The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a strong fit for frequent American Airlines travelers who already hold or aspire to elite status. With 4X miles on American Airlines purchases, Admirals Club® membership and priority boarding, it caters to those who value premium travel perks. However, the card’s high annual fee and narrower bonus categories mean it’s best suited for travelers who can fully leverage its benefits. Others may find the cost harder to justify.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Review: Elite Status Earning for a Pricey Annual Fee
American Airlines frequent flyers can benefit from the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, with its Admirals Club® membership and 4X miles on American Airlines purchases. However, note the $595 annual fee.
Updated: October 29, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The AA Executive World Elite Mastercard is excellent for frequent elite-status travelers who can leverage its extensive perks. The card offers Admirals Club® membership, priority boarding and a generous intro offer of 70,000 miles. However, keep in mind the high annual fee and limited reward flexibility. If you frequently fly with AA and want to work your way to or maintain elite status, this card can easily enhance your travel experience.
- PROS
- 4X miles on AA purchases
- Purchases count toward status
- Admirals Club® membership
- First checked bag free and priority boarding
CONS- High annual fee
- Bonus miles are only on American Airlines purchases
- High spending requirement for an intro offer
Introductory Offers
- Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Rewards
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible AAdvantage mile earned from purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy Admirals Club membership for you, with access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you.
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases, ideal for international travel.
- Your first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Detailed Review
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for American Airlines fliers who fly frequently enough to earn status and are looking for a card that can help them reach that next status level while enjoying traveling perks like Admirals Club membership, travel insurance and TSA precheck credits.
The Executive World Elite Mastercard earns 4X miles on American Airlines purchases, translating 1 for 1 to Loyalty Points, American Airlines' point system for earning status. The catch is the $595 annual fee and limited bonus miles categories, making it unappealing to less frequent fliers.
The $595 annual fee could be worth considering for those who value premium perks and want to maintain elite status. This airline card offers a solid welcome bonus of 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months. But, the card’s Admirals Club® membership provides flexibility and comfort along with a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit, free checked bags and no foreign transaction fees, making it a practical choice for regular elite-status earning flyers.
If you’re not a frequent American Airlines flyer or can’t fully use its benefits, you’re likely better off with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It offers flexible travel rewards and similar perks with a lower $95 annual fee that packs a punch with every perk.
AAdvantage® Program Points Earning and Redemption
The rewards you can earn with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® make it an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with American Airlines.
The Executive World Elite Mastercard's primary rewards include:
- 4X AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1X AAdvantage® mile on all other purchases
Special rewards earning opportunities include earning 1 Loyalty Point for every AAdvantage® mile earned through purchases. Mid-tier AA cardholders looking to upgrade and boost their status progress will earn up to 20,000 extra Loyalty Points when they hit certain spending milestones.
Specifically, you’ll earn 10,000 Loyalty Points after spending $40,000 on the card within a status qualification year and an additional 10,000 points after reaching $90,000 in total spending. These extra points can help accelerate your path to higher elite status levels, offering valuable perks like complimentary upgrades and priority boarding.
Redemption Options
Miles earned with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® don’t expire as long as you earn or redeem miles every 18 months. Each mile is valued between 1.5 to 1.7 cents, making them especially valuable when redeemed for flights with American Airlines or its oneworld partners. You can also use miles for seat upgrades, hotel stays and car rentals, giving frequent travelers flexibility and solid value across multiple redemption options.
Benefits and Perks
The AA Executive World Elite is packed with perks tailored for status achievers who value travel efficiency and elite benefits. These features make it a solid choice for those frequently on the go, aiming to maximize elite-level travel comfort.
Introductory Offer
- Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Travel Perks
- Admirals Club® Membership: This membership grants you access to Admirals Club® lounges worldwide, valued at $850.
- Priority Check-In, Screening and Boarding: These allow you and up to eight companions to bypass standard lines, providing a more efficient airport experience. At a value of around $180, this perk is ideal for large groups or family travel, making the process smoother for everyone.
- Free Checked Bag: You and up to eight companions can enjoy your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, saving up to $240 per round trip.
- 25% Savings on Inflight Food and Beverage Purchases: Enjoy 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flight
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: Receive up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee, speeding up security processes.
Travel Protection
- Travel Protection Benefits: These include Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection, Trip Delay Protection, Lost Baggage Protection and Worldwide Car Rental
- Dedicated Concierge Service: Access a staff of experts for help with travel, shopping, dining, household and entertainment needs.
Drawbacks and Considerations
The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has premium perks, but it's not without its challenges. With a steep $595 annual fee and a high spending requirement, consider whether these costs align with your travel habits in the long run.
High Annual Fee
The card comes with a $595 annual fee, which is on the higher end for travel credit cards. This fee might be a deal-breaker if you don't frequently use the card's premium travel benefits, such as Admirals Club® membership and priority boarding. Consider whether the perks justify this cost based on your travel habits.
Bonus Categories Are Limited
This drawback limits your ability to earn extra rewards on everyday purchases like groceries and dining, making the card less flexible than others offering bonus points across more categories. It’s more tailored to frequent American Airlines fliers but may lack earning potential for broader spending habits.
High Spending Requirement for an Intro Offer
To earn the 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles, you need to spend $7,000 within the first three months of account opening. This high spending threshold may be challenging for some users, especially if your regular spending doesn't align with this requirement. You might miss out on the valuable introductory offer if you can't meet this spending target.
How the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Compares
For travelers who appreciate a premium experience, the AA Executive World Elite card includes perks like Admirals Club® access and higher rewards on American Airlines purchases, with a significant $595 annual fee. On the other hand, the AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard® offers a lower annual fee of $199 and two practical Companion Certificates, making it a good fit for those who often fly with a partner. However, it’s worth noting that this card comes with a lower rewards rate and no intro offer, so it’s more suited for those looking for ongoing value rather than immediate rewards.
Features | Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard | AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard® |
---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $595 | $199 |
Introductory Offers | Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening | None |
Miles on American Airlines Purchases | 4X AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases | 3X AAdvantage® miles on for every $1 spent eligible American Airlines purchases |
Miles on Other Spending |
|
|
Loyalty Points | One Loyalty Point per mile, plus up to 20,000 bonus points after spending $40K/$90K | One Loyalty Point per mile, no bonus Loyalty Points |
Anniversary Bonus | None | Two yearly companion certificates, $99 companion fare after spending $20,000 |
Boarding Perks | Priority boarding (Group 4) | Priority boarding (Group 5) |
Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
Read our MoneyGeek Review |
Cards to Pair With the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Pairing the AA Executive World Elite with the Citi® Double Cash® Card creates a versatile rewards strategy. While the AA Executive World Elite card earns 4X miles on AA purchases, the Double Cash card gives you a flat 2% cash back on everything else. This combination ensures you maximize travel rewards while earning consistent cash back on everyday spending. It's a well-rounded setup for frequent domestic and international flyers looking to boost their status while still wanting to take advantage of airline perks and broader rewards without missing out on everyday value.
Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Worth It?
Frequent American Airlines flyers looking to maintain or reach elite status will have a strong incentive to choose the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Instead of paying for a standalone membership, this card bundles premium lounge perks with additional travel benefits that outshine lower-fee options on top of the Admirals Club membership. It's ideal for those seeking a more comfortable, efficient journey with upgraded features like priority boarding, free checked bags and travel protections. However, a lower-fee card with more flexible rewards may be a better fit if you rarely fly with American Airlines.
Full Card Details
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Card Uses | Airline, General Travel |
Annual Fee | $595 |
Introductory Offer | Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening |
Introductory APRs | None |
Rewards |
|
Regular APRs | 21.24%–29.99% variable |
Penalty APR | Up to 29.99% variable |
Balance Transfer Fees | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
Late Fees | Up to $41 |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
Other Perks |
|
How We Evaluated the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
We evaluated the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® based on several key features, reviewing a total of 76 cards. Our scoring weights were applied as follows:
- Expected Value for Traveler (40%): Measures the expected monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for a frequent traveler. A 5 rating indicates high value.
- Airline Scope (20%): Rates the airline's number of destinations and geographic reach, with a higher score meaning broader travel options.
- Offer ROI (15%): Assesses the return on investment from the card's introductory offer, including bonuses and promotions.
- Traveler Airline Rewards (10%): Measures the earning rate of rewards specifically for airline travel, making it essential for frequent flyers.
- Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on J.D. Power's issuer satisfaction study, reflecting customer satisfaction with the card issuer. A 5 rating indicates high satisfaction.
- Recommended Credit (5%): Reflects the credit score needed to qualify for the card, with a higher rating indicating a more accessible credit requirement.
- Penalties (5%): Indicates the presence of penalty rates and fees, such as late payment fees or penalty APRs, with a higher rating meaning fewer penalties.
FAQ
No, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® doesn’t offer a balance transfer promotion. If you're looking to manage existing debt, a dedicated balance transfer card might be a better fit.
No, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® lounge access does not extend to other AAdvantage Aviator cardholders. Lounge benefits are exclusive to the primary cardholder and their guests, as per the card's terms.
You'll generally need a good to excellent credit score, typically around 700 or higher, to qualify for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- American Airlines. "Aviator AAdvantage Progam." Accessed October 29, 2024.
- American Airlines. "Citi AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard." Accessed October 29, 2024.
- American Airlines. "Terms, Rates and Fees." Accessed October 29, 2024.
- Citi. "Citi® Double Cash® Card." Accessed October 29, 2024.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.