Which is the best American Airlines credit card with no annual fee?

There is only one American Airlines credit cards with no annual fee, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®. This card can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Notable American Airlines Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

Ongoing rewards: 2 miles per $1 spent on American Airlines and grocery store purchases, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Credit required: Good credit

Ongoing rewards: 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, 2 miles per $1 at gas stations and restaurants, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0 intro in the first year, $99 after that

Credit required: Good credit

Ongoing rewards: 2 miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases, at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and gas stations, 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0 intro in the first year, $99 after that

Credit required: Excellent credit

How Annual Fees Work

Annual fees are some of the most common credit card fees. They’re automatically charged to your card, usually on the month of your account anniversary (rather than every calendar year). They will show up on your statement as a regular purchase.

When you’re charged an annual fee on an American Airlines credit card, you’re actually paying an advance on any benefits and rewards the card offers. Generally, the higher the annual fee, the more benefits and rewards you’ll get. An American Airlines credit card with no annual fee is ideal for budget conscious consumers who fly occasionally with American Airlines.

Understanding Credit Card Approval

While evaluating annual fees and card benefits is essential when choosing a credit card, it's also important to understand how approval decisions are made. Lenders consider multiple factors when reviewing your application, so even if a card seems like a good match, approval is never guaranteed.