CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® Review

As a financial expert with years of experience evaluating a plethora of credit cards, I am delighted to provide an in-depth and comprehensive review of the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®. This card is specifically designed for small business owners who frequently travel with American Airlines and who want to maximize their travel rewards. In this detailed review, we will explore all aspects of the card, including its key features, benefits, pros and cons, and much more.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® Key Takeaways

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s summarize the key takeaways of this credit card:
– Sign-up Bonus: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after making $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
– Earning Rates:
– 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
– 2x miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations.
– 1x mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
– Travel Perks:
– American Airlines Companion Certificate after spending $30,000 or more in purchases each card membership year.
– First checked bag free on domestic itineraries.
– Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
– 25% savings on inflight food, beverage, and wi-fi purchases.
– Annual Fee: $99 annually.
– APR: 21.24% – 29.99% Variable.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Like any financial product, this credit card has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros

– Attractive Sign-up Bonus: The 65,000 bonus miles are a significant incentive and can be a strong motivator for business owners looking to quickly accumulate miles for future travel.
– Waived Annual Fee for the First 12 Months: New cardholders can enjoy the benefits of the card without the pressure of an immediate annual fee.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: For businesses that operate internationally, this feature can result in substantial savings.
– Travel Perks: Features like the American Airlines Companion Certificate, free checked bags, and preferred boarding can enhance the travel experience and reduce costs.

Cons

– Limited Redemption Choices: The primary focus on American Airlines for redemptions can be a drawback for those who prefer a wider range of travel options.
– Annual Fee: While it is waived for the first year, the $99 annual fee can be a consideration for small businesses with tight budgets.
– No Introductory 0% APR: The lack of an introductory APR offer for purchases or balance transfers might be a downside for those looking to finance large purchases over time.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® Benefits

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® offers a host of benefits designed to cater to frequent flyers and business owners. Let’s delve deeper into these benefits.

1. Earning Miles

The card’s earning rates are highly competitive, especially for those who frequently travel or have significant business expenses in certain categories.
– 2x Miles on American Airlines Purchases: Earn double miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. This is a substantial benefit for frequent flyers.
– 2x Miles on Select Business Categories: Earn double miles on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations. These are common expense categories for many businesses, making it easier to accumulate miles.
– 1x Mile on Other Purchases: Earn a mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases. While not as lucrative as the other categories, it still adds up over time.

2. Sign-up Bonus

The sign-up bonus of 65,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months is highly attractive. This bonus can significantly boost your miles balance, making it easier to redeem for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.

3. Travel Perks

The card comes with several travel benefits that can enhance your flying experience and save money.
– American Airlines Companion Certificate: After spending $30,000 or more in purchases each card membership year, you earn a companion certificate for domestic main cabin travel. This can be a substantial saving for business trips or vacations.
– First Checked Bag Free: On domestic itineraries, your first checked bag is free, which can save you up to $60 per round trip.
– Preferred Boarding: Enjoy the convenience of preferred boarding, allowing you to board earlier and settle in without the hustle.
– 25% Inflight Savings: Receive 25% savings on food, beverage, and wi-fi purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.

4. Additional Benefits

– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is particularly beneficial for international business travelers, as it eliminates the usual 3% fee on foreign transactions.
– Purchase Protection: The card offers purchase protection, which can cover new purchases against damage or theft.
– Fraud Protection: Advanced security measures to protect against unauthorized transactions.
– 24/7 Travel Assistance: Access to travel assistants who can help with various travel-related needs.

Conclusion

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is a robust card tailored for small business owners who frequently fly with American Airlines. Its strong sign-up bonus, competitive earning rates, and extensive travel perks make it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their travel rewards. However, the annual fee and the focus on American Airlines for redemption can be limitations for some users.
In my professional opinion, if your business has regular expenses that align with the card’s bonus categories and you frequently fly with American Airlines, this card can offer substantial value. The travel perks alone can offset the annual fee for frequent travelers. However, if you prefer a more flexible rewards program with broader redemption options, you might want to explore other business credit cards.
Overall, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® stands out as a valuable tool for the right user. Its benefits and rewards structure can significantly enhance your travel experience and offer considerable savings, making it a worthy addition to your financial toolkit.