This card has been removed from the official website, and the application link no longer works. It's unclear whether it's being reworked or has been permanently discontinued.

[2023.9 Update] The welcome bonus on this card has increased to 75,000: earn 60,000 miles after spending $5,000 in 3 months, plus 15,000 miles back after spending $15,000 in 12 months. This latter part is equivalent to earning an extra 1x on that spending. The rest of this card’s benefits are similar to the personal Aviator, but it also offers a 5% mileage rebate and elite-qualifying spending. In addition, the 2x bonus categories are a better fit for business spending. Also note that this is a business credit card, so some of the application details differ slightly from a personal card.

Barclays Aviator Business Credit Card

"Note" If this is your first time applying for a business credit card, please first carefully read “Introduction to Business Credit Cards”

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Full review

Barclays AA Aviator American Airlines Business Credit Card

American Airlines perks

  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 AA miles (spend $5,000 within 90 days) + 15,000 miles (spend $15,000 within 12 months)
  • Rewards: 2x on American Airlines purchases; 2x on office supplies, wireless phone services, and car rentals; 1x on all other purchases
  • Redemption: Best value for redeeming flights between the U.S. and China or between the U.S. and Europe; business-class redemptions can offer solid value.
  • Annual fee: $99
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Benefits

  • Airline benefits: Priority boarding (Group 2); first checked bag free on domestic flights within the U.S. (for up to four traveling companions);
  • Anniversary companion certificate: If you spend $30,000 in a cardmember year, you can earn one companion certificate. After purchasing one AA ticket, you can bring a companion for just $99 (plus taxes and fees).
  • 5% mileage rebate: Each year, AA miles earned through spending on this card receive an additional 5% rebate at year-end.
  • 25% off inflight purchases: Get 25% off purchases on AA flights.
  • Elite-qualifying spending: If you spend $25,000 in a Calendar Year, you can earn $3,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars, which can be used toward the spending requirement for AA elite status.

Redeeming AA Miles:

  • Flexible redemptions: You can redeem directly for AA flights, or for flights including oneworld alliance partners. Common options between the U.S. and China include Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines; for domestic flights within China, Dragonair used to be a common option. For details, see: Beginner’s Guide to AA Miles, Advanced Guide
  • Discounted awards: AA sometimes offers discounted award tickets. Cardholders can redeem fewer miles (such as 7,500) for domestic U.S. award tickets. For details, see: AA Reduced mileage award. In addition, AA has an off-peak award policy; see details here: Off peak 
  • Good value for first and business class: Compared with UA and Delta, AA miles generally require fewer miles for first class and business class awards.

My Take

The welcome bonus on this card has increased to 75,000 AA miles, so it is still well worth applying for. After all, valuing AA miles at 1.6 cents each, the welcome bonus alone is worth about $1,200. The other benefits are similar to the Aviator, but this card adds a 5% mileage rebate and elite-qualifying spending. In addition, the 2x spending categories are more aligned with business use. Also note that this is a business credit card, so some of the information you provide on the application differs slightly from a personal card application.

Application

  • This is an airline co-branded card. When applying, you can enter your own AA frequent flyer number; if you do not have one, one will be assigned automatically.
  • According to DOC, quite a few readers recently applied for this card and were initially approved, but after receiving the card, the card was immediately locked. Barclays asked them to provide proof of their Business, and also said that they had applied as sole proprietor +SSN, which Barclays considered an unstable type of business, so they were not ultimately approved. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to continue applying.

Barclays Application Guide

  • Check Barclays credit card application status
  • Barclays credit card applications generally pull TransUnion (TU), and HPs on the same day can be combined
  • If you already have another Barclays card and your new application is not approved, there will usually be no hard pull
  • You can call the reconsideration line (866-408-4064) to speed up credit card approval or request another review of a denied application. They may verify your identity and address, ask why you want the card, and review your employment and repayment situation, so be prepared. You may need to move credit limit from an existing card to get approved.
  • More on applying for Barclays credit cards

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