AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite vs Sapphire Reserve

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite
$99/yr
6.0/10
VS

Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr
7.0/10
Quick Answer
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite charges $99/yr with 1X base rewards. Sapphire Reserve charges $795/yr with 1X base rewards. AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite offers better overall value for most spenders when comparing fees, rewards, and benefits side by side.
Apply for AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite →
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Winner by Category
Annual Fees
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite
Lower annual fee ($99 vs $795)
Rewards Earning
Sapphire Reserve
5 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
Sapphire Reserve
12 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
Sapphire Reserve
$2348 in annual credits
Flexibility
Sapphire Reserve
Transferable points to airline/hotel partners
OUR PICK
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite wins for most people
The $696 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for AAdvantage Aviator Red World ElitePREMIUM PICK
Sapphire Reserve wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for Sapphire ReserveRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite
| American Airlines purchases | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
Sapphire Reserve
| Chase Travel purchases including The Edit | 8.0X |
| Flights booked directly with airlines | 4.0X |
| Hotels booked directly | 4.0X |
| Dining worldwide | 3.0X |
| All other purchases | 1.0X |
Card Benefits: Detailed Comparison
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite (0 benefits)
No benefits data available
Sapphire Reserve (12 benefits)
- Emergency Medical and Dental (up to $2,500)
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement (up to $3,000)
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (up to $10,000)
- Trip Delay Reimbursement (up to $500)
- Baggage Delay Insurance (up to $100)
- Primary Auto Rental Coverage (up to $75,000)
- Purchase Protection (up to $10,000)
- Extended Warranty Protection
- Emergency Evacuation/Transportation (up to $100,000)
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounges (up to $469)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit (up to $120)
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status
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