- American runs a discount of up to 40% or 50%, or a bonus of up to 100%, a few times a year.
- The best price lately has been about 1.88 US cents a mile, and only at the largest purchase.
- The yearly limit went up to 300,000 miles on April 17, 2026 (it was 200,000).
- RBC Avion points transfer to AAdvantage at 1:0.7, a way in without buying.
American Airlines puts AAdvantage miles on sale a few times a year, and the best sales reach 50% off. The catch: the top discount only applies to the biggest purchase.
The last sale, with up to 100% more miles, ended July 22, 2026. Before the next one comes, check whether you have RBC points to move.
| What | AAdvantage's usual sale |
|---|---|
| Offer | Up to 40% or 50% off, or up to 100% more miles |
| Best price | About 1.88 US cents a mile, at the largest purchase |
| How often | Four sales from November 2025 to July 2026 |
| Limit | 300,000 miles a year (since April 17, 2026; was 200,000) |
What a mile costs
At its best, about 1.88 US cents a mile, or about 2.7 Canadian cents at the October 16 exchange rate. The 40% off sales in January and June 2026 worked out to about 2.23 to 2.25 US cents.
That's a lot for one mile. And you only get the top price if you buy at the very top of the scale, which is far more miles than most people need.
The RBC shortcut
RBC Avion points transfer to AAdvantage at 1:0.7, so 10,000 Avion points become 7,000 miles. The minimum is 5,000 points, and it can take up to four weeks.
Marriott Bonvoy (3:1) and IHG (5:1) points can go too. None of these are great rates, but they don't cost anything extra if you already have the points. My transfer partners page has every route.
How to buy
- Sign in at aa.com and open the buy miles page.
- Choose the amount. During a sale, the discount or bonus shows before you pay, and it's biggest at the top.
- Pay in US dollars.
Purchases are final, so find the award first.
Past AAdvantage sales
| Dates | Offer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 15 to 22, 2026 | Up to 100% more | 100% only on the largest purchase; about 1.88 US cents |
| From Jun 23, 2026 | Up to 40% off | 40% from 151,000 miles; about 2.23 US cents; end date unclear |
| From Jan 8, 2026 | Up to 40% off | About 2.25 US cents; end date unclear |
| Nov 28 to Dec 2, 2025 | Up to 50% off | Cyber sale; 50% needed 500,000 miles; about 1.88 US cents |
These come from LoyaltyLobby's reports, so the start dates are approximate. I track every program's sales on my buy points page.
Final Thoughts
I wouldn't buy AAdvantage miles unless it's 50% off and I had a specific award to book. Even then, check your RBC points first.
Do you use AAdvantage miles from Canada? Let me know in the comments what you've booked with them.
Buy points sales
Every buy points sale on now, checked every day. American's next one will show up there.
Written by
Jason
Jason is a Toronto-based points-and-miles writer who sleeps in hostels and redeems for suites: honest, frugal, lightly funny.
