Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
For many travelers, access to the airport lounge is crucial as it provides a space where you can relax before the trip or be productive and get the job done.
This is where the U.S. Admiral Club Lounge comes. There are over 50 or more worldwide, and you can access it by charging a one-day pass or using Aadvantage Miles.
However, the best way to get an Admiral Club is through a specific credit card: Citi® / Aadvantage® performs the World Elite Mastercard® (see Rates and Fees), which is the only card that will get you into the Admiral Club. While it does come with a $595 annual fee, exclusive lounge access may be worth adding to your wallet.
Related: The Admiral Club’s final guide visit
Why is this card a winner
If you cannot get the Admiral Club from Elite Identity or the service category you are using, you can choose to purchase a membership. Here is the annual pricing for the Aadvantage state level breakdown:
Cheaper than paying for Admiral Club membership
However, the best way to guarantee entry into the Admiral Club is to have a Citi/AA execution card. In fact, you can save money by having a card with any membership option to pay, and in addition, you will receive a profitable welcome bonus if you qualify.
For example, suppose you are considering purchasing Admiral Club membership as a general Aadvantage member (without elite status). You’d better apply for a Citibank execution card and pay an annual fee of $595 per year, rather than paying $850 in the first year (renewed $800) for access (and renewed $800), plus the perks for using the card.
The card currently offers a limited welcome bonus of 100,000 Aadvantage miles after spending $10,000 in the first three months of opening an account, according to TPG’s May 2025 valuation, after spending $10,000 in the first three months of opening an account. This matches the highest quote we see in the card’s history and makes it the best time to apply.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
Related: Is Citi/Aadvantage Execution of World Elite Mastercard worth it?
Authorized user access
The Citi/AA Execution Card allows you to add three authorized users for $175 and then $175 per other authorized user. Authorized users can also access the Admiral Club.
Whether this applies to whether the primary cardholder is flying with that person, a wonderful privilege different from similar quality cards offered by other American airlines.
Please note that while major cardholders have access to all Admiral Clubs (more than 50 worldwide) and partner lounges (including 60 in the Alaska lounge), authorized users are only able to access the U.S. Admiral Club. However, the primary cardholder and each authorized user can bring immediate family members or up to two travel guests into the lounge.
Other Citibank card allowances
With this Citi Card, you can also earn 10 miles on qualified hotels and car rentals booked through AA’s Hotel and Car Rental Portal.
Additionally, cardholders earn 4 miles per dollar on qualified American Airlines purchases.
They also get a statement credit of up to $120 for eligible GrubHub purchases ($10 per month) and get a statement credit of up to $120 for each calendar year for up to $120 for prepaid AVI or budget car rentals.
The card comes with a Group 4 Priority Boarding, you get the first check bag for free on a domestic American airline itinerary and up to eight companions in the same booking.
Additionally, like many other premium cards, this card also offers global entries or TSA Precheck application fees. You receive a $120 declared credit every four years to repay your application fee.
Related: Best Quality Credit Cards: Side by side comparison
Admiral Club Restrictions
It’s easy to get into the Admiral Club.
To enter, you need a Citi/AA Execution Card or Admiral Club membership and provide the same-day boarding pass for the United States or one of its partners to access the Admiral Club before or after the flight.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
Bottom line
As a regular AA or OneWorld Alliance Flyer, the Citi/AA Execution Card is the best card to visit by Admiral Club – among many other offers such as statement credit, loyalty points bonuses and decent income rates.
It also stands out because it allows you to share a lounge with friends and family. By adding authorized users at a reasonable fee, you can expand the benefits of the card in a way that only does not allow for Admiral Club membership.
To learn more, read our full review of Citi/Aadvantage Execution World Elite Mastercard.
Apply here: Citi/Aadvantage executes world elite Mastercard
