Originally Posted by
RogerD408
Check the terms, but I think you will find it doesn't matter how you pay for the ticket, just that the card it tagged to your AADvantage account.
^ The benefits are tied to the AAdvantage number associated with the card, not the form of payment. As long as the AAdvantage number is in the reservation at least 7 days prior to departure, the benefits should work automatically.