There are many reasons to add authorized users to your favorite travel credit card. And unfortunately, one of the most popular for additional cardholders — Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® — seems to be rolling out a notable negative change along these lines.
According to Citi.com, the card currently charges $175 to add up to three authorized users. Each user that exceeds that is another $175. This policy is listed in Citi’s online platform when you add additional cardholders.
The card has always had a $450 annual fee for primary cardholders, but in the past, you could add up to 10 authorized users at no extra charge. These individuals will then enjoy free access to Admiral’s Club when traveling on US or partner flights — including up to two guests (or your spouse and children under 18). Now, these lounge perks come for a hefty extra fee.
If this sounds like a familiar fee structure, you’re right. It’s the exact same approach as Platinum Card® from American Expressannual fee of $175 for the first three authorized users and then $175 each (see rates and fees).
However, Additional platinum cardholders can access a variety of lounges through Amex’s Global Lounge Collection – including the issuer’s own Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on Delta). They also enjoy many other Platinum perks, like free Gold status with both Marriott and Hilton.
Read more: Why you should add authorized users on your Amex Platinum Card
On the other hand, authorized users on the Citi AA Executive Card can only join about 50 Admiral Clubs worldwide. Other perks on the card — like priority boarding and free checked baggage on domestic itineraries — do not apply. Therefore, applying the same fee as Amex Platinum seems too high.
That said, this new fee structure is actually a bit better than Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card$175 fee applies (see rates and fees) for all authorized users and excluding guest privileges. (The United Club Infinite Card do not charge authorized users, but they do not receive Visit United Club unless they are traveling with the primary cardholder.)
we have insurance waiting room is too crowded widely here at TPG, and these stories will likely continue as Busy summer travel season slope up. This new policy is almost certainly a tried-and-true solution to these problems – although anecdotally, the Admiral’s Club appears to be less affected than the Delta Sky Club and the United Club.
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There are several outstanding questions about this new policy. Most importantly, when will this fee apply to existing cardholders? The Credit Card Disclosure and Accountability Act 2009 (CARD Act) requires at least 45 days’ prior written notice of any material changes to the cardholder’s terms or agreements. – “including any increase in fees.” I went through all of my 2023 statements and didn’t see any mentioning this potential change.
bottom line
Based on a new policy posted on Citi.com, it appears that Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® there is currently an annual fee for authorized users — $175 for the first three and then $175 for each after that. However, it is not yet clear how this will affect existing customers who already have a free additional cardholder on their account. Also, it is not yet listed on the registration page for new cardholders at the time of writing.
Of course, paying the equivalent of $58 per person for three authorized users can still be a relative bargain—especially for frequent US travelers who can benefit from access Admiral’s Club. However, this is clearly a negative change to one of the best credit card perks out there.
We’ve reached out to Citi to clarify this and will update this story as we receive more details.
