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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard® Review: A Benefits-Packed Pick for Frequent AA Flyers

Review Updated
Brittney Myers
By: Brittney Myers
Brittney Myers
Brittney Myers
Writer

Brittney started her writing career in the world of science, putting her physics degree to good use. Her journey into finance started with building her personal credit, but soon grew into a borderline obsession with credit cards and travel rewards. For the last 7 years, she has enjoyed the ability to share her expertise with readers, as well as the opportunity to interview companies and individuals making an impact on our financial lives. She wholly believe most problems can be solved with the right research -- and a good spreadsheet -- and she specializes in translating complex financial topics into actionable advice to help educate and empower readers.

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Our Credit Cards Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Fact checker

Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

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OFFER STATUS

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is unavailable on The Ascent. All information was collected independently and not reviewed for accuracy or provided by the credit card issuer. Some items may be out of date.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is good for frequent American Airlines flyers who can take full advantage of its copious perks. Although this card is expensive, it makes up for it with valuable benefits like lounge access, bonus miles, statement credits, and more. This card isn't for everyone, but it could be an excellent fit for some.

See if you're one of the narrow audiences best for this card by reading our detailed review.

Ratings Methodology

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

21.24% - 29.99% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 4x miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 10x miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars. Earn 1x miles for each $1 spent on other purchases.

1x - 10x miles

Annual Fee

$595

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

70,000 bonus miles

  • This is the top-tier AA card, and it has the price tag to prove it. However, it also has a laundry list of benefits and valuable perks, including its marquee Admirals Club membership. If you can maximize these perks, it's a great card; if not, steer clear.

    • Admirals Club membership
    • A competitive welcome bonus
    • Earn AAdvantage miles on purchases
    • Partner statement credits
    • Reach elite status faster
    • Massive annual card fee
    • Huge spending requirement for max points
    • Few bonus categories
    • Rewards have limited use
    • 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
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is unavailable on The Ascent. All information was collected independently from the issuer. Some items may be out of date.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Circle with letter I in it. N/A 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® review

Is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® worth it?

Some folks will get this travel rewards card just for the welcome bonus, but whether it's worth it long-term will come down to one factor:

How much do you value Admirals Club membership?

As a luxury airline card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®'s most notable perk is that it comes with a full Admirals Club membership, which gives you access to Admirals Club (and select partner) airport lounges whenever you fly with American Airlines (or select partners). 

Buying an Admirals Club membership directly costs $850 per year. Day passes for Admirals Club lounges cost $79 a pop. If you're using the lounges at least eight times a year, then this card becomes a deal despite its annual fee.

Author's note

I don't live near any AA hubs, so this particular American Airlines card isn't on my list just now. But I do have the mid-tier Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and I've been happy with my experience. The perks are easy to use, and I like that I can earn AAdvantage miles on purchases. Plus, the Citi mobile app is convenient and works well in my experience. If I ever move closer to an airport with Admirals Club lounges, I would definitely consider upgrading.

What everyone else is saying

You don't need to just take our word for it when it comes to this card. Take a look at what everyone else is saying about the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

What our competitors think

Average competitor rating: 4.0 / 5.0 stars

We looked at the reviews from five of our top competitors to get a feel for their thoughts. As it turns out, feelings are somewhat mixed. The folks who rated the card highly, rated it really highly, while others were decidedly meh about it. 

Like us, our competitors unanimously ranked the Admirals Club membership as the card's most compelling perk. They also agreed with us that the large annual fee means only the folks who can really maximize that lounge access should get the card. Competitors are split on whether the rewards rates are good or just lackluster, as well disagreeing about the value of the statement credits.

Social media consensus

In a surprising show of solidarity, the general public consensus online seems to be fairly similar to mine and many of our competitors: This card is great if you live near a hub and fly AA all the time. It's less great if those things aren't true.

The Admirals Club membership is the important factor for most people online. A few folks like the statement credits, but others find them hard to use.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® features and benefits

Wait for your flight in style with a full Admirals Club lounge membership

The heart of this card is the complimentary Admirals Club airport lounge membership. Full membership gets you into almost 50 Admirals Club locations, as well as another 50-plus partner lounges around the world. Lounges offer lots of seating, free food, free booze, and (usually) line-free bathrooms.

Your membership also lets you bring your immediate family (partner and kids under 18) or up to two guests. (Members must be present and guests must have a same-day boarding pass for a oneworld airline.)

As noted above, the cost to buy a membership outright is a whopping $850, and single-day passes will run you $79 a pop. If you travel alone, that makes eight day passes to get your annual fee back. If you travel with your partner, four visits as a pair will make the card the better value.

Jetset in business class with your six-figure welcome bonus

It's really nice to see something hefty on a card with a price tag this high. The current welcome bonus gives you 100,000 AAdvantage miles when you spend $10,000 in the first three months. 

Yes, that spending requirement is high. But if you're flying often enough to need the lounge access to pay for this card, you can probably reach that requirement without ruining your budget. In numbers, it's about $3,333 a month, which is in the realm of doable for most potential cardholders, I think.

In terms of value, consider this: Business class tickets from the east coast to Europe can be found for 54,000 miles one-way. So the welcome bonus, plus the points you accrue while you try to earn it, would be round-trip business class to Europe. The same trip would cost upward of $3,000 if you paid cash.

Get free flights faster with 4X the miles on AA purchases

If you spend a lot of money specifically on American Airlines purchases, this could be a good card for turning that spend into more miles. None of the major travel rewards programs transfer to American Airlines. Other than flying, this card is the fastest way I know to earn AA miles.

Specifically, cardholders earn 4X miles per $1 on American Airlines purchases. You can also boost that rate to 5x miles per $1 after you spend $150,000 on your card in a calendar year. (Most cards reduce your rate when you spend a certain amount, so this is refreshing!)

This is twice the rate of other AA cobranded cards even before the boost. It's also comparable to what you'd get on flights from most of the other top travel rewards cards.

Help pay your fee with up to $360 back in partner statement credits

Partner credits is the current fad in rewards cards, and it's even leaking into cobranded ones. In this case, cardholders can earn three credits totalling up to $360 a year:

  • Up to $120 a year back on eligible Avis and Budget rental car purchases
  • Up to $10 a month back on Grubhub purchases
  • Take three eligible Lyft rides in a month and get a $10 Lyft credit (one credit per month)

It's not hard to imagine an easy use case for the first credit for folks who fly a lot. And the second credit could be handy if you live in or travel to cities with good pickup options. The last credit is only really useful if you're taking at least four rides a month.

Reach AAdvantage status faster with Loyalty Points and bonuses

American Airlines's elite program runs on Loyalty Points. You can earn those Loyalty Points by flying -- or by making purchases with your AAdvantage card. AA words it a bit oddly, but essentially you get 1 Loyalty Point for every net $1 in card purchases. 

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders also get two exclusive Loyalty Points bonuses, the first is 10,000 Loyalty Points after earning 50,000 Loyalty Points. Then, if you earn 90,000 Loyalty Points (in the same calendar year), you'll get an additional 10,000 Loyalty Points. (Max of 20,000 Loyalty Points in one qualifying year.)

It takes 40,000 Loyalty Points to get to AAdvantage Gold status, which unlocks complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and other perks. AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, the highest advertised benefits tier, requires 200,000 Loyalty Points.

What could be improved

Eye-watering annual card fee and $175 authorized user fees

The pachyderm on the plane is this massive $595 annual card fee. That is a lot of money to pay every year just to have this card. Sure, the statement credits help make up for it, but let's face it, if you're not using the lounge access, you're probably losing money.

I'd go so far as to say you're losing money even using the lounge access if you wouldn't pay cash for lounge access without the card. If you would never pay $79 a pop to visit an Admirals Club lounge, then you have to do some mental gymnastics to justify this annual fee.

Oh, and remember where we said earlier that you can pass on Admirals Club access to your authorized users? Well, that's not cheap, either. You're looking at $175 per year for the first three authorized users, and $175 per authorized user after that.

Bonus categories beyond AA purchases would be a valuable addition

Look, I like that you get a really competitive rate on American Airlines purchases. But would it have killed it to add a few other bonus categories? All of American Airlines's other cards have them, so why doesn't its most expensive luxury card? At this price, I'd think a booster for restaurants or even rental cars would make a lot of sense.

I hope you really, really like oneworld airlines

As with other cobranded cards, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has some pretty limited rewards redemption options. You can redeem through American Airlines -- or you can redeem through American Airlines.

On the plus side, AA's membership in the oneworld airline alliance means you can book on several other airlines with AAdvantage. But it's still really limited compared to transferrable travel rewards with lots of airline and hotel program partners.

What to know before applying

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® credit score

I recommend having excellent credit (a FICO® Score of 720 or higher) when you apply for this card. You could get approved with a lower score, however, especially if you have a high income. Citi will be considering your entire credit history, income level, and previous relationship with Citi, when making a decision.

Pre-approval process

Citi doesn't currently offer an online pre-approval tool. You may occasionally get offers in the mail, through your online account if you are already a Citi customer, or while booking a flight on American Airlines's website. However, the only way to know for sure if you're qualified for a specific Citi credit card is to apply.

Regular APR

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard® doesn't have an intro APR. As such, the APR on purchases and balance transfers is just the standard APR of 21.24% - 29.99% (Variable). 

Fees

  • Annual fee: $595
  • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
  • Balance transfer fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
  • Authorized user fee: $175 for the first three authorized users, then $175 per authorized user thereafter

Credit limit

Citi doesn't publish credit limits for this card, but seeing as how it's a luxury travel card, I expect it's aimed at high spenders. Self-reported data from cardholders online seems to support this, as I'm seeing folks who say they were $24,000 starting limits.

Should you apply for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®?

Deciding to apply for this card is fairly simple: Do you use the Admirals Club lounges at least eight times a year (or four times a year as a couple)? If so, the card could save you some dough. If not, you should consider a more flexible -- or less expensive -- option.

Our credit card methodology

At The Motley Fool Ascent, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how The Ascent rates credit cards.

FAQs

  • Cardholders can enjoy Group 4 boarding on flights marketed by American Airlines and operated by American Airlines or an eligible subsidiary.

  • Yes, cardholders can get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit up to $100 every four years.

  • Yes, cardholders can get their first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries. This also applies to up to eight travel companions on your same itinerary.