Citi and American Airlines have introduced a new co-branded credit card, the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard, designed for travelers who fly with the airline multiple times per year. The card carries a $350 annual fee and offers a range of travel benefits, positioning it as a mid-tier option in the airline's credit card portfolio.
New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 90,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $5,000 within the first four months of opening an account. The card aims to attract customers who seek more than basic airline perks but do not require the comprehensive benefits of a premium travel card.
Key Takeaways
- Citi and American Airlines launched the AAdvantage Globe Mastercard, a mid-tier travel card with a $350 annual fee.
- Key benefits include an annual companion certificate, four Admirals Club lounge passes, and a fast track to AAdvantage elite status.
- The card offers a welcome bonus of 90,000 miles for new applicants who meet the spending requirements.
- It is designed for semi-frequent flyers who can utilize its specific perks to offset the annual cost.
A New Card for Regular Flyers
The Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard fills a gap in the market between entry-level airline cards and high-end premium travel cards. Its features are tailored for individuals who fly American Airlines approximately four times a year, providing benefits that enhance the travel experience without the higher cost associated with unlimited lounge access.
The card’s primary value comes from a collection of perks that can, if used effectively, outweigh its annual fee. These benefits are focused on making travel on American Airlines more convenient and affordable.
Core Travel Benefits Analyzed
The card provides several significant travel perks. Cardholders receive a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation. With bag fees at $35 each way, a couple traveling together on just two round trips could save $280, covering a large portion of the annual fee.
Additionally, the card includes preferred boarding, allowing cardholders to board the aircraft earlier and secure overhead bin space. This benefit applies to all American Airlines flights.
The Companion Certificate and Lounge Access
One of the headline features is the annual companion certificate. After paying the annual fee each year, cardholders receive a certificate that allows them to book a companion ticket for $99 plus taxes and fees. This is valid for round-trip domestic travel within the contiguous 48 U.S. states.
This certificate can provide significant savings, especially when used for more expensive cross-country routes or during peak travel seasons. However, it is important to note that the certificate cannot be applied to basic economy fares.
For airport comfort, the card includes four one-time passes to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges each year. This allows travelers to access the lounge on their travel days, providing a quiet space with complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. While not the unlimited access offered by premium cards, it provides a valuable perk for occasional use.
Earning AAdvantage Status Faster
The card introduces a unique feature called the "Flight Streak" bonus to help cardholders earn AAdvantage elite status. For every four eligible flights taken with American Airlines, the cardholder receives a 5,000 Loyalty Point boost. This can be earned up to three times per year, for a potential total of 15,000 bonus Loyalty Points.
Credits and Earning Structure
The AAdvantage Globe card comes with several statement credits that can help reduce its effective annual cost. Cardholders receive up to $100 in statement credits annually for inflight purchases of food and beverages on American Airlines flights.
It also includes an annual $100 "Splurge Credit," which can be used at select merchants, and a Turo car rental credit of up to $30 per rental, usable up to eight times per year. Both the inflight and Splurge credits are issued on a calendar-year basis, allowing new cardholders to potentially use them twice in their first year of membership.
Earning AAdvantage Miles
The card's rewards structure is focused on travel spending:
- 6 miles per dollar on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings.
- 3 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and on eligible transit purchases.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
While the earning rates for American Airlines purchases are competitive, the return on everyday spending is lower than what many general travel rewards cards offer. For consumers focused on maximizing rewards on all purchases, other cards may provide more value.
Comparing the Globe Card to Other Options
The AAdvantage Globe Mastercard is best suited for a specific type of traveler. Those who fly American less frequently might find the lower-annual-fee Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard a better fit, as it still offers a free checked bag and preferred boarding.
On the other end, travelers who desire unlimited lounge access and more premium benefits would be better served by the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which includes a full Admirals Club membership.
For travelers who are not loyal to a single airline, a flexible rewards card like the Citi Strata Premier Card might be a more strategic choice. It earns transferable points that can be converted to AAdvantage miles or used with other airline and hotel partners, offering greater versatility.
Is This Card the Right Choice?
The value of the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard depends entirely on an individual's travel habits. For a loyal American Airlines customer who flies several times a year and can take full advantage of the companion certificate, checked bag benefit, and lounge passes, the card can easily justify its $350 annual fee.
The ability to earn bonus Loyalty Points is also a compelling reason for those pursuing elite status with the airline. However, for casual travelers or those who prioritize earning the maximum number of miles on everyday spending, other credit cards may offer a better long-term value proposition.
