You can file this under “cards I wasn’t expecting to get targeted for.” In the world of travel credit cards, there are only a few that you can’t apply for directly. Some fall into the “discontinued but grandfathered” category, like the Citi Prestige card. Others, like the J.P. Morgan Reserve and the AMEX Centurion, are exclusive invites for high-net-worth individuals. Then there’s the third category: cards you can only get by product changing from another card.
A few well-known examples include the Ritz-Carlton Card, which you can upgrade to from a Chase Marriott co-branded personal card (if you’ve had it for at least a year), and the Marriott American Express Card, which is available as a downgrade from the AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant. But there’s another card that doesn’t get as much attention despite being popular with American Airlines loyalists: the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver World Elite Mastercard®.
The Elusive Aviator Silver
Offered by Barclays, the Aviator Silver is the top-tier version of their three personal American Airlines co-branded cards. While it was once available for direct applications, that option disappeared years ago. Now, the only way to get the Silver card is by upgrading from the Aviator Red.
Why This Was a Surprise
I always assumed Barclays reserved upgrade offers for frequent spenders on the Aviator Red. But, as it turns out, they’re casting a wider net. Even though I rarely use my Aviator Red—aside from meeting the initial spending requirement for a welcome bonus and a targeted spending offer—I still received an upgrade invitation. In fact, I haven’t charged anything to the card in over five months, yet here it was:
You’ve been selected for an upgrade to the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver World Elite Mastercard®, with more benefits to make your travel easier and more enjoyable. Upgrade today and start earning toward future travels.
What’s Different from the Red Card?
The Aviator Silver offers a range of perks that the Red card doesn’t, including:
Higher Earning Rates:
- 3X AAdvantage® miles on American Airlines purchases
- 2X miles on hotel and car rentals
- 1X miles on all other purchases
Loyalty Points Boost:
- Earn up to 15,000 additional Loyalty Points each status qualification period:
- 5,000 points after spending $20,000
- Another 5,000 points at $40,000
- Another 5,000 points at $50,000
Companion Certificate:
- After spending $20,000 in a cardmember year, receive a certificate for two guests at $99 each (plus taxes and fees).
Statement Credits:
- $120 Global Entry credit (every 4 years)
- Up to $25 per day in inflight food and beverage credits
- Up to $50 per year in inflight Wi-Fi credits
What Stays the Same?
The Silver card retains key benefits from the Red card, including:
- First Checked Bag Free for you and up to eight companions on domestic American Airlines flights
- Preferred Boarding for you and up to eight companions
Is It Worth Upgrading?
The Aviator Silver carries a $199 annual fee, which is $100 higher than the Red. Here’s how I’d justify the extra cost:
- I can quickly recoup $50 from the Wi-Fi credit alone.
- If I fly American enough, the food and drink credit could make up the remaining $46.
- The Companion Certificate could be valuable, though it requires $20,000 in spending.
- The extra Loyalty Points could be useful for status chasers.
Why I Still Might Do It
An interesting twist: Barclays will stop offering American Airlines co-branded cards in 2026. Citi will become the sole issuer, meaning all Barclays AA cardholders will be transferred to Citi. While Citi has an equivalent to the Aviator Red, it does not have a direct replacement for the Silver. Their highest-tier card, the Citi AAdvantage Executive, is more of a club access card (including Admirals Club membership) with a hefty $595 annual fee.
So, this could be the last chance to grab an Aviator Silver before it disappears entirely. I’m still on the fence, but the uncertainty of what will happen to the card post-2026 makes it a tempting move.
Have you received an upgrade offer for the Aviator Silver? Would you take it? Let me know your thoughts!
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