Do American Airlines Credit Card Miles Count Towards Elite Status?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Are you a frequent flyer with American Airlines? Do you have their credit card? If so, you may be wondering whether the miles you earn with the credit card count towards elite status. This is a common question among American Airlines passengers, and in this article, we will answer it for you.

Being an elite member with American Airlines comes with numerous benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges. Therefore, it’s important to know whether your credit card miles contribute towards achieving this status. So, let’s dive in and find out if your American Airlines credit card miles count towards elite status.

Do American Airlines Credit Card Miles Count Towards Elite Status?

Do American Airlines Credit Card Miles Count Towards Elite Status?

If you are a frequent flyer with American Airlines, earning elite status can provide you with a range of benefits, from priority check-in and boarding to free checked bags and upgrades. One way to earn miles towards elite status is through American Airlines’ co-branded credit cards. But do the miles earned through these credit cards count towards elite status? Let’s find out.

How American Airlines Credit Card Miles Work

American Airlines offers several co-branded credit cards, including the AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card, the AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card, and the AAdvantage® Executive World Elite® Mastercard®. These cards allow you to earn miles on all purchases, as well as bonus miles for eligible American Airlines purchases.

Typically, these miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. However, when it comes to earning elite status, the rules are a bit different.

Earning Elite Status with American Airlines

To earn elite status with American Airlines, you must earn a certain number of Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs) in a calendar year. EQMs are based on the distance flown and the fare class purchased, while EQSs are based on the number of flights taken.

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There are four levels of elite status with American Airlines: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum. Each level requires a higher number of EQMs or EQSs than the previous level.

Do Credit Card Miles Count Towards Elite Status?

Unfortunately, the miles earned through American Airlines’ co-branded credit cards do not count towards EQMs or EQSs. However, there is one exception.

If you have the AAdvantage® Executive World Elite® Mastercard®, you can earn EQMs through a special spending bonus. Specifically, if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year, you will earn 10,000 EQMs.

Credit Card Earned Miles EQMs Earned with $40,000 Spent
AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card 2x miles on grocery store purchases 0 EQMs
AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases 0 EQMs
AAdvantage® Executive World Elite® Mastercard® 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases 10,000 EQMs with $40,000 spent

Benefits of American Airlines Credit Cards

While credit card miles may not count towards elite status, there are still many benefits to using American Airlines’ co-branded credit cards.

For example, the AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card offers a free checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation. The AAdvantage® Executive World Elite® Mastercard® offers even more perks, including Admirals Club® membership, priority check-in, and waived award booking fees.

Additionally, all American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer a range of travel and purchase protections, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance and extended warranty coverage.

Conclusion

In summary, the miles earned through American Airlines’ co-branded credit cards do not count towards elite status. However, if you have the AAdvantage® Executive World Elite® Mastercard®, you can earn EQMs through a special spending bonus. Regardless of elite status, using an American Airlines credit card can still provide you with valuable rewards and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Airlines Elite Status?

American Airlines Elite Status is a loyalty program that provides exclusive benefits to frequent flyers. There are four levels of Elite Status: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum. To achieve Elite Status, you need to meet certain requirements such as earning a specific number of Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs) and spending a minimum amount on eligible American Airlines flights.

What are American Airlines Credit Card Miles?

American Airlines Credit Card Miles are reward points that you can earn by using an American Airlines credit card for your purchases. These miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. The number of miles you earn depends on your credit card and the type of transaction you make.

Do American Airlines Credit Card Miles Count Towards Elite Status?

Yes, American Airlines Credit Card Miles count towards Elite Status, but only a certain amount. You can earn up to 10,000 EQMs per calendar year by spending at least $40,000 on eligible purchases with your American Airlines credit card. This means that you can reach Gold Status without flying as many miles as you would have to otherwise, but you still need to fly some miles to reach Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Executive Platinum.

What are the Benefits of American Airlines Elite Status?

The benefits of American Airlines Elite Status include priority check-in, security, and boarding, free checked bags, complimentary upgrades, preferred seating, and access to exclusive lounges. The higher your Elite Status, the more benefits you get. For example, Executive Platinum members get unlimited complimentary upgrades, four systemwide upgrades, and access to the Flagship First Dining and Flagship Lounge.

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How Can I Check My American Airlines Elite Status?

You can check your American Airlines Elite Status by logging into your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website or app. Your Elite Status will be displayed on your account dashboard, along with your current miles balance and other account information. You can also check your Elite Status by calling the American Airlines customer service number.

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In conclusion, American Airlines credit card miles can indeed count towards elite status. This is great news for frequent flyers who want to earn status faster and enjoy elite benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags. However, it’s important to note that while credit card miles can help you reach elite status, they won’t be the only factor considered. You’ll also need to fly a certain number of qualifying miles or segments to achieve elite status.

If you’re considering using your American Airlines credit card to earn elite status, be sure to read the fine print and understand the requirements. You’ll also want to keep track of your progress towards elite status and plan your flights accordingly. With a little bit of effort and some help from your credit card miles, you could be enjoying the perks of elite status on your next flight.

Overall, American Airlines credit card miles can be a valuable tool for reaching elite status and enjoying the benefits that come with it. By understanding the requirements and tracking your progress, you can make the most of your credit card miles and enjoy a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

adminChief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

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