American Express Schwab Investor Card vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Schwab Investor Card or American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?

The American Express Schwab Investor Card has a public bonus (10,000 Membership Rewards points, worth roughly $110), while the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card doesn't advertise one right now.

Is the American Express Schwab Investor Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?

The American Express Schwab Investor Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the American Express Schwab Investor Card.

Can I have both the American Express Schwab Investor Card and American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?

Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) 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 American Express Schwab Investor Card or the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card first?

Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Schwab Investor Card: $1,000 spend in 6 months. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.