Citi is offering a 125,000-mile welcome bonus on its premium American Airlines card, but there’s an important eligibility rule to check before applying.
New Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard cardholders can earn 125,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $15,000 within the first five months. The offer is described as the highest this card has offered.
The catch is Citi’s 48-month rule.
Check these before applying
• Previous Executive bonus: You generally aren’t eligible if you’ve received a welcome bonus on the Executive card within the past 48 months.
• Another AAdvantage card: You may also be ineligible if you earned a bonus on another Citi AAdvantage card within 48 months and later upgraded that account to the Executive card.
• The clock starts with the bonus: The 48-month period is measured from when your previous bonus posted, not when you opened the old card.
• Citi application limits: Citi generally allows only one card application every eight days and no more than two applications within 65 days.
• Residency: The offer is available to U.S. residents and territories, excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Being approved for the card and being eligible for the bonus are two different things. If you’re unsure when your last qualifying bonus posted, contacting Citi or American Airlines can help confirm the date.
The smarter take: Before chasing 125,000 miles, check your 48-month bonus history first. The date your previous bonus posted—not simply when you opened or closed the card—can determine your eligibility.