American Airlines will raise the annual fee for the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard and the Citi/AAdvantage Business Mastercard from $99 to $150 effective Jan. 24, 2027, the carrier said in a company press release, according to Fox News Digital.
The $51 increase — nearly a 52% rise — is the first price hike for the consumer Platinum Select card since 2018, Fox News Digital reported.
To accompany the higher fee, American, Citi and Mastercard are adding benefits, the press release said. Cardholders will receive up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years and a new $100 annual statement credit for in‑flight purchases, replacing the previous 25% food and beverage discount. The airline said the new in‑flight credit can be applied to broader onboard expenses, including Wi‑Fi.
The personal Platinum Select card will also change earning rates, offering three miles per dollar on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and Cars bookings and two miles per dollar on gas and EV charging, select streaming services, and eligible Rides and Rails purchases, the release said. Existing perks — including preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees and a free first checked bag on domestic American itineraries for the cardholder and up to four companions — will remain intact.
Nick Ewen, editor‑in‑chief of The Points Guy, told Fox News Digital that whether the new credits offset the higher annual fee depends on individual travel habits. “You have to look at the real dollar value based on your own travel habits,” he said, and noted the changes could favor travelers who regularly spend aboard American flights or already pay for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Fox News Digital also reported the move follows a broader trend of airlines and card issuers increasing annual fees while adding statement credits and perks, citing similar adjustments at other major carriers.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
