Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card Review

In today’s dynamic financial landscape, credit cards have evolved from simple plastic payment methods to complex financial instruments offering a myriad of benefits. One card that stands out for frequent travelers, especially those loyal to American Airlines, is the Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. This review will delve into the finer details of this credit card, providing you with a comprehensive analysis based on my expertise and unique insights as a financial expert.

Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Key Takeaways

Before diving into the detailed review, let’s look at the key takeaways of the Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®:
1. Reward Structure:
– 2x Miles for every $1 spent at restaurants and gas stations.
– 2x Miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
– 1x Mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
2. Sign-Up Bonus:
– Earn 50,000 bonus miles after making $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
3. Annual Fee:
– The card comes with an annual fee of $99.
4. Interest Rates:
– Variable APR ranging from 21.24% to 29.99%.
5. Additional Benefits:
– $125 American Airlines Flight Discount.
– First Checked Bag Free for you and up to 4 companions on the same reservation.
– Preferred Boarding on American Airlines flights.
– 25% Savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases.
6. Credit Score Requirement:
– Requires a Good to Excellent credit score (670-799).
With these key points in mind, let’s delve deeper into the pros and cons, benefits, and overall value of the Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®.

Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. No Foreign Transaction Fee:
– This is an excellent feature for international travelers, as you won’t incur additional charges when making purchases abroad.
2. Enhanced Rewards on Dining and Gas:
– The 2x miles on dining and gas station purchases ensure you earn rewards even when you’re not traveling.
3. Sign-Up Bonus:
– The 50,000 bonus miles for spending just $2,500 in the first three months is a lucrative offer.
4. Travel Perks:
– Benefits like the $125 flight discount, free first checked bag, and preferred boarding enhance the travel experience.
5. Increased Miles on American Airlines Purchases:
– If you frequently fly with American Airlines, the 2x miles on eligible purchases can add up quickly.

Cons:

1. Annual Fee:
– The $99 annual fee might be a deterrent for some users, especially those who don’t travel frequently.
2. No Intro APR:
– The lack of an introductory APR offer on purchases or balance transfers can be a disadvantage compared to other cards.
3. No Lounge Access:
– Unlike some premium travel cards, this card does not offer complimentary lounge access.
4. Variable Interest Rates:
– The high variable APR (21.24% – 29.99%) can be a significant drawback if you carry a balance.

Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Benefits

While the pros and cons give a balanced view, the benefits of the Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® are where the card truly shines, especially for frequent American Airlines travelers.

Travel Benefits

1. $125 American Airlines Flight Discount:
– After spending $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renewing your card, you will receive a $125 American Airlines flight discount. This benefit can easily offset the annual fee and provide additional savings for your travel expenses.
2. First Checked Bag Free:
– On domestic American Airlines itineraries, the first checked bag is free for you and up to four companions on the same reservation. Given that checked baggage fees typically range from $25 to $30 per bag, this benefit can result in substantial savings.
3. Preferred Boarding:
– Preferred boarding allows you to board earlier, securing overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage and giving you more time to settle in. This can be particularly valuable during busy travel seasons.
4. 25% Savings on In-flight Purchases:
– When you use your card to purchase food and beverages on American Airlines flights, you receive a 25% discount. This is a nice perk for frequent flyers who often find themselves purchasing in-flight refreshments.

Reward Structure

1. 2x Miles at Restaurants and Gas Stations:
– Earning double miles on dining and gas station purchases makes this card valuable even when you’re not traveling. This can be a significant advantage for those who spend a lot in these categories.
2. 2x Miles on Eligible American Airlines Purchases:
– For those who frequently fly with American Airlines, earning double miles on tickets and other eligible purchases can quickly accumulate, allowing you to redeem miles for flights and other rewards sooner.
3. 1x Mile on All Other Purchases:
– While not as lucrative as the double miles categories, earning one mile per dollar on all other purchases ensures that every dollar you spend contributes to your mileage balance.

Additional Perks

1. Fraud Protection:
– Citi offers robust fraud protection, ensuring that you are not held responsible for unauthorized charges on your card.
2. Purchase Protection:
– This benefit covers your new purchases against damage or theft for a certain period, providing peace of mind when shopping.
3. Travel Assistant:
– As a cardholder, you have access to a 24/7 travel assistant who can help with booking travel, making reservations, and providing other travel-related services.

Rate and Fee Information

1. Purchase Intro APR: None
2. Purchase APR: 21.24% – 29.99% Variable
3. Intro Balance Transfer APR: None
4. Balance Transfers APR: 21.24% – 29.99% Variable
5. APR for Cash Advances: 29.99% Variable

Fees:

1. Annual Fee: $99 annually
2. Fees for Balance Transfer: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
3. Fees for Cash Advances: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
4. Penalty Fees:
– Return Payment: Up to $41
– Late Payment: Up to $41

Conclusion

The Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a compelling option for frequent American Airlines travelers and those who spend significantly on dining and gas. The card’s robust reward structure, valuable travel benefits, and generous sign-up bonus make it a strong contender in the travel credit card market.
However, the card’s $99 annual fee and high variable APR might be a deterrent for those who do not travel frequently or carry a balance. Additionally, the lack of an introductory APR offer and lounge access are areas where the card falls short compared to some premium travel cards.
In summary, if you are a loyal American Airlines customer who frequently dines out and spends on gas, the Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® can provide substantial value. The travel perks, including the $125 flight discount, free checked bag, and preferred boarding, can significantly enhance your travel experience and offset the card’s annual fee.
As with any financial product, it is crucial to assess your spending habits and travel preferences to determine if this card aligns with your needs. For those who fit the target profile, the Citi AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers a rewarding and convenient way to earn miles and enjoy enhanced travel benefits.