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.
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AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard vs Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
Both are well-respected travel cards. The AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard comes from Barclays at $95/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex from American Express at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard | Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 65,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $910 | $840 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Barclays | American Express |
| Card category | business | airline |
| Best earning category (American) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | aadvantage | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
$95/yr · 65,000 miles
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
$150/yr · 70,000 miles
Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard or Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex?
- The AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard has the bigger bonus — 65,000 miles, worth roughly $910, versus 70,000 miles (~$840) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex.
- Is the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex?
- 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard and Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Barclays and American Express) 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard: $1,000 spend in 3 months. Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: $3,000 in 6 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.