You don't have to be a frequent American Airlines flyer to get value from one of its cobranded credit cards.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) offers perks like free checked bags and preferred boarding, plus the opportunity to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases.

With a $99 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year), the card can be worthwhile even if you only fly American a few times a year.

Here are six reasons to consider adding the card to your wallet.

Valuable welcome offer

For a limited time, new Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months of account opening. This is the best offer we've seen on this card, making it an especially compelling time to apply.

THE POINTS GUY

Based on TPG's October 2026 valuations, AAdvantage miles are worth 1.45 cents each, making this welcome offer worth $1,160. From round-trip first-class flights to Alaska to one-way business-class flights to Europe or Asia, there are plenty of ways to make excellent use of those miles — especially when redeeming for partner awards within and outside the Oneworld alliance.

TPG principal spokesperson Clint Henderson has found great value in redeeming AAdvantage miles for premium-cabin flights on partner airlines. For example, he booked a Japan Airlines first-class flight from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) for just 80,000 miles.

Free checked bags

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select waives the first checked bag fee on domestic American Airlines-operated itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation.

While this benefit isn't particularly unique to an airline credit card, it can be valuable for those without American Airlines elite status.

PATRICK T. FALLON/THE POINTS GUY

Since American charges $50 (or $45 if you pay online) for the first checked bag on domestic itineraries, checking a bag on just one round-trip flight could save you up to $100 — enough to offset the card's $99 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year).

Best of all, the benefit is linked to your AAdvantage account, so you don't need to pay for your ticket with the card to use it.

Preferred boarding

As a cardholder, you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation will receive Preferred Boarding for your flights, allowing you to board in Group 5.

American Airlines at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

This perk is especially beneficial when flying basic economy on American, as boarding earlier can improve your chances of finding overhead bin space for your carry-on.

25% off inflight purchases

If you frequently fly American domestically and purchase food or drinks on board, this benefit could save you some serious cash. You'll receive 25% back as a statement credit each time you use your Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select to purchase inflight food and beverages.

OSCAR WONG/GETTY IMAGES

Savings apply only to domestic flights marketed by American Airlines and operated by American or any of American's regional airlines.

Bonus miles on dining and gas

In addition to 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases, the card also earns 2 miles per dollar spent on dining and at gas stations.

According to TPG's valuations, American AAdvantage miles are worth 1.45 cents, giving you a 2.9% return on eligible American Airlines, dining and gas purchases.

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

You'll also earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent on eligible purchases, helping you work toward American Airlines elite status as you use your card.

While these returns aren't outstanding — and you can do better in each category with other cards — the additional bonus categories can be useful if you're looking to rack up AAdvantage miles.

Ability to earn a $125 flight credit

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select card also offers a $125 American Airlines flight credit after you make $20,000 in purchases in a cardmember year and renew your card. Your card must remain open for one full billing cycle after your card renews to receive the credit.

The credit is redeemable for flights marketed by American Airlines and must be used on itineraries originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

While the $20,000 spending requirement may be difficult to meet, this credit could provide additional value if you already plan to put that much spending on the card. However, I wouldn't recommend spending beyond your normal budget just to earn it.

Bottom line

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is a solid choice for occasional American Airlines flyers who want to enjoy benefits like free checked bags and preferred boarding without paying a hefty annual fee.

While the card doesn't offer premium perks like lounge access or extensive travel protections, its practical benefits can help justify the annual fee, which starts after the first year. Plus, the ability to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles for valuable partner awards adds to its appeal.

For travelers who fly American a few times a year, the card's benefits — combined with the opportunity to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles for valuable partner awards — can make it a worthwhile addition to their wallets.

To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Platinum Select.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

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.