American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp Review: A Practical No-Fee Card for Earning Everyday Airline Miles

ByThiago SF

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp is a simple, budget-friendly airline credit card designed for U.S. consumers who want to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee.

Its main purpose is to help beginners and casual American Airlines flyers accumulate AAdvantage® miles through everyday spending.

Unlike premium cards that offer lounge access and luxury travel perks, the MileUp focuses on easy-to-earn miles, straightforward benefits, and accessible approval requirements.

This makes it ideal for shoppers, young professionals, and light travelers who want to build miles at no extra cost.

Although it does not offer premium features, it stands out as a valuable entry-level travel rewards card, especially for those who fly American Airlines occasionally and want to start earning miles immediately.

Main Benefits and Rewards

Rewards Structure

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp provides a practical rewards system that makes earning miles simple:

  • 2X AAdvantage® miles at grocery stores, including online grocery delivery
  • 2X AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
  • 1X mile on all other purchases

Because grocery spending is a major monthly expense for most U.S. households, the card allows users to accumulate miles consistently—even without frequent travel.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders typically receive a welcome bonus after meeting a low minimum spending requirement, making it accessible for beginners. The bonus provides a quick way to jump-start your mileage balance.

(Note: Bonus amounts may vary. Always check the official issuer website.)

Additional Benefits

While this card is not packed with premium perks, it still includes useful features:

  • Earn 1 Loyalty Point per eligible mile earned, helping cardholders progress toward elite status
  • 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases with American Airlines
  • Fraud protection and zero-liability coverage
  • Contactless payment technology

What Makes the Card Competitive

The strongest advantage of the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp is that it offers meaningful travel rewards without an annual fee, something rare among airline cards.

Its bonus categories—especially groceries—set it apart, allowing consumers to earn miles on everyday essentials, not just travel purchases.

Annual Fee and Overall Costs

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp has a $0 annual fee, making it one of the most affordable entry-level airline cards on the market.

Is the Non-Fee Structure Worth It?

This card is valuable in several scenarios:

  • If you want to earn airline miles without paying a yearly cost
  • If you are new to credit card rewards
  • If you want to earn AAdvantage® miles through grocery spending
  • If you fly American Airlines a few times per year

Other Potential Costs

  • Standard interest charges apply if you carry a balance
  • Foreign transaction fees make this card less ideal for international travel purchases
  • No premium travel protections (no lounge access, no trip insurance)

Rates and Fees

Here are the key cost details for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp:

  • Regular APR: A variable purchase APR applies (check issuer website for current rates)
  • Penalty APR: May apply after late or missed payments
  • Balance Transfer Fee: A standard percentage is charged for balance transfers
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: The card charges a fee for international purchases, making it less suitable for overseas use
  • Interest Charges: Best used by cardholders who pay their balance in full to avoid interest

Approval Requirements

Approval for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp is generally accessible to a wide range of consumers.

  • Typical Credit Score: Good credit is recommended, though some applicants with fair credit may also qualify
  • Income Expectations: No high income is required
  • Credit Difficulty: Lower than premium travel cards, making it suitable for beginners

Pros and Cons of the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Bonus miles on grocery store purchases
  • Easy entry into the AAdvantage® program
  • Inflight purchase savings
  • Low minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus

Cons

  • Charges foreign transaction fees
  • No checked-bag benefit
  • No premium travel protections
  • Limited bonus categories
  • Not ideal for frequent international travelers

Who Should Apply for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp?

This card works best for:

  • Beginners looking for their first travel rewards card
  • Casual American Airlines flyers
  • Families and grocery shoppers who want to convert everyday spending into miles
  • Budget-conscious consumers avoiding annual fees
  • Students or young adults starting to build credit and earn miles

If you want simple rewards without paying for premium benefits, this card fits perfectly.

Competitor Comparison

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp vs. Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select®

  • MileUp: No annual fee, grocery rewards, no travel protections
  • Platinum Select: Annual fee (waived first year), free checked bag, better travel benefits

Choose MileUp if you spend more at grocery stores and want a $0-fee card.
Choose Platinum Select if you fly American Airlines several times per year.

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp vs. Capital One VentureOne

  • MileUp: Best for AAdvantage® loyalists
  • VentureOne: Better for general travel flexibility

Final Thoughts on the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp is a strong, cost-free option for earning airline miles through everyday purchases. It is ideal for beginners, budget-minded consumers, and anyone who wants to earn AAdvantage® miles without paying an annual fee.

While it lacks premium travel features, its simplicity, grocery rewards, and accessible approval criteria make it a practical starting point for U.S. travelers looking to build miles efficiently.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions.

All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time. Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.

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