Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® Review for 2022
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
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This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® is a personal credit card designed for business owners who fly primarily with American Airlines. This card offers an Admirals Club® membership with access to nearly 50 airport lounges worldwide. While it charges no foreign transaction fee, this card comes with a high annual fee of $450 and offers meager travel rewards.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
American Airlines frequent flyers who want premium airport lounge access
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
15.99% to 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year
- Admirals ClubMembership, a value of up to $650, includes access for authorized users
- Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- Travel perks
- Admirals Club® membership
Cons
- No introductory APR
- High annual fee
- Low ongoing rewards
- Admirals Club® membership: Get full membership access to Admirals Club® lounges.
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® credit: Receive one statement credit for Global Entry or the TSA Pre ✓® application fee every five years, up to $100.
- Free first checked bag: Receive one free checked bag when traveling on American Airlines or affiliate airlines.
- Priority airport screening: You and up to eight companions will get priority airport screening.
- Priority boarding: Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights
- Inflight discounts: Get 25% off of inflight food and beverage purchases.
- Concierge services: Receive complimentary concierge services.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
15.99% to 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year
- Admirals ClubMembership, a value of up to $650, includes access for authorized users
- Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- Travel perks
- Admirals Club® membership
Cons
- No introductory APR
- High annual fee
- Low ongoing rewards
- Admirals Club® membership: Get full membership access to Admirals Club® lounges.
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® credit: Receive one statement credit for Global Entry or the TSA Pre ✓® application fee every five years, up to $100.
- Free first checked bag: Receive one free checked bag when traveling on American Airlines or affiliate airlines.
- Priority airport screening: You and up to eight companions will get priority airport screening.
- Priority boarding: Get priority boarding on American Airlines flights
- Inflight discounts: Get 25% off of inflight food and beverage purchases.
- Concierge services: Receive complimentary concierge services.
Do you want to compare the features of one card to another? We’ve made it easy for you to do that—check off up to three cards on this page―see Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® Alternatives―to add them to your cart. This will allow you to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
How We Evaluate Travel Rewards Credit Cards
When evaluating travel rewards credit cards like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® credit card, we first take into consideration the introductory rewards, ongoing rewards, and additional card features. We also rate the annual fee, ongoing annual percentage rate (APR), and introductory APR.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 8 | 25 |
Introductory Rewards | 20 | 25 |
Additional Features | 20 | 25 |
Annual Fee | 2 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 0 | 5 |
Ongoing APR | 3. | 5 |
Total Score | 53 | 100 |
Who the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® Is Best For
- Business owners who fly frequently on American Airlines: You’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and enjoy travel perks like free checked bags and inflight discounts on food and beverages.
- Business owners who have a qualifying Citigold account: If you’re billed a $450 annual fee and remain a cardmember, you can earn a $145 statement credit when you have a qualifying Citigold account.
- Business owners who want an Admirals Club® membership: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® offers free Admirals Club® membership that allows access to nearly 50 lounge locations worldwide.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® made it to our list of the best business credit cards with airport lounge access because it offers free Admirals Club® membership, first free checked bag for you and up to eight traveling companions, and a lucrative sign-up bonus.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® Fees
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 15.99% to 24.99% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $450
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater—APR is 25.24%
How To Make Payments on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® Credit Card
- Online: Log in to your online account, then select the “make a payment” option.
- By phone: Call Citi at (800) 950-5114 to make a payment.
- Money order or check by mail: You can send your payment as a check or money order to the following address:
P.O. Box 9001037
Louisville KY, 40290-1037
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® Rewards
- 50,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months after opening an account
- 2x miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1x mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases
You can redeem your miles for flights to nearly 1,000 destinations around the world, with flexible redemption options for one-way or round-trip awards on American Airlines. You can also use miles to upgrade your American Airlines-operated flights, pay for car rentals, book hotel stays in more than 500 destinations worldwide, or redeem for vacation packages.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® Additional Features
Admirals Club® Membership
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® primary cardmembers who are 18 years of age or older will receive full membership access privileges to Admirals Club® lounges. This allows you access to other airline lounges and clubs with which American Airlines may have reciprocal lounge or club access privileges. You can bring up to two guests or immediate family members. You’ll also enjoy special pricing on conference rooms and other special offers that are available exclusively to Admirals Club® members.
First Checked Bag Free
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® offers a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation. To be eligible, the flight reservation must have been paid for using your Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® credit card.
Enhanced Airport Experience
When traveling on American Airlines, you can enjoy priority check-in, priority airport screening, and priority boarding privileges for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation. You may check in at any business class or first class check-in position―if business class isn’t available―regardless of your service class.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Application Fee Credit
You can receive one statement credit up to $100 per account every five years for either the Global Entry or the TSA PreCheck® program application fee. To be eligible, you must charge the application fee to your Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard®.
Discount on Inflight Food & Beverage
You’ll receive a 25% savings on inflight purchases of food and beverages on flights operated by American Airlines. You must pay for these inflight purchases with your Citi® / AAdvantage® credit card to qualify for the discount.
Banking Relationship Annual Credit
This is an exclusive benefit to eligible Citigold clients. You can earn a $145 statement credit annually when you have a qualifying Citigold account. To be eligible, your credit card account should have been billed a $450 annual fee and it should remain active.
Citi Entertainment®
Get special access to purchase tickets to events, including presale tickets and exclusive experiences including concerts, sporting events, and dining experiences. You’ll also receive access to select exclusive event offers with your Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard®.
Pros & Cons of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard®
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Sign-up bonus: You can earn 50,000 bonus miles after meeting the spending requirements | No introductory APR: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® doesn’t offer a zero-interest financing option—it charges an APR ranging from 15.99% to 24.99% |
| Travel perks: This card comes with a variety of travel perks that are ideal for frequent travelers, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and inflight savings | High annual fee: This card comes with a $450 annual fee and doesn’t offer a zero annual fee period |
| Admirals Club® membership: You will get an automatic Admirals Club® membership upon approval and enjoy access to around 50 airport lounges worldwide | Low ongoing rewards: You can earn 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases—these rewards are much lower than other cobranded airline business credit cards |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® Alternatives
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card is a personal travel credit card that offers complimentary access to more than 1,000 airport lounges in 500 cities worldwide. This card is an excellent option for those looking to earn higher rewards as it offers 3x to 10x points on flights, hotel bookings, dining, and car rentals.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
BEST FOR:
Receiving exceptional travel rewards and benefits
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.49% to 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$550
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 50,000 Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Receive up to $300 in statement credits automatically as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- 3x Points on travel and dining.
Pros
- Annual travel credit
- Rewards are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel
- Complimentary airport lounge access
Cons
- High annual fee that’s never waived
- Lower reward redemption value for merchandise
- Requires excellent personal credit
- Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to more than 1,000 priority pass lounges worldwide for free prior to airline travel.
- Annual travel credit: You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied liberally toward your travel purchases.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Trip delay insurance: If your travel is delayed more than 12 hours or you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay, you’re covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500.
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit: Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short or interrupted by sickness or bad weather.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.49% to 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$550
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 50,000 Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Receive up to $300 in statement credits automatically as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- 3x Points on travel and dining.
Pros
- Annual travel credit
- Rewards are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel
- Complimentary airport lounge access
Cons
- High annual fee that’s never waived
- Lower reward redemption value for merchandise
- Requires excellent personal credit
- Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to more than 1,000 priority pass lounges worldwide for free prior to airline travel.
- Annual travel credit: You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied liberally toward your travel purchases.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Trip delay insurance: If your travel is delayed more than 12 hours or you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay, you’re covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500.
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit: Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short or interrupted by sickness or bad weather.
United ClubSM Business Card
If you prefer to travel on United Airlines, consider applying for the United ClubSM Business MileagePlus Card. This offers a bigger sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 within the first three months of card membership. You’ll also get your first and second checked bags free as well as premier access to priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling.
United Club℠ Business Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
United Airlines enthusiasts who use airport lounge access regularly
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
16.49% - 23.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles
- United ClubSM membership
- Two Premier Access® travel services
- First and second checked bag free
- Earn double miles on tickets purchased from United
- Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros
- Free United Club membership
- Free first and second checked bags
Cons
- High annual fee
- Low ongoing rewards
- United Club Passes: Get free access to United Club locations for you and your travel companions
- Free checked bags: Receive two free checked bags for you and companion on the same reservation
- Premier Access: You’ll get expedited airport security screening line, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling for you and your companions on the same reservation
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards elite status: Get access to join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle for exclusive perks and discounts.
- Trip insurance: Get reimbursed when your trip is canceled, up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. You’ll also be covered if your trip is delayed up to 12 hours for an eligible reason.
- Baggage delay insurance: Your luggage is covered if it’s delayed or misdirected for more than six hours, up to $100 per day.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: You’re covered for any lost or damaged luggage during your travel with United Airlines and partner airlines, up to $3,000 per person.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re covered for a damaged or stolen rental vehicle, when you waive the car rental dealer’s insurance and the entire rental purchase is placed on the card
- Purchase protection: You’ll receive repair, a replacement, or reimbursement for items that were damaged or stolen with 120 of purchase, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per year
- Extended warranty protection: You’ll be covered for an additional one year of warranty protection with manufacturer’s warranties three years and under, limited to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per year.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
16.49% - 23.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$450
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles
- United ClubSM membership
- Two Premier Access® travel services
- First and second checked bag free
- Earn double miles on tickets purchased from United
- Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros
- Free United Club membership
- Free first and second checked bags
Cons
- High annual fee
- Low ongoing rewards
- United Club Passes: Get free access to United Club locations for you and your travel companions
- Free checked bags: Receive two free checked bags for you and companion on the same reservation
- Premier Access: You’ll get expedited airport security screening line, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling for you and your companions on the same reservation
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards elite status: Get access to join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle for exclusive perks and discounts.
- Trip insurance: Get reimbursed when your trip is canceled, up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. You’ll also be covered if your trip is delayed up to 12 hours for an eligible reason.
- Baggage delay insurance: Your luggage is covered if it’s delayed or misdirected for more than six hours, up to $100 per day.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: You’re covered for any lost or damaged luggage during your travel with United Airlines and partner airlines, up to $3,000 per person.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re covered for a damaged or stolen rental vehicle, when you waive the car rental dealer’s insurance and the entire rental purchase is placed on the card
- Purchase protection: You’ll receive repair, a replacement, or reimbursement for items that were damaged or stolen with 120 of purchase, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per year
- Extended warranty protection: You’ll be covered for an additional one year of warranty protection with manufacturer’s warranties three years and under, limited to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per year.
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® is a great option for those who prefer a travel rewards credit card with a low annual fee. It offers 3x points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases for travel, shipping, online advertising, internet, cable, and phone services. Your points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
16.24% - 21.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Opportunity to boost the value of reward points
- Offers cellphone protection and trip cancellation insurance
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an interest-free financing period
- Charges an annual fee
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Cellphone protection: You and the employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation and delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $15,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
16.24% - 21.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Opportunity to boost the value of reward points
- Offers cellphone protection and trip cancellation insurance
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an interest-free financing period
- Charges an annual fee
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Cellphone protection: You and the employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation and delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $15,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
For other credit card alternatives, check out our guide to the best small business credit cards.
Bottom Line
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® is a great option if you frequently travel on United Airlines and want to enjoy travel perks like free checked bags and access to nearly 50 airport lounges. However, it comes with a high annual fee and offers limited rewards. If this card isn’t for you, visit our Credit Card Marketplace to find other options.
