Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Review: Tailored for Frequent Flyers

Features

• Card Type: Airline.
• Annual Fee: $0 introductory rate for the first year, then $99.
• Sign-up Bonus: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months.
• 2 Miles per $1 spent on:
  • American Airlines purchases.
  • Restaurant and gas station expenditures.
• 1 Mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Benefits

• First Checked Bag Free: Valid for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation.
• $125 Flight Discount: Available after $20,000 spent in a year and card renewal.
• Priority Boarding: On American Airlines flights.
• In-Flight Savings: Receive a 25% discount on food and beverage purchases on flights.

Financials

• Interest Rate: Variable APR of 21.24%-29.99%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None, making it suitable for international travelers.

Drawbacks

• Annual Fee: After the first year, the ongoing fee could outweigh the benefits if not fully utilized.
• Limited Reward Flexibility: Best rewards tied to airline-specific purchases.

Summary

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers significant value, especially for American Airlines loyalists. The rewards program and travel benefits can easily offset the annual fee for frequent travelers, making it an appealing option for those who often fly with American Airlines and can make full use of the card’s perks.