In this free getting started guide, you'll learn how to accelerate towards status with American Airlines

Not familiar with Loyalty Points?

In a nutshell, you can earn status from daily spending without having to step foot on a plane

Loyalty Points reset every program year and are for status while Award Miles can be redeemed for flights & hotels

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If you haven't already, sign up for an AAdvantage account

Kids and family can earn status too; when earning Loyalty Points, you also earn Award Miles which can be redeemed for travel

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Start earning Loyalty Points through shopping, dining, and vacations

Important: You earn MILES for all purchases and activities with the programs below and 1 Loyalty Point for every mile (with the exception of bonuses)

AAdvantage eShopping is a shopping portal with over 1,000 merchants. Sign up for an account using your AAdvantage number. Earnings can vary daily based on the merchant. Chrome users can install the AAdvantage eShopping extension. Safari users read this notice.

Sign up with your AAdvantage number and your Mastercards to earn even more (and stack offers) with personalized offers from merchants. Earnings will vary based on your personalized offers. Offers are refreshed weekly.

AAdvantage Dining is a restaurant rewards platform where you earn by dining at local restaurants. After signing up, add the cards used to pay and automatically earn as you dine. Depending on your member tier, you can earn up to 5 points per dollar.

Book flight, hotel, or car through AA Vacations using your AAdvantage number. Earnings will vary based on the total package price.

Miles for Opinions provides surveys allowing you to earn miles for your time and views.

The Fuel Rewards network lets you earn by filling up at Shell gas stations.

Not only can you earn points for booking hotels, but you can also redeem miles for stays.

This site lets you search across hotel and bank programs to compare rates and earnings.

For any events, you can earn points by booking through AAdvantage Events. Note that Vivid Seats offers a better experience and earnings are usually at 3 LP/$1

Finally, for business owners with 3+ employees, you can also earn separately through American’s Business program

AAdvantage credit cards also earn Loyalty Points (we do not promote any specific cards). Note that any sign-up bonuses on these cards do not count as Loyalty Points; only purchases made through AAdvantage credit cards.

As of August 14, 2024, you also earn Loyalty Points when you purchase an upgrade to a premium cabin. Read the AAdvantage Program Updates for more information on upgrade benefits.

You're now on your way to earning status

For the current program year ending February 28, 2025, a promotional 20% bonus kicks in after 60,000 LP and a 30% bonus after 100,000 LP

Note: these bonuses do not stack — once you receive the 60,000 LP e-mail, a 6 month period starts; and once you receive the 100,000 LP e-mail, a 6 month period starts (mark a calendar for the end date)

Bonus applies for transactions through AA Vacations, SimplyMiles, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining and AA Hotels

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How does Loyalty Point Hunters help me?

Easily browse, search, and research merchants to maximize your earnings

In the example below, ~$500 of spend will earn over 40,000 Loyalty Points (Gold Status)

MerchantLoyalty PointsEstimated Cost
Verizon Business Markets10,900$120
The Motley Fool6,500$79
T-Mobile Home Internet6,200$30
Blue Apron5,500$20
HelloFresh4,500$20
Consumer Cellular3,700$20
AAdvantage Hotels3,000$80
IdentityForce1,200$20
MarketWatch1,000$4
USA TODAY600$1

Note: earning rates fluctuate and may be higher or lower than the earnings above. Use the search to find the merchant’s historical earnings.

Read the specific terms of each merchant. Some merchants require a minimum subscription period, but you can cancel after. Check your credit card offers for additional savings.

Next, you can set alerts to be notified via text or e-mail on your favorite merchants

Then track your earnings and progress toward status

Looking for more? Check out our subscription plans to receive a daily digest e-mail, deal alerts, unlimited alerts, and unlimited history

Access our complete getting started guides

As a thank you for reading this Getting Started Guide, use discount code GUIDE40 to get 40% off the Unlimited subscription plan

Answers to over 95% of questions can be found in our FAQ

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