Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card issuers from which MillionMileSecrets.com receives compensation. Compensation does not impact the placement of cards on Million Mile Secrets other than in banner advertising. MillionMileSecrets.com does not include all credit card offers that might be available to consumers in the marketplace.
Editorial Note: We’re the Million Mile Secrets team. And we’re proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader’s comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! 🙂
Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card issuers from which MillionMileSecrets.com receives compensation. Compensation does not impact the placement of cards on Million Mile Secrets other than in banner advertising. MillionMileSecrets.com does not include all credit card offers that might be available to consumers in the marketplace.
Editorial Note: We’re the Million Mile Secrets team. And we’re proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader’s comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! 🙂
Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full Advertising Policy.
Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers. Citi is an MMS advertising partner.Million Mile Secrets reader, David, commented:
Am I better off paying for American Airlines Admirals Club lounge membership and keeping an existing card like the Capital One Venture? Or adding another card like the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard?My 2nd question is, if I have the membership and NOT the card can I still access the Admirals Club when I’m not flying American Airlines?
Let’s take a look.
Link: Admirals Club Membership
An Admirals Club membership gives you access to American Airlines Admirals Club airport lounges. This is a great perk for those long days at the airport because you get:
You can get this benefit by paying for an Admirals Club membership, or by signing-up for the Citi AAdvantage Executive Card.
With both, you can get into Admirals Club airport lounges even when you aren’t flying on American Airlines or US Airways. And you can bring your immediate family or up to 2 guests with you for free!
Link: Citi AAdvantage Executive Card
Link: My Review of the Citi AAdvantage Executive
Yes. The Citi AAdvantage Executive card is the way to go for most folks interested in Admirals Club access.That’s because you’ll get entry into Admirals Club lounges by paying the $450 annual fee on the Citi AAdvantage Executive card, which is less than the price you’d pay for a new (renewals are also $450) Admirals Club membership though American Airlines.
With all those added perks, it makes sense for Dave to sign-up for the Citi AAdvantage Executive card to gain access to the Admirals Club lounges, instead of paying for a membership.
That said, if David’s spouse or partner is an authorized user on his card, she or he can NOT enter Admirals Club lounges on their own. If a couple each want Admirals Club membership for their solo travels, it could make more sense to purchase a household membership from American Airlines ($825 new, $775 renewal) instead of having 2 Citi AAdvantage Executive accounts ($450 annual fee X 2 = $900).The Citi AAdvantage Executive card is an excellent value for folks who want access to Admirals Club lounges. That’s because you’ll get entry into airport lounges, 75,000 American Airlines miles when you complete the minimum spending, and other card perks, all for a $450 annual fee.
That’s a lower price than what you’d pay for an Admirals Club membership directly through American Airlines and with more benefits!
Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
Join the Discussion!