Update 9/28/23: The 125k offer has come back again now after many months of being lower. (ht USCCG)
The Offer
Direct link to offer
American Express is offering 125,000 points after $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of being a cardmember
Card Details
Annual fee of $695 is not waived the first year
Morgan Stanley version of the Platinum card offers one free Platinum authorized user, then $195 for each one thereafter
Authorized Gold cards are free
Full details here
Card earns at the following rates:
5x points per $1 spent on purchases made with airlines or with American Express Travel
5x points per $1 spent on hotel & airline bookings made directly from the American Express travel website
1x points on all other purchases
$200 airline incidental credit per calendar year
$200 Uber credit ($15 per month and additional $20 in December)
Lounge access:
Centurion lounge access
International American Express lounge access
Delta SkyClub lounge access
Priority pass select membership
Airspace lounge access
$240 digital entertainment credit. This is a credit of $20 per month and can be used on Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM and The New York Times.
$200 hotel credit. This can be used on select prepaid bookings (Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection) when using American Express Travel
$179 Clear credit
$300 Equinox credit. This is a $25 credit each month
Global Dining Access by Resy
The Global Lounge Collection
Our Verdict
You need to be a Morgan Stanley customer to be eligible for this card and you can no longer use the access investing work around unfortunately. It’s rare we see increased offers on these co-branded versions of the Platinum card, so it’s worth signing up if you are eligible and can make use of all the various credits. We will add this to our list of the best credit card bonuses.
Sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card and earn two free night certificates good on a property up to 85,000 points when you spend $6,000 within the first six months
Card Details
$650 annual fee
$300 dining statement credit
Card earns at the following rates:
6x points per $1 spent at participating SPG & Marriott Rewards hotels
3x points per $1 spent at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines
2x points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Free night award every year after your card account anniversary (can be used at any property that costs under 50,000 points per night)
Complimentary gold elite status
Platinum elite status after you spend $75,000 or more on the card in a calendar year
15 nights towards elite status (you’re restricted to getting this benefit once per Marriott Loyalty program number)
Unlimited complimentary priority pass lounge access for you and up to two accompanying guests
Statement credit for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85) every four years
No foreign transaction fees
Free in-room premium internet access at SPG & Marriott participating hotels
Welcome offer not available to applicants who (i) have or have had The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card from JPMorgan or the J.P. Morgan Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card in the last 30 days, (ii) have acquired the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase or the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 90 days, or (iii) received a new Card Member bonus or upgrade offer for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase, Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card from Chase, the Marriott Bonvoy™ Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase or the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase in the last 24 months.
Our Verdict
Bonus was 100k + free night certificate recently, that was a much better deal with more flexibility. Annual fee has also increased by $200 since then as well. We won’t be adding this to our list of the best credit card bonuses.
For most people, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a better starting point in the travel rewards market. (There’s a reason NerdWallet describes it as “nearly a must-have for travelers.”) It offers higher rewards earnings on everyday purchases, and those rewards carry a 25% higher redemption value when used to book travel through the Chase travel portal. That’s a lot of value for a modest annual fee of $95.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is marketed as a premium travel card. Its rewards earning rates focus on select travel spending, and it carries more luxury benefits, including lounge access, high-end fitness, shopping and hotel credits. However, those premium benefits come with a premium annual fee of $695 — a hard cost to justify for many people.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison so you can decide which card is right for you.
How the cards compare
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
on Chase’s website
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee
Welcome offer
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®.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Terms apply.
Rewards
5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3 points per $1 spent on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout).
3 points per $1 spent on select streaming services.
3 points per $1 spent on online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
2 points per $1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Through March 2025: 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft.
Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
5 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
2 points per $1 spent on other eligible travel booked through AmEx.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Other benefits
A $50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Ultimate Rewards®.
Each account anniversary, cardmembers will earn bonus points equal to 10% of total purchases made the previous year.
1:1 transfer partners, including United, Southwest, JetBlue, Marriott and Hyatt.
$200 annually for airline incidentals, like bag fees, on one designated airline when you enroll.
$200 annually for prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel at more than 2,000 hotels. (Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties.)
$189 annually for Clear membership.
$100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck when charged to your card.
1:1 transfer partners, including Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Delta and Virgin Atlantic.
Terms apply.
Lounge access
Access for you and 2 guests to over 1,400 lounges worldwide from partners including Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Terms apply.
Access to over 40 American Express Centurion and Escape lounges. Terms apply. Fees may apply for guest access.
Foreign transaction fee
Still not sure?
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is better for most people
Lower annual fee
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a lot of punch in terms of travel rewards value, all with a manageable $95 annual fee. Compare that with The Platinum Card® from American Express’s eye-popping $695 annual fee — an intimidating figure for many travelers. While the Amex Platinum does advertise a wide range of travel and shopping credits to offset that fee, taking full advantage of those benefits can be burdensome.
More value, more dometic transfer partners
When using your points to book travel through the issuer’s portal, Chase Ultimate Rewards® are more valuable. Points earned from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are worth an impressive 1.25 cents per point. That’s an outsized value compared with the American Express travel portal, where Membership Rewards points are redeemed at one cent per point on flights and certain hotel bookings. Other hotel bookings made through AmEx carry a value of 0.7 cent per point.
Plus, Chase’s transfer partners include several well-known domestic airlines and hotel brands, offering easy accessibility for points redemption. American Express offers more transfer options than Chase, and savvy travelers can find outsized value for their points. But AmEx’s transfer partners are primarily foreign airlines, making Membership Rewards points more challenging to transfer for U.S.-based domestic travelers.
Full list of Chase transfer partners
Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).
Air Canada (1:1 ratio).
Air France-KLM (1:1 ratio).
British Airways (1:1 ratio).
Emirates (1:1 ratio).
Iberia (1:1 ratio).
JetBlue (1:1 ratio).
Singapore (1:1 ratio).
Southwest (1:1 ratio).
United (1:1 ratio).
Virgin Atlantic (1:1 ratio).
Hyatt (1:1 ratio).
InterContinental Hotels Group (1:1 ratio).
Marriott (1:1 ratio).
Full list of AmEx transfer partners
Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).
AeroMexico (1:1.6 ratio).
Air Canada. (1:1 ratio).
Air France/KLM (1:1 ratio).
ANA (1:1 ratio).
Avianca (1:1 ratio).
British Airways (1:1 ratio).
Cathay Pacific (1:1 ratio)
Delta Air Lines (1:1 ratio).
Emirates (1:1 ratio).
Etihad Airways (1:1 ratio).
Hawaiian Airlines (1:1 ratio).
Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio).
JetBlue Airways (2.5:2 ratio).
Qantas (1:1 ratio).
Qatar Airways (1:1 ratio).
Singapore Airlines (1:1 ratio).
Virgin Atlantic Airways (1:1 ratio).
Choice Hotels (1:1 ratio).
Hilton Hotels & Resorts (1:2 ratio).
Marriott Hotels & Resorts (1:1 ratio).
Better earnings rates on everyday spending
Both cards earn 5x per $1 spent on travel booked through their travel portals, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the clear winner for everyday spending. It earns 3x on dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), while the Amex Platinum earns 1x in each of those categories. Terms apply.
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Why you might want The Platinum Card® from American Express
Lounge access
In this category, there’s no competition. If airport lounge access is a high priority, you’ll be best served by The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Where the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers no lounge access, the AmEx Platinum is known for its top-notch airport lounge benefits, including access to over 1,400 lounges in more than 500 airports worldwide. Those include more than 40 American Express Centurion and Escape lounges, and additional access through partners like Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Terms apply.
Booking with the airline
When it comes to booking flights, experienced travelers know that the way you book can make a big difference in the ease of changing or canceling your plans. So while both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Amex Platinum offer 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked through their respective travel portals, The Platinum Card® from American Express has a leg up in offering that same earnings rate for flights booked directly through the airline. Terms apply.
The Sapphire Preferred, on the other hand, offers the 5x points rate only if you book your flights through the Chase travel portal. That can pose a problem in the event of a weather delay, cancellation, or any other trip interruption.
The prestige factor
Both cards are metal, but The Platinum Card® from American Express carries a certain luxury gravitas that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can’t compete with — and doesn’t try. That prestige has some cash value, too. When used correctly, the card’s luxury perks add up quickly to help offset its eye-popping annual fee. When you enroll, those include statement credits of up to $300 per year toward an Equinox gym membership, $50 twice per year at Saks Fifth Avenue, $200 per year in Uber cash ($15 per month plus an extra $20 in December), and $200 a year for prepaid hotel bookings through The Hotel Collection or Fine Hotels + Resorts properties, just to name a few. Terms apply.
However, if these benefits don’t match your lifestyle, you’ll be paying mostly for the cachet of pulling the famous platinum card out of your wallet. Only you can decide how much that prestige is worth.
Which card should you get?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the best travel rewards cards on the market, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great choice for travelers who want a card with a low annual fee and great rewards for everyday spending. The Amex Platinum may be the better choice for frequent travelers who value lounge access and luxury benefits — but given the card’s steep $695 annual fee, it’s important to make sure you can take full advantage of all those benefits before you sign up.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland. The airline goes back to 1936 when the carrier was called Aer Lingus Teoranta.
When you participate in the AerClub, the loyalty program of Aer Lingus, you earn Avios that are redeemable for award flights on Aer Lingus, as well as its partners British Airways and Iberia. You can even transfer Avios between these programs for free.
Here’s your guide to Aer Lingus and its frequent-flyer program.
About Aer Lingus
Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Aer Lingus flies to nearly 100 destinations in 23 countries, including the United States.
Combined with its partners, you’ll be able to fly to about 150 destinations. The airline operates under three brands: Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus UK and Aer Lingus Regional.
Aer Lingus operates direct flights from Dublin and Shannon airports, as well as from Manchester, England, to the following U.S. cities.
From Dublin
Cleveland.
Hartford, Connecticut.
Los Angeles.
Newark, New Jersey.
Orlando, Florida.
Philadelphia.
San Francisco.
Washington.
From Shannon
From Manchester
Aer Lingus fare classes
When booking transatlantic Aer Lingus flights, you’ll have a choice of several fare classes: Saver, Smart, Flex, Business and Business Flex. The higher the fare you purchase, the more extras will be included.
Each fare type includes the following items:
Saver
Carry-on bag (22 pounds/10 kilograms).
Small personal carry-on item.
Complimentary meal.
Smart
No change fees.
Checked bag (one 50 pounds/23 kilograms bag in economy or three 50 pounds/23 kilograms bags in business class).
Advance seat selection.
Eligible for a credit voucher.
Flex
Eligible for a cash refund (minus the fees).
Business
Dedicated check-in line.
Airport lounge access.
Lie-flat seats.
Complimentary Wi-Fi (on Airbus A330 and Airbus A321neo Aer Lingus aircraft).
Luxury dining.
Standby for earlier flight.
Fast Track through security at Dublin Airport.
Refundable fare (minus 15% and fees).
Business Flex
Fully refundable fare.
Aer Lingus business class aircraft
Aer Lingus operates three types of planes on its transatlantic routes: Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A321neo LR.
Aer Lingus A321neo business class
Just 16 lie-flat beds are available in business class on the Aer Lingus Airbus A321neo plane. The seats are arranged in 2-2 and 1-1 configurations in a single-aisle cabin.
Aer Lingus A330-200 business class
Aer Lingus doesn’t operate a ton of routes with an Airbus A330-200, but it’s still possible you might fly this aircraft between Ireland and the United States, especially on routes from Dublin to either Los Angeles or San Francisco.
This business-class cabin features 23 seats arranged in a 1-2-2 or 1-2-1 configuration. The seats are 22 inches wide and provide 58 inches of pitch.
Aer Lingus A330-300 business class
The largest aircraft in the fleet, Airbus A330-300 more commonly operates Aer Lingus flights to and from the United States. The seats are the same size as its A330-200 counterpart, but because it’s larger, you’ll find 30 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 or 1-2-2 configuration.
How to earn Aer Lingus Avios
Aer Lingus AerClub members earn Avios, the same currency shared by British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Vueling Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
Earn by flying
You can earn AerClub Avios by flying Aer Lingus and its partners, such as British Airways and United Airlines.
On Aer Lingus flights, the number of Avios you’ll earn is based on how much you spend on the ticket and the currency you used to pay for the flight:
3 Avios per 1 euro.
4 Avios per 1 British pound.
3 Avios per U.S. dollar.
2 Avios per Canadian dollar.
If you fly British Airways or United, you’ll earn Avios based on the purchased fare class and the percentage of the distance flown.
Earn by spending on credit cards
Chase issues the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card. It earns 3 Avios per dollar spent on Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and LEVEL; 2 Avios per dollar spent on hotel accommodations purchased directly from hotels; and 1 Avios per dollar spent on all other purchases.
The current sign-up bonus is: Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Earn by transferring points
AerClub is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points transfer at a ratio of 1:1 in both cases.
If you have Marriott Bonvoy points, you can transfer them to AerClub at a ratio of 3:1, with a bonus of 5,000 Avios for every 60,000 Marriott points converted at once.
Transfer Avios from partners
Use avios.com to transfer Avios from either British Airlines or Iberia to Aer Lingus. If you need to transfer Avios from Qatar, use British Airways as an intermediary first and then follow the next step to transfer them to Aer Lingus.
What are Aer Lingus Avios worth?
NerdWallet values British Airways Avios to be worth 0.8 cent each. Because Avios can be transferred from British Airways to Aer Lingus, we’ll say that they’re worth the same. Keep this in mind and use it as a target value when redeeming AerClub Avios for flights.
How to redeem Aer Lingus Avios for maximum value
You can redeem Aer Lingus Avios for awards on Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia only, so you don’t have many options to maximize the value. However, you still can get a decent deal redeeming Avios for award flights.
To redeem AerClub Avios, you have to log in on avios.com with your Aer Lingus credentials. The redemption rates depend on the distance you fly, the season and the class of service.
U.S. East Coast to Ireland on off-peak dates
One of the best Avios redemptions through Aer Lingus is for award flights between the East Coast of the United States and Ireland during off-peak season. The one-way mileage rate is just 13,000 Avios in economy class and 50,000 Avios in business class. You’ll pay $116 to $138 in taxes, but it’s still a great deal.
Ireland routes in the East Coast travel zone include:
Cleveland.
Minneapolis.
Philadelphia.
Washington.
U.S. East Coast to Europe on off-peak dates
If Ireland isn’t your destination, you can connect to other European cities that Aer Lingus flies to for an additional 4,000 Avios. So, you’ll redeem 17,000 Avios for an Aer Lingus economy flight anywhere in Europe on off-peak dates.
U.S. West Coast to Ireland on off-peak dates
West Coast residents can take advantage of some great redemption rates on routes to and from Ireland. A one-way economy flight is going to cost you 16,250 Avios, and a business class flight will cost 62,500 Avios.
Ireland routes in the West Coast travel zone include:
Los Angeles.
San Francisco.
Aer Lingus AerClub, the elite status program
Status levels and benefits
Launched in 2016, AerClub is quite a newcomer to the airline loyalty program scene. It has four membership levels: Green, Silver, Platinum and Concierge. If you sign up for the AerClub program, you automatically become a Green member, so technically there are three elite tiers.
Depending on your elite level, benefits include priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, complimentary bags, complimentary upgrades, free Wi-Fi and waived change fees.
How to earn Aer Lingus elite status
Achieving elite status in the AerClub program requires earning Tier Credits, which are awarded based on your route and fare type. The more Tier Credits you earn within a qualification period, the more you progress in the elite levels. Keep in mind that only Aer Lingus ticketed and operated flights earn Tier Credits.
The qualification period is based on when you join AerClub, so make sure to remember the date you signed up as a member. The Tier Credits reset to zero annually on your anniversary date.
European flights earn a different number of Tier Credits than transatlantic flights ticketed and operated by Aer Lingus.
Here’s how many Tier Credits you’ll earn on flights within Europe:
And here’s how many Tier Credits you’ll earn on transatlantic flights:
Keep in mind that the earning rates will change for travel after Oct. 1, 2023.
Aer Lingus AerClub recapped
As a relatively new airline loyalty program, AerClub still has a long way to go. Members can redeem Aer Lingus Avios for award flights on Aer Lingus or its partners. The option to transfer Avios to British Airways, Iberia and Qatar also greatly expands their use.
(Top photo courtesy of Aer Lingus)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Rewards optimizers use the term “trifecta” to describe a combination of three credit cards from one issuer that have complimentary benefits. When combined, the cards create a rewarding synergy that helps you earn more points and get more value out of your redemptions.
Chase and American Express offer popular trifecta combinations for people seeking travel rewards. While you can mix and match different cards to create an optimal trifecta based on your spending habits, there is a recommended combination for each issuer.
In a head-to-head showdown, the Chase trifecta comes out ahead for most people — you’ll pay significantly less in annual fees, get easier-to-use travel credits, rewards and travel partners, and have broader acceptance around the world. The Chase trifecta is also more accessible for people who don’t qualify for a small-business credit card.
At a glance
Here’s a look at the rewards-earning rates for each trifecta. (For details about specific benefits and statement credits offered by each card, check out the individual review pages linked above.)
Chase trifecta
AmEx trifecta
Rewards earning rates
Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase and Chase Dining purchases.
5 points per dollar spent on flights booked through Chase.
3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining.
1 point per dollar on all other spending.
Chase Freedom Flex℠:
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter on bonus categories that you activate (1% back after).
5% back on travel booked through Chase.
3% back at restaurants and drugstores.
1% back on all other non-bonus-category spending.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®:
5% back on travel booked through Chase.
3% back at restaurants and drugstores.
1.5% on all other spending.
The Platinum Card® from American Express:
5 points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1x).
5 points per dollar for prepaid hotels booked with AmEx Travel.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
American Express® Gold Card:
4 points per dollar at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x).
3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express:
2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1x).
Terms apply.
Overall annual fees
$945. Terms apply.
Why the Chase trifecta is better for most people
Lower annual cost
The collective annual cost of the Chase trifecta is $550, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® having the only annual fee.
That’s 42% cheaper than the $945 annual cost of the AmEx trifecta, which includes annual fees of $695 on The Platinum Card® from American Express, $250 on the American Express® Gold Card and $0 on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
Sure, the AmEx trifecta offers hundreds of dollars worth of coupon-book style credits for services like Uber and Walmart+ that can help offset the higher annual cost. But the catch is that many of these credits are limited in scope: the $240 annual entertainment credit, for example, is doled out in $20 monthly increments and applies to a handful of entertainment subscriptions only. You may have to go out of your way to optimize the potential value of the credits.
Easier-to-use travel credits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $300 annual travel credit that applies to all eligible travel purchases. It doesn’t get any easier — simply book travel like hotel, airfare or rental car with your card, and receive a statement credit.
By comparison, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual $200 airline fee credit (enrollment required), but it too has several caveats. You must select only one airline from a short list of options to apply the credit. It only applies to incidental charges like in-flight refreshments and checked baggage, and the charge must be made separately from the ticket purchase. The card also comes with an annual $200 hotel credit, but that only applies to specific luxury hotels that are prepaid through the American Express travel portal. Since prepaid hotels are often nonrefundable, you could incur a significant out-of-pocket expense if your plans change. Terms apply.
More valuable rewards
All three cards in the Chase trifecta earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®. These rewards can be combined into your Chase Sapphire Reserve® account, where they are redeemable through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents each. That makes 6,666 Ultimate Rewards® worth $100 in travel.
American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 1 cent each when booking airfare and 0.7 cent a piece when booking hotels through the AmEx travel portal. It would cost 10,000 points for $100 in airfare, or 14,286 points for a $100 hotel stay. That’s significantly less value than you can get for the same number of Ultimate Rewards®.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Though classified as cash back cards, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited® earn Ultimate Rewards® points. But if you hold just those cards, the points are worth 1 cent each toward travel booked through Chase and are unable to be transferred to travel partners. Adding the Chase Sapphire Reserve® unlocks the ability to transfer to partners and increases the value of the points to 1.5 cents each.
More accessible travel partners
Both Chase and AmEx have a broad list of airline and hotel transfer partners — American Express has 21 travel partners compared with Chase’s 14. But more isn’t always better.
In this case, Chase wins for many travelers with quality over quantity. Ultimate Rewards® can be transferred to partners like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Hyatt at no cost.
While American Express boasts more partners, the majority of them are international airlines and not as familiar to many. Transferring points to these airlines can yield impressive value, but can also cause more headaches and confusion to navigate. The biggest domestic transfer partner for AmEx is Delta Airlines — however, you’ll pay an excise tax for transferring points to Delta (and a few others).
Full list of Chase transfer partners
Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).
Air Canada (1:1 ratio).
Air France-KLM (1:1 ratio).
British Airways (1:1 ratio).
Emirates (1:1 ratio).
Iberia (1:1 ratio).
JetBlue (1:1 ratio).
Singapore (1:1 ratio).
Southwest (1:1 ratio).
United (1:1 ratio).
Virgin Atlantic (1:1 ratio).
Hyatt (1:1 ratio).
InterContinental Hotels Group (1:1 ratio).
Marriott (1:1 ratio).
Full list of AmEx transfer partners
Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).
AeroMexico (1:1.6 ratio).
Air Canada. (1:1 ratio).
Air France/KLM (1:1 ratio).
ANA (1:1 ratio).
Avianca (1:1 ratio).
British Airways (1:1 ratio).
Cathay Pacific (1:1 ratio)
Delta Air Lines (1:1 ratio).
Emirates (1:1 ratio).
Etihad Airways (1:1 ratio).
Hawaiian Airlines (1:1 ratio).
Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio).
JetBlue Airways (2.5:2 ratio).
Qantas (1:1 ratio).
Qatar Airways (1:1 ratio).
Singapore Airlines (1:1 ratio).
Virgin Atlantic Airways (1:1 ratio).
Choice Hotels (1:1 ratio).
Hilton Hotels & Resorts (1:2 ratio).
Marriott Hotels & Resorts (1:1 ratio).
No business cards required
Our recommended Chase trifecta consists of all personal credit cards. That makes it broadly accessible to anyone with a credit profile that qualifies for the three cards. However, you’ll have to be eligible for a small-business credit card to craft the ideal AmEx trifecta.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express and its ability to earn 2 points per dollar for all purchases on up to $50,000 annually is the glue that really holds the AmEx trifecta together, since the other cards only earn 1x on non-bonus spending. If you don’t qualify for a small-business card, the Chase trifecta is the easy choice. Terms apply.
Better international acceptance
All Chase credit cards carry the Visa or Mastercard logo, making them usable nearly anywhere credit cards are accepted throughout the globe. American Express has closed the acceptance gap domestically, but still lags behind Visa and Mastercard abroad. If you’re looking to use your card internationally, your surefire bet is the Chase trifecta.
Why you might want the AmEx trifecta
Big grocery and restaurant spend
The American Express® Gold Card offers a sky-high 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in annual spend) and restaurants. The Chase trifecta earns an everyday 3 points per dollar at restaurants, and the potential to earn 5 points per dollar on up to $1,500 in quarterly spend if grocery stores are selected as a rotating bonus category on the Chase Freedom Flex. If you have an outsized budget for dining out or groceries, the math may have you leaning toward the AmEx trifecta. Terms apply.
Elite status and luxury perks
You might prefer the AmEx trifecta if you value elite status and exclusivity. By holding The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll get complimentary gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required), President’s Circle status with Hertz, Emerald Club Executive status with National, 24-hour access to a concierge for those hard-to-access reservations or tickets, and access to members-only VIP experiences at prestigious events like Wimbledon and the Kentucky Derby. Terms apply.
If you value these perks, the AmEx trifecta may be worth the added annual cost.
Airport lounge access
If you’re a frequent flyer and often find yourself in airports, lounge access can be a great way to escape the commotion of the terminal. In addition to a Priority Pass Select membership (which the Chase trifecta also has), the AmEx trifecta also lets you access AmEx Centurion and International Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (only when flying Delta) and Plaza Premium, Escape and Airspace network lounges.
That’s a huge footprint that includes complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges. If you want lounge access, the AmEx trifecta may be better for you.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a dining credit (normally $28 each) for you and a guest at participating Priority Pass restaurants. The Priority Pass access granted by AmEx cards excludes these restaurants.
Which trifecta should you get?
Most people will do better with the Chase trifecta. The annual cost is significantly lower, the benefits and rewards are more transparent and easy to use, and your points are worth more when booking travel through the Chase travel portal. The AmEx trifecta could be a good choice for those who value a broader airport lounge footprint and luxury benefits, but realize you’ll be paying a lot more for those perks.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express see this page.To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page.To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see this page.
Airline credit cards are credit cards that are used by frequent flyers for their airline-specific perks. They are provided by card issuers, working jointly with a particular airline to reward their customers for both their loyalty and for paying for their travel and other expenses using the card.
With airline credit cards, you earn a certain number of miles for the amount you spend on the carrier and other qualifying services. You can then redeem your rewards to book flights, pay for services, or make eligible travel purchases.
Various airline credit cards vary in the perks they offer, as well as in fees and costs. This means that not every airline credit card is suited for every traveler. Also, not every traveler will benefit from airline credit cards.
That said, you can make a better decision by comparing the pros and cons of airline credit cards.
The Pros of Airline Credit Cards
Attractive Sign-up Bonuses
Most airline credit cards come with attractive welcome bonuses, some of which are large enough to pay for a flight. It is worth noting that you gain the bonus after meeting certain requirements- usually spending a certain amount of money within a specific time of account opening or opening a new credit account.
Hassle-free Way to Earn Miles
As a frequent flyer, airline credit cards provide an avenue for you to earn rewards while doing what you would be doing anyway.
Money-Saving Perks
These will vary from one airline card to another and may include free or discounted checked luggage, lounge access, in-flight foods and drinks, companion passes, and upgraded services.
Priority Boarding and Seat Upgrades
If when you board and where you seat during the flight matters to you, certain airline credit cards give you just that; an opportunity to not only be among the first to board but also get a seat upgrade.
Rewards on Non-travel Related Categories
Some airline credit cards can earn you bonus rewards on your other spending areas, like hotel bookings, which helps maximize your earnings. In addition, this feature helps to not only accumulate your miles but also keep them from expiring should you halt your traveling for some time.
Travel Support and Protection
Certain airline credit cards will offer coverage in situations like flight delays or cancellation, trip interruptions, lost luggage, rental car accidents, and access to medical care.
The Cons of Airline Credit Cards
Limited to one Airline
As their name suggests, airline credit cards limit you to one carrier and in some instances, its partner airlines. This can further complicate the reward redemption process due to competition-you may not always redeem your rewards for what you want from what the reward program offers or get flexibility with travel dates.
Limited Opportunities to Earn Rewards
This is especially so if you end up with cards that only offer rewards on airline/travel-related purchases and none on everyday spending.
Hefty Annual Fees
Annual fees for airline credit cards can be anything from a few dollars shy of a $100 to amounts over $500. The more the perks you stand to get the higher the fees. If your rewards exceed the fees, then the credit cards are worth it, otherwise they are an unnecessary expense.
Reward Programs can be Devalued
Airlines can devalue their programs or do away with them at their discretion as has happened with many airlines before. With the limitation of a single airline, there’s no guarantee that your earned miles will be useful.
Are Airline Credit Cards a Good Idea?
You could benefit from an airline credit card if you:
Fly often
Always or mostly use the same airline
Have good credit and can pay off your credit card balances on time
If most of the above doesn’t apply to you, then you are better off without airline credit cards.
The Final Take
It is apparent that airline credit cards can be a good or bad idea depending on your flying habits. Admittedly, they are only a worthy investment if the value you draw from them outweighs the associated expenses. Where do you lie? The above information can help you figure that out.
Earning hotel elite status provides valuable benefits that enhance your stay while allowing you to earn bonus points and save money. While top-tier World of Hyatt status offers the best perks, most people don’t travel enough to earn it.
Mid-level elite status, like Hyatt Explorist, is more attainable for the average traveler. Here’s everything you need to know about Hyatt Explorist status, including how to earn it, the included benefits and if it’s worth it.
Hyatt Explorist benefits
The World of Hyatt hotel loyalty program has four levels of elite status — Member, Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist. Additionally, members can earn Lifetime Globalist status based on their cumulative spending at Hyatt properties.
When you reach this elite status level, numerous benefits improve your stay. The best Hyatt Explorist benefits are:
20% bonus points: All World of Hyatt members earn five base points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties. With this 20% bonus, you’ll earn six points per dollar.
Complimentary upgrades: Explorist members are eligible for a free upgrade to the best available room when checking into their hotel and resort. However, suites and rooms with Club lounge access are excluded.
Late checkout: Enjoy your room longer with a 2 p.m. late checkout at no extra charge. This benefit is based on availability and may not be an option at some locations.
Guaranteed room availability: Explorist members receive guaranteed room availability when booking a paid reservation at least 72 hours in advance. This benefit ensures availability at a sold-out property when making advanced reservations.
Waived resort fees: Resort fees are hidden charges that many travelers don’t know about until finalizing their reservation or when checking into a hotel. These fees are waived for all members booking award reservations at Hyatt properties. Eligible reservations include rooms booked with points, credit card free nights and other free night certificates. Points and cash or paid stays do not include this benefit.
American Airlines bonus miles: Earn one World of Hyatt point for every dollar spent on qualifying American Airlines flights when you link your loyalty accounts. These miles are in addition to the miles earned from your flight.
How to earn Hyatt Explorist elite status
There are three primary ways that you can earn Hyatt Explorist status. The first two are based on the number of nights you stay or how many points you earn per year. A third option involves hosting meetings or events at Hyatt properties. Here’s how to get Hyatt Explorist status.
Staying at Hyatt properties
World of Hyatt members earn Explorist elite status by earning 30 qualifying nights per year. Qualifying nights include paid nights, award nights, and points and cash nights.
Limited-time promotions, such as staying four nights and getting a fifth night free would only count as four qualifying nights.
Holding a Hyatt credit card
Spending on your Hyatt card
Both Hyatt credit cards earn qualifying night credits based on your annual spending. You’ll receive two additional qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent on the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card earns five qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent each year. Cardholders can combine nights earned from spending with their hotel stays to earn elite status.
Earning base points
Base points earned from hotel stays, on-site restaurants and other activities count toward the 50,000 points needed for Hyatt Explorist status. Members earn five base points per dollar on all eligible purchases at Hyatt hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and other activities.
Bonus points earned from promotions, welcome bonuses and credit card purchases do not count as base points. They are “bonus points,” which can be used to book hotel rooms but don’t earn elite status.
Host meetings or events
Members who host ten or more meetings or events at an eligible Hyatt property earn Explorist elite status. To qualify, at least 10 paid guest rooms must be booked for the same night as the event. In some cases, there may be additional requirements for the events.
How much is Hyatt Explorist status worth?
Value of benefits
Cost to earn
Elite earning rate
Discoverist
With a cost to earn of $4,380, Explorist elite status provides members a 15% return in value. These benefits include complimentary upgrades, guaranteed room availability and waived resort fees on award reservations.
What else you need to know about Hyatt Explorist
Take advantage of Hyatt promotions
Throughout the year, Hyatt offers promotions that may accelerate your path to elite status. These promotions may include extra qualifying night credits or base points that count toward earning status. Even if you don’t have any hotel stays planned, register for every promotion in case your plans change. This will help you maximize every trip you take.
Status matches are available
Travelers that have elite status with other hotel or airline loyalty programs may qualify for a World of Hyatt status match correlating to your current status. Status matches provide elite status for a limited time. You’ll retain your elite status for the rest of the year if you meet the qualifying nights or points requirement during the promo.
How long does Hyatt Explorist status last?
The Hyatt program year runs through the end of February each year. You earn Hyatt elite status based on your activity during the calendar year. When you earn elite status, you’ll enjoy Hyatt Explorist benefits through the end of the following program year.
For example, if you achieved Hyatt Explorist status in September 2023, your elite status is good through February 28, 2025.
World of Hyatt lifetime elite status
Hyatt doesn’t offer lifetime Hyatt Explorist status, but you can earn Lifetime Globalist status based on your cumulative points earned. Ironically, you can qualify for Lifetime Globalist even if you’ve never earned Globalist status in any single year.
To qualify for Lifetime status, you need to earn 1,000,000 lifetime base points. At five base points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, this equates to $200,000 in total spending.
Is Hyatt Explorist status worth it?
Hyatt Explorist status offers numerous benefits that make focusing your hotel reservations with one brand worthwhile. Benefits like complimentary upgrades, late checkout and waived resort fees on award nights improve your trip and save you money.
It takes 30 nights per year to earn Explorist elite status, which is an average of 2.5 nights per month. The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes it easier to earn status through additional night credits based on your annual spending.
(Top photo courtesy of Hyatt)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Reddit user leakingtruth claims that American Express is making changes to Delta lounge access:
Prolly not exciting news, but there is a huge change coming to Amex delta cards and Plat cards in terms of lounge access.
Delta will be restricting access to Delta Plat cards, and Delta Reserve cards will still have access but greatly restricted starting on 2024-2025. Platinum card holders will also be restricted from Delta Skyclubs and will have only up to 6 complimentary access per year
Post history seems to indicate they work for American Express, but it’s always difficult to know how reliable this sort of information is. We’ve reached out to other contacts but have yet been able to confirm these details.
Travelers are flocking away from overcrowded airport terminals and into airport lounges. And so, these lounges have a problem. The exclusive spaces that purportedly offer a refuge from packed airports have become just as chaotic as the general terminals.
Overrated or not, airport lounges still tend to stand superior to most airport terminals. In a lounge, travelers can at least munch on a cheese cube without boarding announcements blaring from the loudspeaker.
As a result, people go to great lengths to enter them. They pay hundreds of dollars in annual fees for credit cards that offer lounge access. They linger outside lounges until their names are off the waitlist.
But now, lounge operators have had to step in to reduce overcrowding. Many lounges often have standing room only, while other lounges enforce entry waitlists to prevent the problem entirely. In 2023, Delta Sky Club increased membership and guest fees and put a limit on how many hours people can spend in the lounge. Meanwhile, American Express made its Centurion Lounge guest policy more stringent to cut back on how many people can gain access.
The problem isn’t so much an obsession with airport lounges. Instead, it’s that most U.S. airport terminals are abysmal for a variety of reasons.
Reduced resources and dated design impact terminals
U.S. airports have a backlog of both approved and necessary infrastructure improvements that’s projected to cost $151 billion, according to Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), an airport trade association that represents about 300 airports in the U.S. and Canada. That’s a 31% increase from the $115 billion backlog cited in 2021. ACI-NA has pointed to inflation as one reason that figure ballooned.
A key revenue source for airport upkeep and maintenance is a passenger facility charge, which Congress capped at $4.50 per ticket. When the charge was introduced in 1992, it was just $3, but the charge hasn’t been increased since 2001.
For context, $4.50 in 2001 would be more than $7.50 today, according to the consumer price index, giving some reason to believe that the cap should be increased to align with today’s equivalent purchasing power.
When the COVID-19 pandemic cut travel, airports lost income from reduced passenger facility charges, as well as other revenue streams like parking and rental car fees, retail sales and concessions. Even with funding, implementing airport improvements can be slow.
“Overregulation of airport land use decisions have delayed project approvals,” according to the ACI-NA’s 2023 U.S. Airport Infrastructure Needs Report.
Airport design significantly changed after 9/11. The establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in November 2001 led to a greater physical footprint for security checkpoints. Unpredictable queues have also increased the number of people in airports, as passengers who might previously have shown up 30 minutes before boarding now arrive much earlier, with hours to spare.
How to make U.S. airports better
If funding weren’t an issue, what improvements could make airport terminals more appealing than lounges?
Activities to pass the time
Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport won a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award as one of the country’s top attractions. The airport has a seven-story indoor waterfall, a rock wall and a hedge maze.
Airports don’t need to resemble a runway-lined Disneyland, but the best ones have amenities that are especially relevant during long flight delays, like yoga rooms, live music and museums.
Higher ceilings and bigger windows
Not every airport has the benefit of sitting within Grand Teton National Park, but Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Airport — considered one of America’s most charming airports — takes full advantage with soaring windows that frame the mountain range.
Even without picturesque views, other airports could curtail traveler anxiety and claustrophobia with higher ceilings and outdoor seating. Delta Sky Clubs’ Sky Decks are a good example of how airports could build a compelling outdoor space.
Quiet airport programs
In 2018, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) launched a Quiet Airport program. It cut back on sounds emitted from retailers and gate agents, including a reduction in audio paging and boarding announcements for passengers.
Within two years of implementation, SFO officials said that more than 90 minutes of unnecessary announcements had been eliminated daily in its international terminal alone, which they claim makes air travel less stressful for passengers.
Better food
Starbucks and Sbarro might be concession staples, but the best airports are foodie destinations. The 2023 Global Tastemakers Awards from Food & Wine magazine named SFO the winner of Best Airport for Food in America. SFO hosts outposts of beloved local joints, including Ritual Coffee and vegetarian fast food favorite, Amy’s Drive Thru (its owners also run the organic frozen food brand Amy’s Kitchen).
Even if the meals aren’t free (as they typically are in airport lounges), an order of Amy’s mac and cheese — whether the real stuff or vegan — is probably better than a cube of lounge cheese.
Sadly, these examples are the exception, not the norm. For now, options aren’t exactly promising for air travelers — either at crowded and chaotic airport terminals or crowded and chaotic airport lounges.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® overview
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is best for American Airlines flyers who value lounge access. It provides a full Admirals Club membership, as well as several other benefits that make flying American Airlines more enjoyable, such as a free checked bag, priority check-in, priority airport screening and priority boarding privileges, along with a boost toward elite status. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
While many credit cards offer airport lounge access, the types of lounges each card gets you into can vary greatly. There’s only one cobranded credit card that includes complimentary access to the American Airlines Admirals Club lounges: the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
The card has a $595 annual fee, which might seem steep but is still much less expensive than an Admirals Club membership.
This card underwent major (mostly negative) changes, effective July 23, 2023. TPG director of content Nick Ewen wasn’t thrilled with them.
Today, we’ll review all the refreshed benefits on this American Airlines cobranded card to help you decide whether to carry — or keep — it in your wallet.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite welcome offer
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is currently offering its best-ever bonus. Through Sept. 6, it’s offering 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. This bonus is worth a very high $1,770, based on TPG’s most recent valuations.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite benefits
What sets this card apart from the competition is that it provides complimentary Admirals Club access. The primary cardholder receives a full Admirals Club membership, which allows you and your immediate family or two traveling companions access to the club when you have a same-day boarding pass for American or one of its partners. Your credit card will be tied to your AAdvantage account number, so you don’t have to carry it to get club access.
Admirals Club membership ordinarily costs between $750 and $850, depending on your status level with American. That means the annual fee covers the lounge access — and that’s without all the other benefits factored in.
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You can add up to 10 authorized users. They cost an additional $175 annual fee for the first three authorized users and $175 for each authorized user thereafter. Each authorized user receives Admirals Club access for themselves and up to two traveling companions. Just be aware that authorized users only get Admirals Club access, as opposed to a full Admirals Club membership.
There are three statement credits available:
Up to $120 back on eligible Avis or Budget car rentals every calendar year
Up to $120 back on eligible Grubhub purchases (up to a $10 statement credit each monthly billing statement)
Up to $120 in Lyft credits ($10 Lyft credit each month), but you have to take three eligible rides each month first to receive this credit
Here are some other valuable perks the card offers:
Enhanced airport experience: You and up to eight travelers on the same reservation will get priority check-in (where available), priority airport screening (where available) and priority boarding privileges. You can even check in at any business-class check-in position (or first-class check-in when business class is not available), regardless of the class of service in which you’re traveling.
First checked bag free on domestic itineraries: On domestic itineraries flown by American or any regional subsidiary, the first checked bag for you and up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation is free. The flight must be marketed, sold and operated by American in order to get the free checked bag.
25% off eligible inflight purchases: This essentially means 25% off inflight food and beverages when you pay for them with the card (not including inflight Wi-Fi).
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee statement credit: Get an up-to-$100 statement credit when paying the Global Entry fee ($100) with the card or when enrolling in TSA PreCheck ($78). You’ll receive the credit once every four years. Because you also receive TSA PreCheck when enrolling for Global Entry, there’s no real reason you should ever just enroll in PreCheck.
This card removed travel protections a few years back but has reintroduced trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, and lost baggage protections as well as car rental insurance coverage as part of the card’s refresh.
Finally, are no foreign transaction fees, making this card a good choice when traveling abroad.
Earning miles on the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite
With the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, you’ll earn 4 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases. Then, if you spend $150,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you’ll earn a boosted rate of 5 miles per dollar spent on American purchases for the remainder of the calendar year.
You’ll also earn 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through American’s car rental and hotel booking sites, respectively.
And you’ll earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Cardholders earn a bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. They will receive another bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year.
You will receive the bonuses regardless of how you earn the Loyalty Points. For example, you could earn 50,000 Loyalty Points by buying American Airlines tickets and shopping through the AAdvantage portal and get the 10,000 bonus just by holding the card.
Redeeming miles on the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite
The lowest round-trip tickets in the U.S. tend to start at 7,500 miles one-way for flights less than 500 miles long.
Web specials previously offered include domestic cross-country flights for 5,000 miles each way in economy or 15,000 miles each way in first class, flights to Europe from 9,000 miles each way and flights to Brazil from 15,000 miles each way.
Alternatively, you could get a ton of value redeeming your AAdvantage miles for premium-cabin awards on partner airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Etihad and Finnair.
Related: How to redeem miles with the American Airlines AAdvantage program
Senior credit cards editor Matt Moffitt’s favorite way of redeeming AAdvantage miles is to book business-class flights on Etihad or Qatar Airways to the Middle East, India and Africa.
Which cards compete with the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite?
American is not a transfer partner of any of the major points programs except Bilt Rewards, so the biggest competitors of this card are mostly other cobranded American Airlines cards, but you can also get tons of value from a more general premium card.
If you want a lower annual fee: The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is a solid mid-level credit card that offers elite-status-like benefits, all for a lower annual fee of $99. For more information, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select.
If you’re not an avid AA flyer: It could make more sense to stick to a premium travel rewards card such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, which allows you to earn up to five points per dollar on airfare (when booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and take advantage of myriad airline transfer partners. For more information, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.
For additional options, check out our full list of premium travel cards.
Related: Choosing the best credit card for American Airlines flyers
The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite worth it?
Since the price of an Admirals Club membership is at least $750 each year, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard should catch the eye of any frequent American flyer’s attention. If you want Admirals Club access and to boost your AA mileage balance with a sign-up bonus (while also easing elite status requirements), this card might be a good fit. However, you might want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for a card that will give you a better return on your spending.
Bottom line
With full Admirals Club membership and several other American Airlines benefits, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite American Airlines is best for flyers who can maximize its lounge access. If that’s you, then the card could definitely be a fit.
Official application link: Earn 100,000 miles with the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Offer ends Sept. 6.
Additional reporting by Matt Moffitt, Ryan Wilcox and Stella Shon.