Big American Airlines News: Citi Points Transfer to AAdvantage at a 1:1 Ratio Along with a New Way to Access Admirals Clubs
by Krish Patel
It’s not every day that a new credit card issuer partners with an airline for a points transfer. But that’s exactly what happened on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Along with a new credit card points transfer to American Airlines, a new way to access Admirals Club Lounges has been introduced.
Citi ThankYou Rewards and American AAdvantage Transfer Details
Citi launched a 1:1 transfer ratio with its ThankYou Rewards points to American Airlines AAdvantage. Note that this new transfer only applies to the following Citi rewards credit cards:
Citi Strata Elite Card ($595 annual fee)
Citi Strata Premier Card ($95 annual fee)
Citi Prestige Card (no longer available to new applicants)
Flagship Business on an American Airlines 777-200 from Buenos Aires to New York
Citi’s new move has made them the only credit card issuer that transfers directly to American. Additionally, Citi ThankYou Rewards has joined Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio) as the only points currencies which transfer to AA. Once you’ve transferred your Citi points over to your AAdvantage account, you’ll be able to use them to book an award flight, whether it be an international Flagship Business itinerary or a domestic Main Cabin flight.
A New Option for Lounge Access
American Admirals Club at Newark Liberty International Airport
Additionally, Citi’s brand new Strata Elite Credit Card includes a new way to access Admirals Clubs. Cardholders will receive four annual Admirals Club passes per calendar year. They can bring up to three complimentary guests under the age of 18 into the lounge without having to spend another pass. Bringing an adult guest aged 19 and over, however, would require another lounge pass to be spent.
Conclusion
Citi and American Airlines have grown their partnership, which allows AA to be one of the card issuer’s transfer partners. This new arrangement allows travelers to transfer points and book award flights operated by American. In addition to the new transfer, Citi has created a new way to access Admirals Club Lounges. The Citi-American agreement should attract more flyers who value award travel using ThankYou points and casual American Airlines flyers that might be happy with lounge access.