The Citibank® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is a premium credit card designed for frequent flyers who prioritize American Airlines as their airline of choice. With a host of exclusive benefits, the card positions itself as a top-tier option for those looking for value from luxury travel perks. However, it comes with a hefty annual fee and specific benefits that are most useful to dedicated American Airlines travelers. Here’s a comprehensive review of the card and its features to help determine whether it’s worth the investment.
Key Benefits and Features
- Annual Fee:
The Citibank American Airlines Executive Card comes with a steep annual fee of $595. While this may seem high, the card offers several high-value perks that can justify the cost, especially if you’re a regular flyer with American Airlines. The benefits can quickly add up, making it an appealing option for those who utilize them effectively. - Monthly Grubhub Credit:
One of the newer and more accessible perks of this card is a $10 monthly credit towards Grubhub purchases. This adds up to a total of $120 in savings annually, helping offset the card’s high fee, particularly if you frequently order takeout or delivery. The Grubhub credit is automatically applied after using the card to pay for eligible purchases on the Grubhub platform, making it a seamless way to enjoy this perk. - Annual Avis Car Rental Credit:
Cardholders also enjoy a $120 annual credit for Avis car rentals. This benefit is ideal for frequent travelers who need to rent cars during their trips. You must pay for your rental using the card, and the credit will be applied automatically. When combined with other perks, like free checked bags and priority boarding, this credit enhances the overall travel experience. - Airport Lounge Access:
One of the most significant benefits of this card is access to American Airlines Admirals Club® lounges. As a cardholder, you get an Admirals Club membership, allowing you and your immediate family or two guests to enjoy the comfort and amenities of these exclusive airport lounges. This membership alone typically costs over $600 annually, which can make the card fee worth it for regular Admirals Club users. - Loyalty Points Bonuses:
For those aiming for elite status with American Airlines, the Citibank Executive Card offers an attractive incentive. Cardholders can earn two Loyalty Point bonuses—10,000 Loyalty Points after earning 50,000 Loyalty Points in a qualifying year and an additional 10,000 points at 90,000 Loyalty Points. These bonuses can significantly help travelers reach higher AAdvantage elite status levels, which come with enhanced benefits such as complimentary upgrades, bonus miles, and priority check-in. - Travel Perks:
In addition to lounge access, the card comes with a suite of other travel-related perks. These include a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders can also enjoy savings of up to 25% on in-flight purchases, such as food and beverages, when flying American Airlines.
Potential Drawbacks
The most obvious downside to this card is the $595 annual fee, which is high compared to other travel cards. However, if you’re not a frequent American Airlines traveler or don’t often use the Admirals Club lounges, the value of the card may not justify this cost. Additionally, while the Grubhub and Avis credits are helpful, they are relatively specific and may not appeal to all users.
Conclusion
The Citibank American Airlines Executive Card is a solid option for frequent American Airlines flyers who want premium travel perks and are working towards elite status. The two Loyalty Point bonuses, airport lounge access, Grubhub and Avis credits, and travel benefits can easily justify the $595 annual fee if you maximize these perks. However, for those who fly less frequently or prefer more flexible travel rewards, other cards might offer better value without the high annual cost.
The Rewards Master 