AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Barclays
4.0
60,000-mile bonus after first purchase. Free checked bag on AA flights.
Full review →
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
4.6
6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr). 6% on select streaming.
Full review →WealthSpott Verdict
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express wins on more measurable categories — particularly annual cost. AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® may still win for your wallet depending on your spending patterns.
Feature
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red
Blue Cash Preferred®
Annual Fee
$99/yr
$95/yr Best
Sign-up Bonus
60,000 miles
$350
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
1%-6%
Rewards Type
Miles
Cash Back
0% Intro APR
N/A
0% for 12 months
Regular APR
21.49%-29.49% Variable
19.24%-29.99% Variable Best
Foreign Transaction Fee
None Best
Yes
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
670-850
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Pros
- 60,000-mile bonus after just one purchase
- Free first checked bag on AA flights
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $99 annual fee
- Low everyday earning rate (1x on most)
- Miles tied to American Airlines only
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Pros
- 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/year)
- 6% on select streaming subscriptions
- $0 intro annual fee for first year
Cons
- $95 annual fee after first year
- 6% grocery bonus caps at $6,000/year
- Foreign transaction fee
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