The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® is the latest addition to American Airlines and Citi’s co-branded credit card lineup. This card occupies a middle ground in the premium travel space, offering substantial perks alongside a $350 annual fee. The question for potential applicants is simple: do the benefits justify the cost?
Core Benefits & Welcome Bonus
The most compelling reason to consider this card is its generous welcome bonus: 90,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $5,000 within the first four months. Valued at around $1,350 (assuming 1.5 cents per mile), this bonus alone can offset the annual fee for over three years.
Eligibility for the bonus is wide open, as the card is newly released, meaning most applicants should qualify even if they’ve recently received bonuses from other airline cards. Citi does enforce standard application rules (one card every eight days, two every 65 days).
Earning Rewards & Elite Status
The Citi AAdvantage Globe Card rewards spending with a tiered structure:
- 6x Miles: AAdvantage Hotels
- 3x Miles: American Airlines purchases
- 2x Miles: Restaurants & select transportation (rideshares, taxis, public transit)
- 1x Miles: All other purchases
Beyond miles, the card accelerates AAdvantage elite status through Loyalty Points. Every dollar spent earns 1 Loyalty Point, bringing you closer to Gold (40,000 points), Platinum (75,000), Platinum Pro (125,000), or Executive Platinum (200,000) status.
The card also offers a unique Flight Streak bonus : up to 15,000 Loyalty Points per year by completing as few as 12 qualifying American Airlines flights. This is a significant perk for frequent flyers, and it’s earned regardless of spending.
Key Perks: Lounge Access, Credits & More
The Citi AAdvantage Globe Card provides a suite of benefits that add value for many travelers. The card offers four annual Admirals Club Globe Passes, granting access to American Airlines lounges for day trips.
Additional perks include:
- $99 Companion Certificate: Annually, for roundtrip economy travel within the lower 48 states.
- Free First Checked Bag: For the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
- Preferred Boarding: Group 5 boarding on American Airlines flights.
- Up to $240 Back on Turo: $30 statement credits per eligible rental.
- Up to $100 Back on Inflight Purchases: Food, drinks, Wi-Fi on American Airlines.
- Up to $100 Annual Splurge Credit: At select retailers (1stDibs, AAdvantage Hotels, etc.).
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Every four years.
Is It Worth The $350 Fee?
The Citi AAdvantage Globe Card’s value depends on individual spending habits and travel patterns. The first year is strong due to the welcome bonus, and benefits like the Admirals Club passes, baggage allowance, and credits can quickly offset the annual fee for frequent American Airlines flyers.
The card’s sweet spot is for those who fly American Airlines several times a year, take advantage of lounge access, and can utilize the statement credits on inflight purchases or car rentals. If you don’t use these perks, the annual fee may outweigh the benefits.
Ultimately, the Citi AAdvantage Globe Card is a well-rounded travel card that rewards loyalty to American Airlines. If you’re a mid-tier flyer looking for a premium card with substantial benefits, it’s worth considering – especially with the current welcome bonus.
