What's Happening?
American Airlines has announced a specific cutoff for credit card spending that counts towards earning Loyalty Points for its AAdvantage elite status program. The elite status qualification year for AAdvantage runs from March 1 of one year to February 28 of the next. For the current cycle, all credit card spending that posts to an account by the end of February will count towards the 2025-2026 program year. This policy applies to all of American's co-branded credit cards, including both personal and business cards. Typically, Loyalty Points are posted based on the credit card statement closing date, but an exception is made during the transition between elite years. Spending that posts starting in March will count towards the following elite year.
Why It's Important?
This adjustment in the cutoff for credit card spending is significant for American Airlines' frequent flyers who rely on credit card spending to achieve or maintain elite status. By allowing spending that posts by the end of February to count towards the current elite year, American Airlines provides clarity and potentially benefits those aiming to maximize their Loyalty Points. This could influence spending behavior among cardholders, encouraging them to ensure their charges post before the end of February. The policy also highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of loyalty programs, which can have a direct impact on travel benefits and status perks.
What's Next?
As the transition to the new elite year approaches, cardholders may increase their spending to ensure charges post before the February deadline. American Airlines may also see a surge in inquiries from customers seeking clarification on how their spending will be counted. Additionally, the airline might monitor the impact of this policy on customer satisfaction and loyalty program engagement, potentially leading to further adjustments in the future.
