Best credit card to access American Airlines Admirals Club: Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

Citi is TPG’s advertising partner.

For many travelers, access to an airport lounge is important as it provides a space where you can relax before your journey or be productive and get work done.

This is where American Admirals Club lounges come in – more than 50 of them exist around the world, and you can access them by purchasing a paid day pass or using AAdvantage miles.

However, the best way to access Admirals Club is through a specific credit card: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see exchange rates and fees) — this is the only card that can get you into the Admirals Club. Although it comes with a $595 annual fee, the exclusive lounge access may make it worth adding to your wallet.

Actually, managing editor by Matt Moffitt The main reason to open a Citi AAdvantage Executive card is to access the Admirals Club.

Related reading: The ultimate guide to accessing the Admirals Club

Why is this card a winner?

If you can’t get access to the Admirals Club from the elite status or class of service you’re flying, one option is to purchase a membership. Here is the annual price divided by Advantage level:

Related reading: Full review of Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

1. Cheaper than paying an Admirals Club membership

However, the best way to ensure admission to the Admirals Club is to have one Citi AAdvantage Executive Card. You will actually save money by using the card instead of paying for any membership options.

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For example, let’s say you’re considering purchasing an Admirals Club membership as one general membership of AAdvantage (no elite status). Instead of paying $850 for access each year, you’re better off signing up for the Citi Executive card and paying the $595 annual fee each year, along with getting other credit card-specific perks.

The card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 70,000 AAdvantage miles after you spend $7,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening, worth $1,106, based on TPG’s most recent valuation.

Related reading: American Airlines joins Delta and United in expanding elite status and more

2. Authorized user access

The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard lets you add up to 3 authorized users for $175, then $175 for each additional authorized user. Authorized users can also access Admirals Club.

This applies whether or not the primary cardholder is flying with that person, a great perk that is significantly different from Similar premium cards offered by other US carriers.

Note that while primary cardholders have access to all Admirals Clubs (over 50 worldwide) and partner lounges (about 60 worldwide), authorized users only has access to the Admiralty Club of the United States. However, both the primary cardholder and each authorized user may bring immediate family members or up to two traveling guests into the lounge.

Related reading: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

3. Other perks of the Citi Executive card

With this Citi card, you’ll also earn 10 miles per dollar on qualifying hotel bookings through aa.com/hotels and qualifying car rentals booked through aa.com/cars.

Additionally, cardholders earn 4 miles per dollar on qualifying American Airlines purchases, up to $120 in statement credits on qualifying Grubhub purchases (up to $10 per month), and star credits up to $120 on Avis or Budget rentals per calendar year.

The pass comes with Group 4 priority boarding and your first checked bag for free on American Airlines domestic itineraries for you and up to eight companions in the same booking.

Also, like a lot other premium cardsThis one also provides one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit. You’ll receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years toward your subscription fee.

Related reading: The battle of the premium travel rewards cards: Which is best?

American Airlines requested same-day boarding pass offers American or one of its partners pre- or post-flight access to the Admirals Club lounge. While the move is said to be aimed at reducing overcrowding in lounges, it is undeniably a devaluation for elite members and paying customers alike.

This new rule is established regardless of how you gain access – whether through a credit card or paying outright for an annual membership. That means you’re not disadvantaged by using this Citi AAdvantage Executive card compared to other club members.

Related reading: AA, Delta and United lounges have limited access for customers flying with them: Here’s what to do

The Citi AAdvantage Executive Card unique in that you can share the benefits of the annual fee with friends and family in a way you can’t with just an Admirals Club membership by adding an authorized user and paying a fee moderate fee.

As a frequent flyer of the AA or Oneworld alliance, this is the best card to access the Admirals Club along with many other perks like statement credits, Loyalty Points bonuses, and decent earning rates.

Register here: Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard