Discover the New Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard with 90,000-Mile Bonus

Citi and American Airlines have just unveiled the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®, a new addition to their cobranded credit card lineup that caters to the needs of mid-tier travelers. Launching today, this card promises to enhance the travel experience for those who fly with American Airlines regularly but don’t require the full suite of premium benefits offered by top-tier cards.

This year has been eventful for Citi, marked by the introduction of the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card in July and the announcement that Citi will become the sole issuer of AAdvantage credit cards starting next year, following Barclays’ exit from the partnership. The Globe card is a strategic move designed to strengthen Citi’s relationship with American Airlines and provide valuable offerings to travelers who fly at least once a quarter.

John LaCosta, Citi’s head of cobranded partnerships, explained the card’s vision: “One was elevated travel, get people that experience in those premium benefits, maximize their earning potential to get status quicker with Loyalty Points, and provide flexibility around the value we provide.”

The Globe card is tailored for those who may not need full Admirals Club membership but still want to enjoy significant travel perks. It comes with a generous welcome bonus of 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 within the first four months of account opening, which is one of the more appealing offers in the mid-tier credit card market. Based on current valuations, this bonus is worth approximately $1,395.

The annual fee for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® is set at $350, aligning it with other mid-tier airline cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the United Quest℠ Card. This pricing structure positions the Globe card as an attractive option for travelers seeking meaningful benefits without the steep fees associated with premium cards.

One of the standout features of the Globe card is the inclusion of four Admirals Club passes each calendar year. Each pass allows access to the lounges for 24 hours, making it particularly beneficial for travelers with connecting flights. For instance, if you’re traveling from Atlanta to London with a layover in Philadelphia, you can use one pass to access lounges at both airports on the same day. While Admirals Club day passes typically retail for $79 each, their value can be estimated at around $35 per visit, totaling about $140 in value annually—representing a significant portion of the card’s fee.

In addition to lounge access, the card offers other travel benefits, although its earning rates may not be the most competitive. Cardholders will earn:

– 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases
– 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases

While these earning rates may not stand out compared to general travel rewards cards, the Globe card shines when it comes to earning elite status. After every four eligible American Airlines flights, cardholders will receive a 5,000 “Flight Streak” Loyalty Point boost, up to three times per year for a total of 15,000 Loyalty Points. Additionally, cardholders will earn one Loyalty Point for every mile earned on the card, making it a valuable tool for those aiming to reach or maintain elite status.

The card also features an up to $100 Annual Splurge Credit, allowing cardholders to select two merchants each year for added benefits. Since this credit resets annually, new cardholders can take advantage of it twice in their first year, potentially yielding up to $200 in value. Furthermore, the card includes a Turo credit, offering up to $30 per rental for up to eight rentals a year, translating to $240 in annual credits. However, potential users should be cautious, as Turo rentals often come with limited coverage for damages, and relying solely on this credit may not be advisable.

Additional perks include no foreign transaction fees and standard travel protections such as baggage, car rental, and trip delay coverage, as well as extended warranty and purchase protection.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® fills a niche in Citi’s AAdvantage portfolio, catering to travelers who fly frequently enough to appreciate lounge access and additional loyalty points but do not require the extensive benefits offered by the Executive card. Scott Long, American’s senior vice president of AAdvantage, noted, “We think it’s a real diverse population of customers that would be excited for this card.”

For those who value lounge passes, a companion ticket, and statement credits without the hefty price tag associated with premium cards, the Globe card is a sensible option. However, if you’re a casual traveler who doesn’t fly American Airlines often enough to utilize these benefits or if you prefer unlimited lounge access, the Executive card may be a better fit.

Applying for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® is straightforward, and it is possible to hold multiple Citi or Barclays cobranded AAdvantage cards simultaneously. A credit score of at least 670 is recommended for the best chance of approval, and applicants should be mindful of Citi’s sensitivity to recent inquiries when submitting applications.

In summary, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® is a valuable addition to the AAdvantage lineup, offering a balance of perks and a substantial welcome bonus for mid-tier travelers. As Citi prepares to become the exclusive issuer of AAdvantage credit cards, this launch underscores their commitment to enhancing the travel experience for American Airlines customers.

While the $350 annual fee can be justified for those who will take full advantage of the card’s offerings, it may not be the right choice for those seeking a low-cost way to earn American Airlines miles. The Globe card represents a thoughtful approach to catering to the needs of semi-frequent travelers, providing meaningful benefits without overwhelming them with features they may not use.