Editorial take: AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
Cleanest AA business card under $100 fee. Free bags for 5 travelers + the $30k companion cert + an easy 65k bonus. Solid for any AA-leaning small business.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Both are well-respected travel cards. The AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard comes from Barclays at $95/yr; the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today — the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,090 more in estimated value) than the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $795 |
| Sign-up bonus | 65,000 miles | 150,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $910 | $3,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Barclays | Chase |
| Card category | business | travel |
| Best earning category (American) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | aadvantage | chase-ur |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
$95/yr · 65,000 miles
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 150,000 points
Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus — 150,000 points, worth roughly $3,000, versus 65,000 miles (~$910) on the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard.
- Is the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- At $95/yr, the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Chase Sapphire Reserve's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Barclays and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard or the Chase Sapphire Reserve first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard: $1,000 spend in 3 months. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.