You Can Request To Receive Your American Airlines Aviator Credit Card Immediately

Barclaycard is in the midst of sending out US Airways cardholders their new American Airlines Aviator Cards, you should have received an e-mail letting you know when your new card will be shipped out (some people have been told May and others have been told June. The official time table is anywhere from April 1st to June 30th) but it’s actually possible to get your card shipped out now.

How To Get The Card

All you need to do is call the number on the back of your US Airways card and request the card be sent out early. If you need the card expedited, Barclaycard usually charges a $15 fee but people are reporting that this fee is being waived.

Reddit user travel mav did precisely this and has already received their new card. Thankfully your card number (including security code) stays exactly the same, so if you have on going payments set to bill that card you don’t need to change anything.

 

Why You’d Want It Early

One of the nice features about the new Aviator cards is that they come with an EMV chip, you can also use a PIN with this chip which makes it easier when traveling to countries that use EMV chip + PIN as standard (e.g Europe, Australia and others).

Some people will have a US Airways card with an EMV chip already, so if you’re in that basket there isn’t really a reason as to why you can’t wait. Remember that the new benefits that the Aviator cards are already active, even if you haven’t received the new card yet.

Final Thoughts

Please use some common sense before requesting your new card, if you don’t have any upcoming trips planned where an EMV chip would be useful – don’t request a new card. If you do have a trip planned, but don’t need the card immediately then don’t request expedited shipping.

It’s great that Barclaycard are offering to do this for cardholders that need the cards for an upcoming trip, but let’s not abuse that kindness just because we want to see how the new card looks. Personally I have no need for the new cards (I have the Arrival Plus for EMV + PIN transactions), so I’m going to just wait until mine arrives.

If you do receive your new card, keep in mind that you’ll continue to earn the 50% bonus on all miles earned if you registered for that promotion.