AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard® Review: Exclusive Upgrade, Valuable Perks

The only way to get the AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard is to request an upgrade from the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard. The Aviator Silver offers 3X miles on American Airlines purchases, priority boarding and free checked bags. Cardholders who spend over $20,000 on the card receive two companion certificates that give a fellow traveler a reduced fare of $99. It’s well-suited for loyal AA flyers who frequently travel with companions and can fully utilize its overall benefits in the long term.

With a higher annual fee and more rewards compared to the Aviator Red, the Aviator Silver is worth considering if your spending on the Aviator Red is substantial enough to qualify for the companion certificates. This upgrade could make the added benefits worthwhile. It's also worth noting that the Aviator Silver is the only AAdvantage card that offers accelerated miles earnings on other categories like hotel and car rental expenses. Consider the $199 annual fee to see if upgrading to the AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard makes sense for you and your travel habits.

The Aviator World Elite Silver card is designed for frequent American Airlines travelers who want to earn more AAdvantage miles on every flight booking and leverage two companion certificates. With 3X miles on American Airlines purchases, free checked bags and preferred boarding, this card offers substantial benefits for those who fly often.

Cardholders who want to move up from Red to Silver will also receive a companion certificate for two guests at $99 each after spending $20,000 yearly, a great way to save during your travels. The yearly $50 back on inflight Wi-Fi purchases can make work trips more pleasurable. Those who spend money on dining and restaurants daily will find automatic enrollment in the AAdvantage Dining Program quite a handy perk on long-haul flights.

However, the card has some drawbacks. It comes with a $199 annual fee and is only available as an upgrade from the Red World Elite card. If you’re already at Executive Platinum or Concierge Key status, the Aviator Silver card's benefits might not justify its $199 annual fee, especially without a sign-up bonus. These elite statuses cover many of Aviator Silver’s perks, like snacks and the $50 Wi-Fi credit. The Aviator Red may offer better value for casual or top-tier flyers with its lower fee and basic benefits.

This airline card is a great option for regular American Airlines passengers because it offers 3X AAdvantage miles on qualifying American Airlines purchases and 1X on all other transactions. Notably, using credit cards to make purchases also helps you accumulate Loyalty Points toward becoming an elite member of AAdvantage, which will help you advance. This credit card is a powerful tool for accruing miles on any AAdvantage trip, not just those on American Airlines.

Redemption Options

It's simple and flexible to redeem American Airlines miles. You can use miles for travel-related expenses like hotel stays, vehicle rentals and aircraft upgrades. Although flights are usually the most economical option, you can also use your miles to purchase products through AAdvantage eShopping and SimplyMiles, or you can redeem your miles for memberships in Admirals Club. For more detailed information, visit the AAdvantage Program page.

The Aviator Silver is crafted for loyal American Airlines travelers and offers benefits worth a second look. This travel credit card could be a smart choice for frequent flyers who want 3X miles on costly hotels and car rentals that could build up over time.

• Priority Boarding: With priority boarding, you can save time and ensure you have space for your carry-on. This benefit can make your travel experience smoother and less stressful.
• First Checked Bag Free: Avoid baggage fees on American Airlines flights with a free first-checked bag. This can save you money, especially if you frequently travel with checked luggage.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Expedite your security and customs process with a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This perk can make your travel more efficient and less time-consuming.
• Two Companion Certificates Annually: Receive two companion certificates each year when you spend more than $20,000 on the card. These certificates allow a fellow traveler to fly with you for a reduced fare of $99, making it a valuable perk for those who travel with others.
• Rewards on American Airlines Purchases: Earn 3X miles on American Airlines purchases, helping you accumulate miles faster. This can lead to more free flights or upgrades, enhancing your travel experience.

Our review of the AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard has highlighted the benefits and perks you need to know about. Now, here are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

• Requires an Upgrade From the Aviator Red Card: You can't apply for the Aviator Silver directly; it requires an upgrade from the Aviator Red Card. This means you need to be a Red cardholder already and meet certain spending criteria to qualify for the upgrade. While the Aviator Red is cheaper in terms of annual fee by $100, the top-tier perks of the Aviator Silver could make sense for you if you’re big on traveling with other people, giving you Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit and two companion certificates.
• High Annual Fee: With a $199 annual fee, this card can be a big commitment if you’re not fully leveraging its benefits. The fee might outweigh the perks for those who don’t frequently fly with American Airlines. However, if you’re looking for a reliable mid-tier travel card, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers similar perks you might lean into. It offers 2X miles on AA purchases, free checked bags and preferred boarding, but with a lower $99 annual fee that’s waived during the first year.
• Limited to American Airlines Loyalty: The rewards and benefits are heavily tied to American Airlines. If you prefer flying with different airlines or want more flexible travel rewards, then the Chase Freedom Unlimited® might be a more savvy choice. It earns cash back on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This flexibility lets you use rewards for various airlines and travel expenses, ideal for those wanting options beyond a single airline.

The Aviator Silver offers a more budget-friendly annual fee of $199 compared to the $595 charged by the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. It also delivers a higher rewards rate, earning 3X miles on AA purchases. In contrast, the Citi Executive card offers 2X miles.

Depending on how much you spend on other categories, like dining or shopping, the Aviator Silver stands out with two companion certificates for spending $20,000, which the Citi Executive lacks. However, if access to an exclusive lounge is compelling enough to be a travel perk in your arsenal, then the Citi Executive’s Admirals Club justifies its higher fee.

The AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard® is a top choice for loyal American Airlines travelers, but pairing it with the right card can take your rewards to the next level. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal complement. While the Aviator Silver earns 3X miles on American Airlines flights, the Savor enhances your everyday spending with 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and streaming. This combo is perfect if your spending often revolves around restaurants, movies or live events.

As a travel card, the Aviator® Silver Mastercard® is a top choice for American Airlines loyalists who travel enough and can fully utilize its perks. With high rewards on airline purchases, free checked bags and preferred boarding for up to eight companions, it can be worth it, especially if you meet the $20,000 annual spend for two companion certificates.

However, the hefty annual fee and limited chances to unlock top-tier perks may be drawbacks for those who don’t travel as often. Consider a card with a lower annual fee or even a no-annual-fee travel card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be a more suitable alternative, offering 2X points on travel and dining with just a $95 annual fee.

We reviewed 71 cards, including the AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard®. Our evaluation focused on the following key features:

• Expected Value for Travelers(40%): Measures the expected monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for a frequent traveler.
• Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on J.D. Power's issuer satisfaction study, reflecting customer satisfaction with the card issuer.
• Airline Scope (20%): Rates the airline's number of destinations and geographic reach, with a higher score meaning broader travel options.
• Recommended Credit (5%): Reflects the credit score needed to qualify for the card, with a higher rating indicating a more accessible credit requirement.
• Offer ROI (15%): Assesses the return on investment from the card's introductory offer, including bonuses and promotions.
• Penalties (5%): Indicates the presence of penalty rates and fees, such as late payment fees or penalty APRs, with a higher rating meaning fewer penalties.
• Traveler Airline Rewards (10%): Measures the earning rate of rewards specifically for airline travel, making it essential for frequent flyers.

All information about AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard® and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by Moneygeek.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.