Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard 50,000 Bonus Miles ($700 Value)

If you are interested in one of the best travel credit cards, think about signing up for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard because you can earn easy miles while traveling around the world.

You have the opportunity to earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage Bonus Miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus is worth up to $700 in airfare.

This card has no foreign transaction fee but $450 annual fee. If that wasn’t enough, you can earn priority boarding on domestic American Airlines flights, 25% off in-flight purchases and a free checked bag on American Airlines flights. Get the most out of your next adventure by signing up for this card and get perks for booking and flying!

*Citibank is the issuer of this card, so if you want great sign-up bonuses check out their Checking/Savings accounts.

Citi AAdvantage Executive World Mastercard

Editor’s Alternate Pick

What Are AAdvantage Miles Worth?

Like many other airline-branded credit cards, the value of your miles depends on how you use them. On average, I value each AAdvantage mile at around $0.014. Using this figure, 50k miles would be worth around $700. When you fly, airline choice and destination all play a part in your miles’ value.

You can redeem your miles towards American Airlines, American Eagle and OneWorld flights. Or with one of their many partners (see below for the list).

AAdvantage miles can also be used towards gift cards, magazines, seat upgrades, car rentals and hotel stays. But the best value for your miles is to use them towards flights.

Cardholders have reduced mileage award privileges.
When you use your AAdvantage miles to purchase round-trip domestic MileSAAver flights, you get to book award travel for:

• 7,500 miles on longer destinations
• 2,000 miles on shorter destinations

Destinations change monthly, and MileSAAver seats are limited. To book, call American Airlines or visit a ticket office.

If you love finding the best value, this process can be worthwhile. But if fiddling with numbers sounds like a chore, you’re better off with a general travel rewards credit card (suggestions below).

Citi AAdvantage Executive World Benefits

Bottom Line 

The Citi® AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard provides you with additional benefits such as Admirals Club airport lounge access, priority boarding on domestic American Airlines flights, no foreign transaction fee for the first year, and much more.

That said, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

• Annual fee. This card costs $450 a year. For all that you get, it’s a fair price. But you’ll want to make sure it works for you.
• Low ongoing rewards rate. You’ll only get bonus miles for American Airlines purchases. In comparison, the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select card offers double miles on dining and gas as well.
• Complicated rewards structure. To get the most value for your points, you’ll need to do some serious strategizing.

If Admiral Club access isn’t important to you, there are better premium travels cards available:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Citi Prestige
• The Platinum Card from American Express

If premium luxury perks aren’t as important to you, many other travel cards offer great rewards for a much lower annual fee.

If you are interested in more deals from CitiBank, check out our list of Citibank Promotions and the full list of more credit card promotion to find the card that best fits you!

What’s The Competition?

Below are some of the top competitors to the Citi / AAdvantage Executive credit card you should consider.

Great General Travel Rewards & Lower Annual Fee

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard® offers a top sign-up bonus and rewards that don’t restrict you to any airline or hotel. You’ll effectively earn 2.1% on all your purchases, regardless of merchant category. Fewer luxury perks equal a lower annual fee here.

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® • Chase Sapphire Preferred named "Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption" - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, June 2018 • 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. • No foreign transaction fees • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel • No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards Apply Now at Chase

What Are The Premium Card Alternatives?

With the The Platinum Card® from American Express: • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. • Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. • 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. • Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world. • Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More. • $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline. • Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. • $550 annual fee. • Terms Apply. • See Rates & Fees Learn More About This Card

The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.