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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® Review

CharlotteBioPhoto-446×446Written by
Charlotte Zhang
Tracy_Brackman-photoEdited by
Tracy Brackman
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
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4
Citi<sup>®</sup> / AAdvantage<sup>®</sup> Executive World Elite Mastercard<sup>®</sup>
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Rewards Rate
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
Rates & Fees
No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Citi is an advertising partner.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Our take:
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is worth its $595 annual fee if you frequently fly with American Airlines and want lounge access as well as a leg up when it comes to earning elite status.

Pros and cons

  • Complimentary Admirals Club® membership (valued at up to $850)
  • Premium travel perks
  • Up to 10X miles on eligible purchases
  • Solid sign-up bonus
  • 0% foreign transaction fees
  • High $595 annual fee
  • imited rewards bonus categories
  • High APR for purchases

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

If you frequently fly on American Airlines and value airport lounge access, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is well worth its cost. Along with complimentary Admirals Club® membership — which is valued at up to $850 — you’ll get access to premium travel benefits, like your first checked bag free, annual statement credits and a path to elite status.

You’ll also earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.

That said, if you’re loyal to American Airlines but prefer a much lower annual fee, you may want to consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. Or, if you prefer a general premium travel card that offers Priority Pass™ Select lounge access, American Express Platinum Card® is a better choice.

Quick facts

    • 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
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
    Good / Excellent
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries
  • Priority check-in, screening and boarding when flying American Airlines
  • 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection
  • Trip delay protection
  • Lost baggage protection
  • Worldwide car rental insurance coverage

Intro Purchase APR

N/A

Regular Purchase APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Intro BT APR

N/A

Regular BT APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Annual Fee

$595

Cash Advance Fee

5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

Balance Transfer Fee

5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum

How to earn Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® rewards

  • Sign-up bonus

    With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, you’ll earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

    We estimate that this bonus is worth approximately $840 in American flights. Although the spending requirement is high, you can strategically book upcoming flights and pay expenses with the card to hit that threshold and earn the bonus.

    That said — as you compare airline credit cards across different travel brands, remember that among major U.S. carriers, American AAdvantage miles are worth the least. They only average 1.2 cents per mile, which is below the average value for airline miles.

    What’s the sign-up bonus worth? Around $840 in American Airlines flights

    Who’s eligible to earn this offer? This bonus is not available if you’ve received a new account bonus for a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® account in the past 48 months.

  • Rewards on every purchase

    While the earning rate for non-travel purchases falls short of the industry average, there are opportunities to earn bonus miles.

    Earn 10x miles on car rentals and hotels booked through AA.com and 4x miles on American Airlines purchases. Plus, earn 5x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases for the remainder of the year after you spend $150,000 in a calendar year.

    By contrast, with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® you can get elevated rewards in everyday spending categories, like gas and dining. Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases., then 1x miles on everything else.

    What are AAdvantage miles worth?
    We estimate that American AAdvantage miles are worth approximately 1.2 cents each. From our findings, many airline loyalty programs offer better rewards. For example, United Airlines and JetBlue miles are worth 1.3 cents each, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth 1.4 cents each, and Delta SkyMiles are worth approximately 1.5 cents each.

  • Faster path to elite status

    Another perk of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is that it can help you reach elite status faster.

    You earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.

    You can also earn a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus when you earn 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. Plus earn an additional 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after earning 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.

    Here’s what you can get with each status level:

    Reward levelLoyalty points requiredBenefits include (but aren't limited to) the following:
    AAdvantage Gold®40,000
  • Priority privileges and Group 4 boarding

  • 24-hour upgrade window

  • 1 free checked bag

  • oneworld® Ruby status

    		•
    AAdvantage Platinum®75,000'
  • Priority privileges and Group 3 boarding


  • 48-hour upgrade window


  • 2 free checked bags


  • oneworld® Sapphire status

    		•
    AAdvantage Platinum Pro®125,000'
  • Priority privileges and Group 2 boarding


  • 72-hour upgrade window


  • 3 free checked bags


  • oneworld® Emerald status

    		•
    AAdvantage Executive Platinum® 200,000'
  • Priority privileges and Group 1 boarding


  • 100-hour upgrade window


  • 3 free checked bags


  • oneworld® Emerald status

    		•

    There are also 11 new reward levels that start at 15,000 and go up to 5,000,000. With each level, new rewards are unlocked and range from upgraded boarding to bonus miles to trip credits.

  • Redeeming miles

    The price of an award flight with American Airlines can start at 7,500 miles and vary quite a bit depending on the destination and type of ticket.

    Keep in mind that the award chart is meant to provide insights into how many miles you may need for a flight, but American also uses dynamic award pricing. This means you’ll frequently find flight awards that cost significantly more than the chart shows, and that you may have to be flexible with your dates and destinations to get the best deal.

    The following award mile numbers apply to one-way main cabin flights departing from the contiguous 48 U.S. states and Canada:

    Region Main cabin starting at: Premium Economy starting at: Business/First starting at:
    Contiguous 48 U.S. states and Canada 7,500 milesN/A15,000 miles
    Mexico + Caribbean + Central America10,000 milesN/A20,000 miles
    South America (Short haul)15,000 milesN/A30,000 miles
    Hawaii and Alaska20,000 miles40,000 miles60,000 miles
    Europe25,000 miles50,000 miles75,000 miles
    South America (Long haul)30,000 miles60,000 miles90,000 miles
    Asia 35,000 miles60,000 miles95,000 miles

Other Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® benefits

With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® you qualify for access at nearly 50 Admirals Club lounges worldwide. You may extend this benefit to one authorized user. Lounge amenities vary by location, but all include free WiFi access, snacks, house drinks and coffee. Some also have specialty foods and shower suites.

You’ll need a same-day boarding pass for a flight on American, any oneworld® airline or JetBlue® (excluding JetBlue flights to and from Europe) to enter the lounge.

This membership also qualifies you for entry into other airline lounges:

  • Admirals Club® locations
  • All Alaska Airlines lounges when you fly American or Alaska Airlines
  • All Qantas Clubs when you’re flying with Qantas or American out of select locations
  • Select partner lounges operated by third parties

You can receive up to $100 in credit to cover your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years.

As the primary cardholder, you’ll get your first checked bag free on domestic American Airline itineraries for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation. This can equal savings up to $540 per round trip.

You and up to eight companions on your itinerary qualify for priority boarding on American Airlines flights. The priority boarding benefit will be shown as Group 4 on your boarding pass.

While not available at all airports, being a cardholder can help you become eligible for VIP airport screening. Cardholders can also check in at the Business or First class check-in counter regardless of the cabin they’re flying in.

Since this card has 0% foreign transaction fees (which typically run 3% of the amount of each transaction for purchases made outside the U.S.), you won’t be charged additional fees when you use your card abroad.

Enjoy a 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights when purchases are charged to your Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

This card offers trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay protection, lost baggage protection and worldwide car rental insurance coverage.

Receive annual credits for eligible purchases made with your card when you use Avis and Budget car rental, Lyft rides or Grubhub purchases.

What to watch out for with Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

  • High annual fee

    While this card’s $595 annual fee is high, it’s actually on par with similar premium travel cards. And if you can make use of the benefits, like free lounge access, you’ll find that the perks outweigh the fee.

    But if you don’t fly on American Airlines frequently or you don’t plan to take advantage of the travel benefits, you’ll be better off with an airline card that charges a lower annual fee.

  • Low rewards rate on general purchases

    Unlike some rewards cards that offer accelerated rewards in everyday spending categories, like gas, groceries and dining, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® only lets you earn elevated rewards on American Airline-related purchases. All other purchases will only get you 1 mile per dollar spent.

  • No intro APR

    If you’re hoping to finance a trip and pay it off over time, know that this card doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR on purchases. If you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you’ll be subject to interest charges at an APR of 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable).

How does Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® compare to other cards?

Credit Cards Our Ratings Annual FeeRewards RateWelcome Offer
Citi<sup>®</sup> / AAdvantage<sup>®</sup> Executive World Elite Mastercard<sup>®</sup>
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*
Learn More
4.0
$595Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchasesEarn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Learn More
Citi<sup>®</sup> / AAdvantage<sup>®</sup> Platinum Select<sup>®</sup> World Elite Mastercard<sup>®</sup>
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site
Rates & Fees
3.6
$99, waived for first 12 monthsEarn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site
Rates & Fees
American Express Platinum Card<sup>®</sup>
American Express Platinum Card®
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply
4.5
$8955X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Terms apply. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply
*The information related to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® vs. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a much more affordable option than the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, with an annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months. Naturally it has fewer perks. For example, you won’t get complimentary Admirals Club membership.

But you can get double miles on select purchases and a solid sign-up bonus with a significantly lower spend requirement. Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening..

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® also offers a free checked bag for you and up to four travel companions on the same reservation, preferred boarding on American flights and a 25% discount on inflight purchases. Additionally, you can add authorized users at no additional charge, and receive a $125 American Airlines flight discount when you spend $20,000 on purchases during your card membership year and renew your card.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® vs. American Express Platinum Card®

| Disclosures
American Express Platinum Card®
American Express Platinum Card®
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply
N/A
See Pay Over Time APR
$895
5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through
  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Rates & Fees
Good / Excellent
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American Express Platinum Card® from American Express comes with plenty of premium perks and a $895 annual fee to boot. Since it’s not co-branded with an airline, the rewards are more flexible than those you get from Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. American Express Platinum Card® offers access to more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide — which is great if you’re not loyal to one brand in particular.

American Express Platinum Card® also offers benefits worth over $1,000, including a CLEAR® Plus credit*, airline fee credit*, Equinox credit*, digital entertainment credit*, a hotel credit, an airline fee credit, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and more.
*Enrollment is required for these benefits.

*To see rates & fees for American Express Platinum Card®, please click here.

Is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® right for you?

If you frequently fly on American Airlines and plan to regularly take advantage of its complimentary lounge access and other benefits, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is well worth considering.

But if you’re not loyal to American Airlines, you may find that a generic travel credit card better suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

American Airlines credit cards offer the most value to those who frequently fly with American and its partners. If you fly less or shop for flights by price rather than brand, consider a general travel credit card.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is our pick for the best American Airlines credit card. Along with elevated miles on everyday purchases, it offers valuable airline benefits — all for a reasonable annual fee.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the only American Airlines credit card that comes with lounge access.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has a $595 annual fee.

*To see rates & fees for American Express Platinum Card®, please click here.

 

The information related to Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

The information related to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.