Several months back, American Airlines’ co-branded Barclays credit cards closed to new applicants, as the Fort Worth-based airline moves closer to an exclusive agreement with Citi. There’s now another update, as American has revealed how existing Barclays cards will transition to Citi, so we have all the details…
In this post:
American’s Barclays cards transitioning to Citi in April 2026
In 2025, we saw applications close for all American AAdvantage Barclays credit cards, including the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard, the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard, etc. Over the past several months, existing cardmembers have continued to be able to use their cards without any changes, but that won’t be the case much longer.
We’ve known that the Barclays portfolio would eventually transition to Citi, and we now know exactly when that will happen — on April 24, 2026, existing Barclays AAdvantage cards will be transitioned to Citi.
Cardmembers will be able to continue using their current Barclays cards until they receive their new card in the mail. New cards are expected to be mailed out within six to eight weeks of April 27, 2026. Cards will get new card numbers, but will maintain the same credit line and anniversary date.
Note that transitioning cardmembers won’t be able to log into their online or mobile accounts with Citi or Barclays between April 24 and April 26, 2026, but instead, cardmembers can log in again as of April 27, 2026.
How will cards transition, exactly?
- The $0 annual fee AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Mastercard will transition to the $0 annual fee American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard
- The $0 annual fee AAdvantage Aviator Blue World Elite Mastercard will transition to the $50 annual fee Citi / AAdvantage Gold World Elite Mastercard (which is otherwise no longer open to new applicants)
- The $99 annual fee AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard will transition to the $99 annual fee Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
- The $199 annual fee AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard will transition to the $350 annual fee Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
- The $95 annual fee AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard will transition to the $99 annual fee Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
If you’re an existing Citi AAdvantage cardmember and have a Barclays AAdvantage card that transitions to the same product, you could potentially find yourself with two of the same cards.
One fun thing is that cardmembers will essentially be able to “double dip” some perks. If you’re on track to earn any benefits with Barclays cards, that will also continue to be available through the Citi card, allowing cardmembers to at least get extra perks for their first cardmember year.
For some background, the reason for this conversion is that American and Citi have entered into an exclusive credit card agreement, which was announced in late 2024, and is ultimately expected to net American significantly more money.
The fact that American had cards issued by two banks was unique among the “big three” carriers, and it was the result of the merger between American and US Airways. American had historically partnered with Citi, while US Airways had historically partnered with Barclays. Rather than going for exclusivity with one of the banks, the airline initially kept both. Then American realized it was leaving money on the table as well with this strategy.
What does this mean for credit card sign-up bonuses?
The obvious downside of Barclays AAdvantage cards being discontinued is that there are fewer cards you can apply for with big sign-up bonuses. The Barclays cards always had hefty welcome bonuses with very limited minimum spending requirements, so applying was a great opportunity to pick up AAdvantage miles on the cheap.
That being said, it just didn’t make sense to essentially have Barclays and Citi issuing cards with very similar perks, and very few points of differentiation. It was primarily just a way to double down on getting card welcome bonuses. With Citi now being exclusive, we’re seeing some other benefits as well, like AAdvantage having been added as a Citi ThankYou transfer partner, which is a positive.
When it comes to eligibility for welcome bonuses, keep in mind that most AAdvantage cards follow Citi’s 48-month rule, meaning you’re not eligible for the bonus on a specific card if you’ve received a bonus on that exact card within the past four years.
Now, it’s anyone’s guess if the rules are adjusted once AAdvantage cards fully move to a single card issuer. However, in the meantime, some people may want to apply directly for a Citi AAdvantage card, especially given the great welcome bonuses. In particular, the following cards might be worth conisdering for an outright application:
- The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (review) has a $595 annual fee, and offers the most valuable perks, including an Admirals Club membership, plus a massive welcome bonus
- The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (review) has a $350 annual fee, and offers many useful benefits, along with a great welcome bonus
- The Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (review) has a $99 annual fee that’s waived the first year, and offers compelling benefits, and a generous bonus
Bottom line
American’s co-branded Barclays credit cards are officially transitioning to Citi as of April 24, 2026. This should be a pretty seamless transition, in the sense that cardmembers can continue using their cards until the new ones arrive, at which point they’ll maintain the same credit lines and benefits. Since applications to Barclays cards closed in 2025, this just has implications for existing cardmembers.
What do you make of AAdvantage Barclays cards transitioning to Citi?
Is there a new payment address for Citi Aviator Master Card when I transition from Barclays to Citi Aviator Master Card on April 27, 2026. What’s the new payment address for Citi Aviator Master Card effective after April 27, 2026?
@Ben -
Do you know if the Aviator Business Card is transferring to Citi Business. I have received conflicting reports from both Citi and Barclay.
I was converted to the Barclay Juniper card which does me no good.
Wondered if you had anymore information on the Barclay Business Products transferring.
Thanks.
@Ben, is the converted card account with a new credit card account number going to count against 5/24?
Anyone know if Citi will allow you to product change your AA card to a non-AA (IE Custom Cash, Double Cash, etc.) card?
Will the Citibank cards be chip and PIN cards like the Barclays?
I have both the Barclays Red and Citi Platinum Select. So, based on this article, my Barclays Red will be a Citi Platinum Select. Therefore, I would have two of the same cards. Can you please let me know what double dip perks we would receive as mentioned in this article? Trying to figure out if it would just be better to close one of them or downgrade. Thoughts?
I liked having two issuers issue AA cards. And it actually does “make sense” if you’re AA…it only doesn’t when u can get one to overpay to be sole issuer (lolz @ AA).
As a customer Many people will lose eligibility to get AA card come April (and welcome offers!). As Citi is super strict. Also Citi is a very very very bad bank to deal with.
What happens to our flyer program miles after switvh to citicard
@Ben, this is really your fault. LOL JK
I got the Red card back in august because you had an article about the small window left to get the bonus miles. Thank you.
I will probably just cancel the card as I have every other AA citi card. My credit rating is in the high 8s so I could GAF if it’s reported.
Thanks again for the heads up, if you have a better strategy I’d love to hear it.
I will earn my 15K LP Globe bonus for 12 flights from March 1st to early April (before I get the second Globe card). Now will my new, second Globe card allow me to earn another 15K LP for 12 more segments starting say May 1st? Or is a person limited to just the 15K, regardless of number of Globe cards?
THIS is what I want to know. My Aviator Silver AF doesn’t hit until Aug. so I plan on letting it convert. See if it stacks. Then cancel.
I have not had a Citibank issued card in a long time. They had an annoying to me policy of limiting the number of online payments you could make each month. You could pay by phone but not online. I paid my cards each week and this pissed me off enough to cancel all my Citi cards. AA is my second choice airline after United for domestic use. I could live without an AA card if they annoy me again.
So, with the Barclays Silver card - what is the status of those bonus LPs at $20/40/50k? Should we be focusing on ramming spend onto that card in March/April or will that carry later into the year? (The likely transition target is a mostly-useless card for me, but if that bonus goes away I could probably reallocate my credit line to the Executive card.)
Except the cards have different perks. Does the companion pass port over to citi?
Jeff, have you actually used the companion pass? I have had the card since the merger and have never been able to use it. Either it's a blackout date or there aren't any seats in the fare for companion use "available". I called earlier this month to use it in June, the person at AA said it won't be a problem, then couldn't find any seats within 3 days of my requested dates; would have...
Jeff, have you actually used the companion pass? I have had the card since the merger and have never been able to use it. Either it's a blackout date or there aren't any seats in the fare for companion use "available". I called earlier this month to use it in June, the person at AA said it won't be a problem, then couldn't find any seats within 3 days of my requested dates; would have had to add 4 days to my trip. The added hotel days made the companion fare useless (on line, the flight had two seats taken in the entire plane) I would have thought the companion pass was a good feature, but so far, useless for me.
I have always used my companion pass. It is limited to most of the discount codes - except the few top ones like Y class. Just book you ticket fare enough in advance - the companion ticket is $99 + $50 in taxes/fees - so $149. Some destinations a cheap discounted ticket is $800 RT - so a good used on an expensive routing.
I've actually had a lot of success with a family of four (using two of them). It can be a little cumbersome with some of the fine print, but I have found them to be very valuable.
Scenario: Cardholder has BOTH a Silver Aviator (upgraded from Red maybe 5 years ago) AND the Citi Globe card (just opened in November). Assuming, cardholder will end up with TWO Citi Globe cards, what is the optimum strategy? It wouldn’t make sense to pay the $350 AFx2 at the first renewal, would it? Since it's normally not advisable to cancel before a card's first anniversary, what is the best downgrade path? Do we have any sense as to what Citi will allow?
I am in this boat too. I received the Globe in November as well. I wonder if they would let us choose another citi card? Honestly, I'm hoping they just transfer my credit limit to Citi. Globe only gave me $5k limit, but I have $45K limit on my Silver lol
@ Jim F. -- It's a good question, and there are still some unknowns. Yes, there's probably limited value to having the card twice. A product change is typically possible after 12 months, but not sooner (though perhaps there's an exception here, or another opportunity to pick a different product during the transition).
You might have to wait to see how things play out. If another American card interests you, it could make sense to...
@ Jim F. -- It's a good question, and there are still some unknowns. Yes, there's probably limited value to having the card twice. A product change is typically possible after 12 months, but not sooner (though perhaps there's an exception here, or another opportunity to pick a different product during the transition).
You might have to wait to see how things play out. If another American card interests you, it could make sense to product change to that. Worst case scenario, it can't hurt to get the no annual fee card, to keep your average age of accounts up.
I have all the cards but the Mileup. I plan to convert the Citi Platium card to the Mileup - since it is only one with 2x groceries. I will always keep the Gold, which I have had for over 40 years since it was my first CC.
There is a link of Flyertalk posting this site:
https://citicards.citi.com/usc/Digit...157471E5B52344
Not sure if users are getting emails to open this link.
Also - I see in the FAQ: Note: If your Barclays account is not transferred, you will receive communications from Barclays with additional information. So maybe if you already have all the Citi cards - you won't transfer. I have not received this notification.
@ Randy -- I believe the card transitions even if you're an existing cardmember. I think the point is that something changes about your credit worthiness (for whatever reason), you'd get an explanation from Barclays about why you're not eligible for a new card.
“American AAdvantage Barclays Cards Transitioning To Citi, Being Discontinued”.
Alternatively:
American AAdvantage Barclays Cards Being Discontinued, Transitioning To City.
The question is …. which is correct and makes more sense?
What happens to the credit age reported to the three agencies? I've had the Barclay card forever.
Closed accounts remain on a person's credit report a long time and continue to be factored in average account longevity.
@ Unhoeflich -- Yeah, the age will still count on your credit report, but the age will stop increasing. Since you're getting a new card number, presumably you'd then see a new card on your report, starting with zero years of credit history.
Also - where are you seeing the "What's Next for you" details? I don't see it on my Barclay or Citi accounts for login? I assume you can decline the transfer, if you already have all the exisiting Citi cards.
If you have another Barclays card, transfer your AA credit limit to that card and close your AA card before the transition date. Otherwise, hang on for the ride.
@ Randy -- I linked to it in the post, here:
https://citicards.citi.com/usc/Digital-Welcome-Kit/WYNTK/Default.htm?BT_TX=1&ProspectID=A9541065A8F54C09A196833B5E5B10E2
I finally got the email with the details - email did not come until 12:30pm - maybe they send alphabetically by email?
To further @Randy’s question, do I need to spend $50K on Barclays before the transition to get max LPs from Barclays? Or will I have the full year (including post transition) to get the spending-based LPs?
@ BC -- You can keep spending based on your original cardmember year, and it will continue to count for some amount of time into the future.
Can you be more clear on the usage of the Barclay Silver and getting its benefits - implication is Barclay benefits remain on the new citi card for 1 year. I assume I can charge $20K on Barclay silver in March and still get the 5K LP. Also - I have an old Citi Gold card - but the fee is $50 - you say it is $0? Citi has not offered the Gold card for some time.
@ Randy -- The end period for maintaining the Barclays benefits hasn't been announced, but at least for some amount of time (presumably at least through the current cardmember year), the benefits will stick around.
To give an example, the Barclays Aviator Silver Card offers up to 15K bonus Loyalty Points for spending up to $50K, so that will apply even on the Citi AAdvantage Globe Card. You can also start taking advantage of that...
@ Randy -- The end period for maintaining the Barclays benefits hasn't been announced, but at least for some amount of time (presumably at least through the current cardmember year), the benefits will stick around.
To give an example, the Barclays Aviator Silver Card offers up to 15K bonus Loyalty Points for spending up to $50K, so that will apply even on the Citi AAdvantage Globe Card. You can also start taking advantage of that card's perks to earn up to 15K bonus Loyalty Points for flying 12 segments on American.
Does that make sense? :-)
Not quite sure if I got it....
Are you saying my spend bonus on the Silver Aviator will continue to apply to the Globe card even after the transition? So, for example, if I hit $50k in annual spend in July after the transition to the Globe, I'll still get the 50k? OR I have to hit the $50k BEFORE the transition (i.e., in March and April) and I also will be eligible for...
Not quite sure if I got it....
Are you saying my spend bonus on the Silver Aviator will continue to apply to the Globe card even after the transition? So, for example, if I hit $50k in annual spend in July after the transition to the Globe, I'll still get the 50k? OR I have to hit the $50k BEFORE the transition (i.e., in March and April) and I also will be eligible for the Globe perks (15k for 12 segments) after transition?
Also, I paid my annual fee on my Silver on December 31 (great timing! LOL).
Any thoughts on whether I will get a prorated refund OR will I get the Globe card essentially for that fee until December 31, 2026?
For Silver Aviator cardholders, this will be a rude awakening. And, we'll see if this adds to a person's 5/24 count. I figured as much. Last year, I moved my Silver Aviator credit line to another Barclays card that I already had and closed it.