If you frequently travel with American Airlines, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® is a premium option that offers more than just basic airline card perks. While it comes with a higher annual fee of $350, it provides additional benefits like a companion certificate, elite status boosts, lounge passes, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit, and more.
New applicants can take advantage of a welcome offer: Earn 90,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 4 months of account opening.
Here are five reasons why the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® could be a great fit for you.
1. Enjoy enhanced benefits when flying with American Airlines
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® offers perks that can elevate your travel experience with the airline, such as complimentary checked bags, lounge access, priority boarding, and statement credits for in-flight purchases.
Cardholders receive a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights and Group 5 preferred boarding. These benefits extend to up to eight companions on the same reservation.
You also get four Admirals Club Globe passes annually, granting access to American’s Admirals Clubs. While not the most luxurious lounges, they offer a comfortable place to relax before a flight or during layovers.
Each pass is valid for 24 hours, allowing you to visit multiple Admirals Clubs. You can also bring up to three children under 18 for free with your pass.
Additionally, you receive up to $100 in statement credits for in-flight purchases annually on domestic American Airlines flights when using your card. These credits can be used for Wi-Fi, onboard food and beverage, and more.
2. Earn bonus AAdvantage miles on everyday spending
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® allows you to earn AAdvantage miles on all purchases. You’ll earn at least 1 mile per $1 spent, with additional miles on specific categories:
-
6 miles per $1 on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings.
-
3 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases.
-
2 miles per $1 on dining (including takeout and delivery) and “Rides and Rails” purchases like taxis and rideshares.
3. Bring a companion for $99 + taxes and fees
After your first card renewal, you’ll receive an annual American Airlines companion certificate. This certificate allows you to bring a companion on a round-trip domestic flight in the main cabin for just $99 plus taxes and fees.
The potential savings from this companion certificate can offset the annual fee, especially for expensive flights. For example, on a trip to Hawaii, you could save hundreds of dollars on two round-trip tickets.
4. Earn statement credits for travel and lifestyle expenses
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® offers statement credits for various travel and lifestyle purchases. These credits can add up to significant savings if utilized effectively.
Here’s what the card provides:
-
Up to $100 splurge credit annually for eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings, 1stDibs, Future Personal Training, and Live Nation.
-
Up to $240 in statement credits for Turo car-sharing service, with $30 credited per eligible completed trip.
The Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit is a common perk among travel credit cards. Additionally, the splurge credit and Turo credits can be valuable if used wisely. For example, booking AAdvantage Hotels can earn you extra miles and loyalty points.
5. Accelerate your journey to American elite status
The card rewards you with 5,000 Loyalty Points after every four American Airlines flight segments. You can earn up to 15,000 Loyalty Points annually through the Flight Streak bonus.
To qualify, flights must be marketed or operated by American Airlines and eligible for AAdvantage miles. Award flights do not count towards this bonus.
By maxing out the Flight Streak bonus, you can earn enough Loyalty Points to progress towards Gold or Platinum status.
Benefits of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® offers a range of benefits for frequent American Airlines travelers, including airport perks, bonus miles, and opportunities to earn elite status faster. The companion certificate alone can provide substantial savings, making the annual fee worthwhile.
Additionally, the card provides travel protection benefits for added peace of mind during your journeys. Remember to use your card for coverage to be eligible for these benefits.
Image courtesy of American Airlines.