Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to business credit cards, the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select is often touted as a top choice for frequent travelers. With its airline rewards program and various perks, it promises to make your business trips more enjoyable and cost-effective. However, like any financial product, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In this article, we will take a closer look at the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card to determine whether it truly allows you to fly high or if it comes with turbulent travels.
The Benefits of the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
1. Generous Sign-Up Bonus: One of the most attractive features of the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card is its sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn a substantial number of AAdvantage miles after meeting the spending requirements within the first few months. These miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.
2. Airline Rewards Program: The card is affiliated with American Airlines, which means you can earn AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These miles can be used to book flights with American Airlines and its partner airlines, providing you with flexibility and options when planning your business trips.
3. Travel Benefits: The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card offers a range of travel benefits that can enhance your travel experience. These include priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges. These perks can save you time and money, making your business trips more efficient and comfortable.
4. Expense Management Tools: As a business credit card, the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card provides tools and features to help you manage your expenses. These include detailed expense reports, spending controls, and the ability to set individual spending limits for employees. These tools can simplify your accounting processes and provide greater visibility into your business spending.
The Drawbacks of the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
1. Annual Fee: The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card comes with an annual fee. While the fee may be waived for the first year, it is important to consider whether the benefits and rewards outweigh the cost of the fee in the long run. If you don't travel frequently or don't take advantage of the card's perks, the annual fee may not be justified.
2. Limited Redemption Options: While the AAdvantage miles earned with the card can be used for flights and upgrades, the redemption options may be limited compared to other rewards programs. It's important to assess whether the available redemption options align with your travel preferences and needs. If you prefer a wider range of redemption options, such as hotel stays or cash back, this card may not be the best fit for you.
3. Foreign Transaction Fees: If your business involves international travel, it's worth noting that the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card charges foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you frequently make purchases in foreign currencies. If you travel internationally often, it may be more cost-effective to consider a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
4. Limited Bonus Categories: While the card offers rewards for every dollar spent, the bonus categories are limited. This means that you may not earn additional rewards for certain business expenses, such as office supplies or telecommunications. If your business spending falls outside the bonus categories, you may be missing out on potential rewards.
Case Study: John's Experience with the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
To provide a real-life perspective, let's take a look at John, a small business owner who frequently travels for work. John decided to apply for the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card to take advantage of its airline rewards program and travel benefits.
John found that the sign-up bonus allowed him to earn a significant number of AAdvantage miles, which he used to book several business flights. The priority boarding and free checked bags also made his travel experience more convenient and cost-effective.
However, John realized that the limited redemption options didn't align with his travel preferences. He often preferred to stay in hotels rather than redeeming his miles for flights. Additionally, the foreign transaction fees added up quickly during his international trips, leading him to consider alternative cards that didn't charge these fees.
Overall, while John appreciated the initial benefits of the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card, he decided to explore other options that better suited his travel needs and spending habits.
Conclusion
The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card offers a range of benefits for frequent travelers, including a generous sign-up bonus, an airline rewards program, and various travel perks. However, it's important to consider the drawbacks, such as the annual fee, limited redemption options, foreign transaction fees, and limited bonus categories.
Before applying for the card, assess your travel habits, spending patterns, and redemption preferences. Consider whether the benefits and rewards outweigh the costs and limitations. If the card aligns with your needs and provides value for your business trips, it can indeed allow you to fly high. However, if the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, it may be worth exploring other business credit card options that better suit your requirements.
Remember, choosing the right credit card is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances. By conducting thorough research and considering your specific needs, you can make an informed choice that maximizes the benefits and minimizes the turbulence in your financial journey.
