As part of its ongoing efforts to review and improve the products on offer to help AAdvantage® customers accrue miles more quickly, American has announced to
customers its intention to launch a new co-branded credit card in the UK. Full details are being finalised with an announcement
expected shortly and during the interim, customers are invited to consult the frequently asked questions section below to assist with any queries they may have.
Q&A
Q: What are the changes being made?
A: American is in the process of signing an agreement with a new credit card issuer in the UK. This will be for the co-branded credit card where American's customers are able to earn AAdvantage® miles for purchases made using the card.
Q: Which providers was American partnered with previously?
A: The agreements which are being replaced were with Citi® and Royal Bank of Scotland.
Q: Why is American changing its credit card partner in the UK?
A: The agreements with Citi® and Royal Bank of Scotland have expired and American felt it was a good chance to re-evaluate the partnerships to ensure the product was the most competitive and beneficial it could be for its loyal customers.
Q: When will the changes take place?
A: The partnerships with Citi® and Royal Bank of Scotland have already expired and negotiations with the new partner are at an advanced stage. It is hoped that an announcement can be made made shortly. We apologise for the delay while the contract is finalised.
Q: Why has there been a delay between the existing agreements expiring and a new product being introduced?
A: Regrettably it has taken longer than anticipated to finalise the contract with the new provider and this has caused a continuity gap during the changeover between products. Throughout this process, American has made every effort to keep customers updated and believes that the benefits and improvements to the new product going forward will help mitigate any negative experiences.
Q: What will the changes mean to existing AAdvantage® credit card holders?
A: Customers who held the Citi® / AAdvantage® Visa Gold Card have not been able to earn AAdvantage miles on their purchases since the start of 2010 but instead have been automatically transferred onto the standard Citi® Gold Visa Card, with the right to cancel the agreement if desired. Customers signed up to the Royal Bank of Scotland / AAdvantage® Gold MasterCard credit card have been able to earn miles on purchases until 29th January but after this date their card ceased to be valid for any further transactions.
Q: If I am an existing AAdvantage® card holder, will I be automatically enrolled on the new scheme when it becomes available?
A: No. The new credit card provider will need to perform its own individual credit checks as normally happens when applying for products of this nature. Existing card holders will be sent details of how to apply for the new product as soon as possible, however and we anticipate the majority of customers who wish to transfer to be able to do so.
Q: What will the changes mean for potential new applicants to the scheme?
A: As soon as details are available, information regarding the benefits of the new scheme and how to apply will be available on www.aa.com. Members of the AAdvantage® scheme who have opted in will also receive communications announcing the launch via email and a letter.
Q: What will the benefits of the changes be?
A: At this time exact details of the changes have not been confirmed but American anticipates that the new credit card will offer improved benefits, including enhanced mileage accrual, compared to the products being replaced.
Q: How will I know when the new card is ready?
A: Customers who have opted in will receive email communications announcing the launch, as well as messages on the UK website and via the media.
