Citi Could Become Exclusive Issuer of American Airlines Credit Cards
American Airlines has a rare setup for its credit card program. America Airlines cars are issued by both Citi and Barclays.
Barclays was the issuer of US Airways cards, and they reached a deal with American Airlines to continue offering credit cards after the merger. The deal from 2016 says that Barclays can offer its cards to new customers in airports and exclusively during flights.
But that could soon change as CNBC reports that American Airlines is in talks with Citi to make them the exclusive partner of the credit card program. The details of the deal have not been revealed yet, but American Airlines will likely seek better terms.
AAdvantage is the largest airline loyalty program, but brought in just $5.2 billion last year from its credit card partnership. Delta Air Lines on the other hand made nearly $7 billion through its partnership with American Express.
While having two credit issuers for the same loyalty program is unusual, it also provides members with more opportunities, especially when it comes to earning welcome bonuses on credit cards.
Marriott Bonvoy also has a similar set up, with its credit cards issued by both Chase and American Express.
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Could Thank You Points become a transfer to AA ?
Potentially. What AA is after is revenue. For exclusivity and/or transferable points, Citi will have to pay AA what AA is currently receiving from Barclays and Citi combined. (But, most likely, Citi will have to pay more.) When the current contracts were being negotiated (years back), Citi was not willing to pay up. It seems that Citi might be willing to pay up now. Given comments in an earnings conference call, any such deal is likely two years away and not sooner.