some of the standout advantages:
Earn Valuable AAdvantage® Miles
With this travel credit card, you can earn American Airlines AAdvantage® miles on every purchase, accelerating your rewards accumulation. You’ll earn:
- 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. This includes flights booked through American Airlines channels like aa.com, reservations, Admirals Club®, and airport ticket counters.
- 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent at telecommunications merchants, car rental agencies, cable and satellite providers, and gas stations. These bonus categories are particularly relevant for business expenses, making it easier to rack up miles on everyday spending.
- 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
It’s important to note that certain purchases do not qualify for mile accrual, such as balance transfers, cash advances, and fees. Miles typically appear in your AAdvantage® account 8-10 weeks after meeting purchase requirements.
Free First Checked Bag
One of the most practical benefits for travelers is the free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights. As a cardholder, you and up to four companions on the same reservation can each check a bag for free. This benefit can lead to significant savings on baggage fees, especially for teams traveling together. To utilize this perk, ensure your CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® account is open at least 7 days before your travel and that your AAdvantage® number is included in your reservation.
Preferred Boarding
Enjoy a smoother airport experience with preferred boarding. CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® cardmembers board in Group 5, after Priority boarding but before general economy. This benefit ensures you have more time to settle in and find overhead bin space, making your travel less stressful. Similar to the free checked bag benefit, ensure your account is active and your AAdvantage® number is in your reservation at least 7 days prior to flying.
Savings on Inflight Purchases
Make your flights more comfortable with 25% savings on eligible inflight purchases. This discount applies to food, beverages, and Wi-Fi when purchased on American Airlines operated flights using your CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® card. The savings appear as a statement credit, helping you save on onboard amenities.
American Airlines Companion Certificate
After spending $30,000 or more in purchases within your cardmembership year, you’ll earn a $99 domestic economy fare American Airlines Companion Certificate. This certificate allows you to book a round-trip domestic economy ticket for a companion for just $99 plus taxes and fees, when you purchase a qualifying Main Cabin ticket. This can be a fantastic way to bring a colleague or family member on a business trip or enjoy a personal getaway.
Understanding the Terms and Conditions
While the benefits are attractive, it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions associated with this travel credit card.
Pricing and Fees
- Annual Fee: $99, waived for the first 12 months.
- Purchase APR: Variable APR of 20.24% to 29.24%, based on creditworthiness.
- Cash Advance APR: Variable APR of 29.49%.
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
- Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater.
It’s essential to pay your balance in full and on time to avoid interest charges and penalties.
Bonus Miles and Offer Availability
Bonus AAdvantage® miles are not available if you’ve received a new account bonus for a CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® account in the past 48 months. The card offer is available to US residents, excluding Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Important Benefit Conditions
- First Checked Bag & Preferred Boarding: Require your account to be open and AAdvantage® number in reservation 7 days prior to travel.
- Companion Certificate: Requires $30,000 annual spending and has specific redemption terms and travel dates.
Is the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card Right for You?
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a strong contender in the realm of travel credit cards, particularly for businesses that:
- Frequently fly with American Airlines.
- Incur significant expenses in the bonus categories (telecommunications, car rentals, gas, cable/satellite).
- Value travel perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
- Can take advantage of the companion certificate with sufficient spending.
However, if your business doesn’t frequently use American Airlines or if you prefer more flexible travel rewards programs, you might consider other travel credit cards that offer broader airline or hotel partnerships.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel credit card is a strategic decision for any business that involves travel. The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® offers compelling benefits for American Airlines loyalists, providing valuable rewards and travel conveniences. By understanding its benefits, fees, and terms, you can determine if this card aligns with your business travel needs and potentially maximize your travel rewards.
