Choosing a credit card affects your finances and rewards. The Barclays Aviator Red Card enhances your American Airlines travel experience with valuable perks aimed at frequent and occasional flyers in the United States.
The Barclays Aviator Red Card offers a generous bonus, making it easy to earn American Airlines miles. For a $99 annual fee after the first year, cardholders enjoy travel benefits like in-flight discounts, preferred boarding, and travel insurance.
This card offers practical features, straightforward rewards, and reliable savings for U.S.-based travelers seeking to maximize their American Airlines miles.
Overview of the Barclays Aviator Red Card
The Barclays Aviator Red Card is a co-branded credit card designed for frequent American Airlines travelers in the United States. It carries a $99 annual fee and offers generous rewards and benefits tailored to enhance the travel experience.
Reward Structure
Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. New members can earn 50,000 bonus miles after making their first purchase within 90 days and paying the annual fee.
Introductory APR and Rates
The card includes a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers within 45 days of account opening for the first 15 billing cycles. After this period, the APR ranges between 21.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.
Travel Benefits for Cardholders
Travel perks include one free checked bag on American Airlines flights for you and up to four companions on the same reservation. Cardholders also receive preferred boarding and 25% savings on in-flight purchases, including Wi-Fi, food, and beverages.
Additional Cardholder Perks
Additional benefits include auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption coverage, making this card a comprehensive travel tool. For American Airlines travelers across the United States, the Barclay aviator red offers valuable rewards and convenience.
Is the Barclays Aviator Red Card Right for You?
The Barclays AAdvantage® Red World Elite Mastercard aviator card® is a strong option if you:
- Frequently travel using American Airlines.
- Value travel perks like one free checked bag and preferred boarding.
- Plan to earn sufficient American Airlines miles to justify the $99 annual fee.
Benefits and Perks of the Barclays Aviator Red Card
The Aviator Card Barclays is a valuable option for U.S.-based travelers looking to maximize American Airlines rewards and benefits. This card enhances your travel experience and offers financial advantages tailored for American Airlines flights.
Key Benefits:
- First Checked Bag Free: The primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same domestic American Airlines reservation get their first checked bag free.
- Preferred Boarding: Cardholders and up to four companions on the same reservation enjoy Group 5 boarding, allowing earlier access to overhead bin space.
- In-Flight Savings: Receive a 25% statement credit on in-flight food and beverage purchases when paying with the card.
- Wi-Fi Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits annually for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases.
- Annual Companion Certificate: After spending $20,000 annually and keeping the account open for 45 days post-anniversary, earn a companion certificate for domestic economy travel. The companion flies for $99 plus taxes and fees.
Comparison with Elite Status
For travelers without American Airlines elite status, the Barclays Aviator Red Card delivers similar benefits, such as free checked bags and preferred boarding, making it an excellent choice for occasional flyers.
Financial Perks
The card also features a 0% intro APR on eligible balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. Post-introductory rates range between 21.24%, 25.24%, and 29.99% variable APR. Note the 5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5) and ensure transfers are completed within 45 days of account opening to qualify.
Key Features of the Barclays Aviator Red Card
This card provides targeted benefits for frequent American Airlines travelers. Its features focus on enhancing travel and daily spending while helping you accumulate AAdvantage miles effectively.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn Miles Quickly
New cardholders receive 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making their first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days.
These miles can be redeemed for American Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and travel expenses. This bonus offers a fast way to boost your AAdvantage rewards balance.
Annual Fee: Cost and Value
The $99 annual fee is billed upfront. Given the value of the 60,000 bonus miles and benefits like a free first-checked bag, this cost can be worthwhile for frequent American Airlines travelers in the United States.
Rewards Program: Earning and Redeeming Miles
Additional earning opportunities include AAdvantage DiningSM and portals like SimplyMiles™ and AAdvantage eShopping™.
- 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- 1X mile on other purchases.
- Redeemable for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals through the AAdvantage program.
Interest Rates and Fees
Managing payments on time avoids unnecessary fees and interest.
- Variable APR ranges between 20.49% and 29.99%, depending on creditworthiness.
- No foreign transaction fees for international purchases.
- Penalty APR applies for late payments.
Travel Perks and Other Benefits
Other perks include $0 Fraud Liability, travel insurance for trip cancellations and baggage delays, and earning Loyalty Points to reach AAdvantage status faster.
- Free first-checked bag for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines flights.
- Preferred boarding ensures you settle in quickly.
- In-flight discounts on food and beverages.
How to Apply for the Barclays Aviator Red Card
Applying for the Barclays Aviator Red Card is simple. The process can be completed online or over the phone, making it convenient for cardholders in the United States.
- Go to the official Barclays website and locate the application page for the Aviator Red Card.
- Complete the form by entering your personal and financial details.
- Submit your application and wait for a confirmation message.
- Contact Barclays’ customer service to apply by phone and provide the necessary information to finalize your application.
Required Documents and Information
To speed up the process, ensure you have these items ready:
- A government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Your Social Security Number for identity verification.
- Employment and income details, including your annual income.
- Your current residential address and contact information.
- Credit history details, if requested during the process.
Application Timeline:
- Instant Approvals: Applicants with strong credit profiles may receive instant decisions.
- Extended Review: The review may take 7–10 business days for others.
- Card Delivery: Approved cards are mailed within 7–14 days.
- Activation: Instructions for activation are included upon delivery.
American Airline Aviator Mastercard Contact Information
For assistance regarding the American Rirline Aviator Card, you can reach Barclays Bank using the following methods:
- Mailing Address: PO Box 8801, Wilmington, DE 19801.
- Customer Service Number: +800 800 88885.
Note: Rates and terms, including APR, may change. Always check the official Barclays website for the most accurate details.
Conclusion
The Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard is designed for American Airlines travelers in the United States. Its introductory bonus and ongoing rewards offer a straightforward way to earn miles.
The card’s benefits are ideal for frequent American Airlines passengers, delivering value through perks such as priority boarding and earning opportunities.
For those who rarely fly American Airlines, a general travel card may better suit broader travel needs.
