Is the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite card worth it?

If you are currently paying for an annual Admirals Club membership, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars just by having the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card. An individual Admirals Club membership alone can cost more than $650 and the card charges an annual fee of just . If lounge access is not important to you, you may be better off with another AAdvantage branded card with a lower annual fee or a general travel rewards credit card.

How does Admirals Club lounge access work?

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card comes with complimentary access to Admirals Club and network lounges worldwide for the cardholder and 2 guests or their immediate family. For example, if the cardholder is traveling with their spouse and 2 teenage children, which is a total of 3 guests, they would all be allowed to enter because they are all immediate family. Authorized users on the card also receive complimentary Admirals Club lounge access and can bring in 2 additional guests or their immediate family. It costs $175 to add an authorized user to your card.

Do authorized users receive a free checked bag?

No, authorized users on the card do not receive flight benefits such as a free checked bag or priority boarding.

Can I transfer American Airline AAdvantage miles to other airlines?

No, you cannot transfer AAdvantage miles to other airlines, but you can use your miles to book award flights with a large network of partner airlines. You can also redeem miles for an Admirals Club membership, car rentals, vacations, hotels, gift cards, magazines, or donate your miles to charity.

Will my miles expire if I cancel the card?

Miles will not expire if you cancel your AAdvantage credit card as long as the miles you have earned have been transferred to your AAdvantage frequent flyer account. Each statement period when miles are earned, they are transferred into your AAdvantage frequent flyer account when the monthly statement closes. If you are going to cancel your card, be sure all of the miles you’ve earned have been transferred into your AAdvantage account first before canceling your card. Any miles not transferred into your AAdvantage account could be lost. Once miles have been deposited into your AAdvantage account (from your credit card), they are subject to the AAdvantage program rules which state that miles do not expire as long as there is current activity. If your account goes 24 months without activity, your miles will expire. Current activity is defined as earning or redeeming miles. Once you have a qualifying activity, the 24-month period starts over and your miles are safe for another 24 months.

21 Benefits of the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Credit Card

Updated: September 30, 2024, 12:00pm CDT

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If you’re an American Airlines loyalist and fly frequently on the airline, you’ve probably given thought to securing an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card. Having an AAdvantage branded credit card allows you to earn AAdvantage miles quickly, receive flight benefits, and save money on inflight purchases.

However, some AAdvantage-branded credit cards come with more benefits than others. For example, if having airport lounge access is important to you, there is only 1 AAdvantage credit card that delivers this valuable benefit complimentary.

The Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® comes with all the expected priority flight benefits, inflight savings, and accelerated earnings on American Airlines purchases. It also offers an extraordinary Admirals Club lounge access benefit that extends to your traveling companions and authorized users. The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card can also help you reach elite status.

In this article, you’ll find a deep dive into all the benefits that come with the card and see if the card delivers the value proposition you’re looking for as a frequent American Airlines flyer.

1. Welcome Bonus Miles

You can count on thousands of AAdvantage frequent flyer bonus miles when you are approved for the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card and complete the initial spending requirements in the first 3 months after card approval.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating

Access to Admirals Clubs, tons of added benefits, and a way to spend towards elite status make this a great option for American Airlines loyalists.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

Access to Admirals Clubs, tons of added benefits, and a way to spend towards elite status make this a great option for American Airlines loyalists.

Welcome OfferEarn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$980

Annual Fee

$595

APR

21.24% - 29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® is a go-to card thanks to its exclusive perks and benefits for people who love to fly American Airlines. With a complimentary Admirals Club membership, free checked bags, inflight discounts, and the ability to earn Loyalty Points for every $1 you spend, there is plenty to love about the card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 10 miles per $1 spent on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars
Earn 10 miles per $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels

Cons

$595 annual fee
Doesn’t earn many miles on all other eligible purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Admirals Club^® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.24% - 29.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees:

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program

Do note that the welcome bonus miles are not offered to consumers who have received a new account bonus for an AAdvantage Executive World Elite card in the past 48 months.

2. Admirals Club Membership

Admirals Club Bar — The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card comes with complimentary Admirals Club access. Image Credit: American Airlines

The Value of Complimentary Lounge Access

Depending on your level of American Airlines AAdvantage elite status and the type of lounge membership you select, the cost of an annual Admirals Club membership can vary greatly.

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Membership Level	AAdvantage Member	AAdvantage Gold Elite Member	AAdvantage Platinum Elite Member	AAdvantage Platinum Pro Elite Member	AAdvantage Executive Platinum Member
Individual New	$850	$825	$800	$775	$750
Individual Renewal	$800	$775	$750	$725	$700
Household New	$1,650	$1,625	$1,600	$1,575	$1,550
Household Renewal	$1,600	$1,575	$1,550	$1,525	$1,500

If you are currently paying for an annual Admirals Club membership, securing the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card can make economic sense.

Since complimentary Admirals Club access comes with the card, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars by having the card versus purchasing an Admirals Club membership. The card charges an annual fee of $595.

Plus, with the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card, you can bring in 2 guests or your entire immediate family. Additionally, authorized users ($175 per year) receive the same Admirals Club lounge privileges, including access for their guests.

With nearly 50 Admirals Clubs and more than 60 affiliated partner lounges worldwide, having complimentary access is a huge benefit. Find out more about Admirals Clubs and the amenities they offer in our complete guide.

3. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit

As of October 1, 2024, you’ll receive up to $120 reimbursement, as a statement credit, when paying your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee with your card. You will be eligible for the credit once every 4 years.

4. Get Closer to AAdvantage Elite Status

When you use this credit card, you’ll earn 1 Loyalty Point for every dollar you spend. Plus, you can earn Loyalty Point bonuses.

When you reach 50,000 Loyalty Points in a qualification year, you’ll earn a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus. You’ll receive another 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same qualification year. These bonuses are Loyalty Points only and don’t include redeemable miles.

Hot Tip:

For the qualification year ending February 29, 2024, the 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus can be earned by spending $40,000 on purchases or reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points. For the qualification year beginning March 1, 2024, the Loyalty Point boosts can only be achieved by reaching 50,000 and 90,000 Loyalty Points. There is a limit of 20,000 Loyalty Points per member that can be earned through these bonuses.

5. Flight Benefits

Free Checked Bag — Free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 travel companions on the same domestic American Airlines, and subsidiaries, reservation. With a checked bag costing $25 one-way, this benefit is a real money saver.
Priority Boarding — Early boarding (group 4) ensures space for your bags and a chance to get settled on board ahead of the crowd. You and up to 8 traveling companions can enjoy the priority boarding privileges that come with the card.
Priority Check-In — Avoid the crowds when checking in for your flight when you use the business or first class priority check-in lane, regardless of the class you are flying on American. You and up to 8 additional travelers, on the same reservation, can use the priority check-in lane.
Priority Airport Screening — Receive priority TSA screening, where available, for yourself and up to 8 companions on the same reservation when traveling on American Airlines-operated flights.

6. Savings on Inflight Purchases

American Airlines inflight food purchase — Receive a 25% discount on all inflight food and beverage purchases. Image Credit: American Airlines

Use your AAdvantage Executive World Elite credit card to purchase inflight food and beverage on American domestic flights and receive a 25% statement credit on your purchase. The discount is unlimited.

7. Earn 4x to 5x Miles on American Airlines Purchases

Use your card for purchases on American Airlines and receive 4x miles for every dollar spent.

After spending $150,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you’ll earn 5x miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases for the remaining calendar year.

8. Earn Miles on Every Purchase

Earn 10x miles per dollar spent on qualifying car rentals booked through aa.com/cars and 10 miles per dollar spent on qualifying hotel bookings through aa.com/hotels. All other purchases you make with your card earn 1 mile per dollar spent.

9. Redeem Miles on Partner Airlines

The AAdvantage miles you earn on your AAdvantage Executive World Elite card can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines but also on a large network of Oneworld Alliance and partner airlines such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Japan Airlines, and more.

10. Add Authorized Users

Flagship Lounge — Share Admirals Club access with travel companions and authorized users. Image Credit: American Airlines

You can add authorized users to your AAdvantage Executive World Elite card for a cost of $175 per year. Authorized users enjoy access to Admirals Club lounges including the ability to bring 2 guests or immediate family.

11. No Foreign Transaction Fees

Take your card with you when you travel the world as there are no transaction fees charged on foreign purchases.

12. Concierge Services

Enjoy the services of a dedicated concierge to assist you with travel plans, shopping, entertainment, or dining arrangements.

13. Citi Private Pass

Given that the card is issued by Citi, cardholders receive special access to a wide variety of dining and entertainment events such as concerts, sporting events, and theater tickets. Cardholders also receive invitations for unique experiences and exclusive offers.

14. Save on Grubhub Purchases

Get a monthly statement credit of $10 for Grubhub purchases, for a total of up to $120 in statement credits per 12 billing statements.

15. Earn Lyft Credits

After taking 3 eligible Lyft rides in a calendar month, and paying in full or partially using your AAdvantage Executive World Elite card, you’ll get a $10 Lyft credit. There’s a maximum of $120 in credits that can be earned each year.

16. Earn Avis and Budget Car Rental Credits

Cardholders will receive a $1 statement credit for every $1 spent on eligible Avis or Budget car rentals, up to $120 each year. Read our guide on how to use the $120 Avis/Budget credit to find out more.

The rentals must be paid for using the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card and must be booked directly through Avis or Budget. Rentals booked through third-party websites do not qualify for the credit. The statement credit can take 8 to 10 weeks to be applied to your account.

17. Travel Protections

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card comes with travel protections including:

Trip cancelation and interruption protection
Trip delay protection
Lost baggage protection
Car rental Insurance

18. Purchase Protection

Purchase a covered item with your AAdvantage Executive World Elite card and receive theft and damage coverage for 120 days (90 days for New York residents) from the date of purchase. You’re covered for up to $10,000 per item, totaling no more than $50,000 per calendar year.

Hot Tip: If this coverage is an important requirement for you, there are many credit cards that offer purchase protection.

19. Extended Warranty

Pay for an eligible item in whole or in part with your AAdvantage Executive World Elite card and have a maximum of 24 months added to the manufacturer’s warranty. Coverage is limited to the amount charged on your card or $10,000, whichever is less.

20. World Elite Mastercard Benefits

World Elite Mastercard partners — Image Credit: Mastercard

World Elite Mastercard benefits are many but often overlooked. Here’s a summary of the extra benefits you can expect from the World Elite Mastercard program:

Benefits with partners such as Lyft, DoorDash, and ShopRunner
Complimentary room upgrades, breakfast, and other amenities at over 2,000 luxury hotels
Hotel lowest rate guarantee
24/7 travel assistance
Car rental savings and elite status
Savings on vacations, private jets, hotels, cruises, and more

21. Citi Banking Relationship Annual Credit

The last perk is a unique benefit available only to qualified Citigold banking clients, and it entitles you to a $145 statement credit each cardmember year as long as you remain a cardmember and are billed the $595 annual fee.

Final Thoughts

The biggest benefit of having the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is receiving complimentary lounge access to the Admirals Club and affiliated lounges. An annual household membership to the Admirals Club alone can cost as much as $1,650.

Because complimentary lounge access allows 2 guests or immediate family to enter with the cardholder, this access benefit can be effectively the same as having a household membership, especially since you can add a family member as an authorized user and your entire traveling party, related or not, can have access ($175 each per year).

If lounge access isn’t important to you, but you still frequent American Airlines, the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite™ Mastercard^® with its annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months, might be a good alternative selection for an AAdvantage-branded credit card.

Or if you fly a lot of different airlines, find value in earning rewards, and enjoy receiving additional travel benefits, a general travel rewards credit card could be a viable consideration.

The information regarding the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite™ Mastercard^® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.