Barclays AAdvantage cards are moving to Citi: What cardholders should know

Citi reached an agreement to acquire the Barclays American Airlines co-branded card portfolio toward the end of 2024, and we’re finally starting to see the transition take shape.

You still have over two months, as the official date for the cards to switch over isn’t until late April 2026. Until then, you can continue to use your Barclays-issued Aviator Mastercards as you would normally, earning rewards and making progress toward other bonuses.

Only AAdvantage cards currently issued by Barclays are affected. While the card transition is automatic, you may still need to complete some setup. CNBC Select covers which cards will be affected and the changes you can expect.

Barclays became a joint issuer of American Airlines credit cards after the airline’s merger with US Airways in 2013. After 13 years, Citi will once again be the sole issuer of the AAdvantage line of credit cards, officially transitioning Barclays cardmembers to Citi on April 24, 2026.

Citi will begin sending out the new cards within 6-8 weeks starting on April 27, but your current Aviator cards will continue to function normally until then.

Your cardmember anniversary date will remain the same, and any changes to an annual fee will apply at your next account anniversary. The Citi credit card that you receive will have a different card and account number, so you’ll need to update any subscriptions or services that are billed to your Barclays card.

Your current credit limit will carry over to your new Citi card, but it may be adjusted over time based on Citi’s practices. If you are not currently a Citi customer, you can register for a Citi Online profile starting April 27, 2026. If you already have Citi Online access, you can link your Barclays Mastercard to your existing profile. Note, any authorized user cards for the phased-out Barclays cards will automatically be mailed to the primary cardholder’s address.

In the rare case that you own both a Barclays card and the card you would be transitioned to, a Citi spokesperson confirmed to CNBC Select that members will be transitioned to a comparable Citi® / AAdvantage® card and that cardholders can contact Citi to discuss available options.

In addition to its current benefits, like 25% on in-flight food and beverage purchases, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard will also gain perks like 2X AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and at grocery stores (including grocery delivery services). The card has a $0 annual fee, and you can add authorized users for no additional cost.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® could be a good option for those who occasionally fly via American Airlines but don’t care about earning some of the most elite benefits. While it doesn’t offer airport lounge access, you’ll still have current benefits like priority boarding and a free first checked bag. The card will also gain new rewards categories, including 2X AAdvantage® miles at restaurants (including delivery and takeout) and at gas stations.

Barclays perks, like up to $25 back on in-flight Wi-Fi purchases each year and the companion certificate for converted accounts, will be legacy benefits that could change in the future.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® is Citi’s newest addition to its credit card portfolio. If you’re transitioning to this card, you’ll still enjoy perks like up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and travel protection benefits. You’ll gain some new benefits, including four Admirals Club® Globe™ passes each calendar year, an American Airlines Companion Certificate ($99 plus taxes and fees) for an eligible Main Cabin round-trip domestic flight each calendar year after renewing your card and $100 in statement credits at up to two of the following brands: eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings, 1stDibs, Future Personal Training and Live Nation.

Perks like 2X AAdvantage miles on hotels and car rentals and up to 15,000 additional Loyalty Points after qualifying spending will be labeled as legacy benefits, so they might not stick around forever.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Business World Elite Mastercard®

With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Business World Elite Mastercard® many of your existing benefits will continue, including 2X AAdvantage miles on car rentals and eligible telecommunication services, first checked bag free and preferred boarding. You’ll gain 2X AAdvantage miles at gas stations and eligible cable and satellite providers, but legacy features like 5% American Airlines mileage bonus and the companion certificate for Barclays converted accounts.

The legacy features being carried over, for at least a limited time, include the 5% American Airlines mileage bonus, 2X AAdvantage miles on office supplies and the companion certificate for Barclays accounts.

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