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Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard review: Earn American miles without an annual fee
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
Chris was a reporter at The Points Guy, where he covered the intersection of credit card rewards and travel. At TPG, he wrote a broad array of stories ranging from in-depth features and reports to trending travel news as it related to loyalty, card benefits and consumer behavior.
also contributed to this story
March 21, 2025 • 8 min read
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
A popular entry-level airline card offers the ability to earn frequent flyer miles without an annual fee, appealing to occasional travelers.
Cardholders receive inflight savings on food and beverage purchases and can earn miles at grocery stores and with the airline.
Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, car rentals and hotel stays, with the most value typically found in flight redemptions.
The card lacks premium travel perks such as free checked bags or priority boarding, making it best suited for those seeking a simple rewards option.
What to consider
A 3% foreign transaction fee applies, so this card is not ideal for international use.
Miles do not expire as long as you earn or redeem them every 24 months, but non-flight redemptions generally offer lower value.
Eligibility for the welcome offer is limited if you have received a bonus for the same product in the past 48 months.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of entry-level airline cards and guidance on choosing the best fit for your travel habits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card overview
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card offers the ability to earn frequent flyer miles for no annual fee. For occasional American flyers looking for a starter rewards card, the AAdvantage MileUp card fits the bill. However, other options are worth considering given its limited perks and card protection benefits. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The information for the AAdvantage MileUp card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp is an entry-level American AAdvantage card in the airline's cobranded card lineup. This means you'll earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles on the card.
One of the biggest factors in selecting a cobranded airline credit card is the frequency you'll fly the carrier. Will you be flying the airline enough to take advantage of the benefits?
Or will you be better suited to a card that earns straight cash back or another, more flexible rewards currency? And, is it worth ponying up some cash for an annual fee?
In order to qualify for the AAdvantage MileUp card, we recommend a credit score of 670 or higher.
Let's dive into answering these questions for the MileUp card to see if this no-annual-fee card is right for you.
AAdvantage MileUp card pros and cons
Pros
Cons
No annual fee
Inflight savings on food and beverage purchases
Bonus miles on grocery store and American Airlines purchases
Limited American Airlines benefits
AAdvantage MileUp card welcome offer
New cardholders can earn 15,000 miles after spending $500 in purchases within the first three months of account opening, which TPG's March 2025 valuations peg at $248.
If you already have another AAdvantage card, you can also earn the bonus on the AAdvantage MileUp card; you just can't earn the bonus again if you've received a new account bonus for an AAdvantage MileUp account in the past 48 months.
That might be a good opportunity to grab more AAdvantage miles for no annual fee.
AAdvantage MileUp card benefits
While it doesn't have any high-value perks, the MileUp has a few benefits that American Airlines flyers should take note of:
25% savings on inflight purchases: You'll get a discount on inflight food and beverage purchases (but not on inflight Wi-Fi, which a third party manages). This discount comes in the form of a statement credit after a transaction has been posted to your account.
No mileage cap: You can earn as many American miles as you like and then redeem them for flights, upgrades, car rentals and hotel stays (although flights are the most valuable redemption)
Earn Loyalty points: Cardholders earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible mile earned from purchases
