Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

The Platinum Select is the easiest way to get American Airlines perks without a big fee: a first checked bag free on domestic American itineraries and preferred boarding, with the $99 annual fee waived for the first year. The welcome offer is back at 80,000 miles after $3,500 in spending within four months, after briefly dipping to 50,000 in late summer, which makes this a good moment to apply if you have been watching it. Earning is 2x on eligible American Airlines purchases, dining, and gas, with 1x on everything else, plus 25% off inflight food and beverage. That earn structure is modest, so the card's value comes mostly from the bonus and from checked bag savings, which can cover the fee after one or two round trips with a companion. It ranks among our top airline cards for a reason, but if you rarely fly American, a flat cash back card will do more for you on everyday spending.