This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
Big changes came for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. This includes more ways to earn airline miles and travel credits. No existing card benefits disappeared, but the annual fee increased. This is likely due to the increase in fee for Admirals Club lounge access. However, there is an exciting bonus to be earned that can help.
New Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders can earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club® membership (a value of up to $850).
The various changes went into effect on July 23, 2023. Here are a few key items to know of and how the fee increase can be offset.
The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
AAdvantage Executive World Elite Changes: Admirals Club Lounge Access Remains Intact
The primary cardholder and authorized users will continue to have complimentary access to Admirals Club. Cardholders can bring their immediate family or up to 2 guests per visit.
This benefit alone is worth the card’s annual fee. American Airlines values the membership at $650. However, top-tier access is soon increasing to $850 for lounge access. So, having the Citi/AAdvantage Executive becomes even more valuable.
The airline also recently announced that Admirals Club lounges across the network will have:
- Enhanced food offerings
- Expanded complimentary drink menus
- Redesigned locations
You may still decide to purchase a membership to have access to more partner lounges. However, access to Admirals Club is more than sufficient for most cardholders.
Related: What Card Gets Airport Lounge Access?
Earn Up to 10x AAdvantage Miles
There is good news about the AAdvantage Executive World Elite changes. Card purchases can still earn up to 10 miles per $1:
- 10x AAdvantage Miles on car rentals or hotels booked through American Airlines
- 4x on eligible American Airlines purchases (5x for the remainder of the calendar year after spending $150,000)
- 1x on all remaining purchases
Related: The Best Airline Miles Credit Cards
AAdvantage Executive World Elite Changes: Loyalty Point Bonuses
You can receive a 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. Additionally, a second 10,000 points bonus is deposited once you attain 90,000 Loyalty Points.
Both bonuses are in addition to the normal reward of earning 1 Loyalty Point per mile earned on purchases.
Related: Best Citi American Airlines Credit Cards
Up to $360 in Travel Credits
You will be reimbursed up to $360 per year on eligible travel purchases:
- $120 on eligible Avis or Budget car rentals
- Up to $120 back on GrubHub purchases ($10 statement credit every month)
- $120 in Lyft credits ($10 monthly credit after taking 3 eligible rides)
This card currently doesn’t offer statement credits to save on travel bookings. So, this is a welcome change.
Travel Insurance
Cardholders will also have access to these complimentary travel insurance benefits:
- Trip cancellation and interruption protection
- Trip delay protection
- Lost baggage protection
- Worldwide car rental insurance coverage
This benefit addition is a welcome change. The best Citi credit cards stopped offering most travel and purchase protection benefits in 2019.
Also, this is a premium credit card. So, built-in trip protection makes this product more competitive.
70,000 Miles Signup Bonus
Here’s an exciting part of the upcoming AAdvantage Executive World Elite changes. Additionally, to celebrate the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® benefits refresh, new cardholders can be eligible for an awesome bonus.
New Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders can earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club® membership (a value of up to $850).
Previous cardholders can be eligible when it’s been at least 48 months since receiving their last bonus for this specific product.
Existing Citi / AAdvantage Executive Benefits
Cardholders will continue to enjoy these current travel features:
- Admirals Club access
- Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 every 5 years)
- First checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to 8 companions
- 25% savings on eligible American Airlines in-flight food and beverage purchases
- Enhanced Airport Experience of priority boarding, priority check-in, and priority screening for the primary cardholder and up to 8 companions
- Dedicated concierge
- Mastercard Priceless Experiences
AAdvantage Executive World Elite Changes: Annual Fee Increase
Are you ready for the bad news regarding the AAdvantage Executive World Elite changes? The annual fee increased to $595:
- $595 for the primary card
- $175 combined for the first three authorized users
- $175 for each authorized user for the 4th or more
The annual fee hike is a bummer. So, you will need to use the various card benefits more often to offset it. Additionally, the price increase corresponds with the upcoming fee increase for a standalone Admirals Club membership. Membership is increasing from $650 to $850.
Related: Are Premium Credit Cards Worth It?
Summary
In conclusion, the various benefit additions make the Citi/AAdvantage Executive more competitive as similar cards have added luxury travel perks. Complimentary Admirals Club access remains this card’s most valuable benefit. However, the other perks can help you use one of the best travel credit cards often to earn more miles. Additionally, this can then help save money on trips.
