For many travelers, airport lounge access is crucial. It not only provides a space to relax before a journey but can also serve as an ideal place to be productive and get work done.
This is where American Admirals Club lounges come in. There are more than 50 of them worldwide, and you can get access by purchasing a day pass for a fee, using American Airlines AAdvantage miles or being a cardholder of the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees), as the card comes with four Admirals Club passes per calendar year.
However, the best way to access Admirals Clubs is through one specific credit card: the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees), which is the only card that can get you into Admirals Clubs. While it does come with a $595 annual fee, the exclusive lounge access might make it worth adding to your wallet.
Why this card is a winner
If you can’t get access to an Admirals Club from elite status or the class of service you’re flying, one option is to purchase a membership. Here is the annual pricing broken down by AAdvantage status level:
Cheaper than paying for an Admirals Club membership
While you could pay for Admirals Club membership, the best way to guarantee entry into Admirals Clubs is to have the Citi / AAdvantage Executive card. You’d actually save money by having the card versus paying for any of the membership options, plus you’d earn a lucrative welcome bonus if you’re eligible.
For instance, say you were considering purchasing an Admirals Club membership as a general AAdvantage member (with no elite status). Instead of paying $850 for access in your first year (and $800 to renew), you’d be better off applying for the Citi Executive card and paying the $595 annual fee per year, which would also give you additional perks as a cardholder.
The card currently offers 70,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $7,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, worth $1,085 based on TPG’s August 2025 valuations.
Related: Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard worth it?
Authorized user access
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive card allows you to add up to three authorized users for $175, then $175 for each additional authorized user. Authorized users can also access Admirals Clubs.
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This applies whether the primary cardholder is flying with that person or not, a fantastic perk that differs notably from similar premium cards offered by other U.S. carriers.
Note that while primary cardholders have access to all Admirals Clubs (over 50 worldwide) and partner lounges (about 60 worldwide, including Alaska Airlines lounges), authorized users only get access to Admirals Clubs. However, both the primary cardholder and each authorized user can bring immediate family members or up to two traveling guests into the lounge.
Other Citi Executive card perks
With this Citi card, you’ll also earn 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the AAdvantage hotel and car rental portals.
Additionally, cardholders earn 4 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
They also receive up to $120 in statement credits for eligible Grubhub purchases (up to $10 per month) and up to $120 in statement credits on prepaid Avis or Budget car rentals each calendar year.
The card comes with Group 4 priority boarding and your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
Plus, like many other premium cards, this one also offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit. You’ll get up to a $120 statement credit once every four years to reimburse your application fee.
Admirals Club restrictions
Entry into an Admirals Club is simple.
To enter, you need a Citi / AAdvantage Executive card, an Admirals Club membership or an Admirals Club pass as a Citi Strata Elite Card holder and a same-day boarding pass for American or one of its partners to access an Admirals Club before or after a flight.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Bottom line
As a frequent American Airlines or Oneworld alliance flyer, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive card is the best card for Admirals Club access, in addition to many other perks such as statement credits, Loyalty Point bonuses and decent earning rates.
It also stands out because it lets you share lounge access with friends and family. By adding authorized users for a reasonable fee, you can extend the card’s benefits in a way that an Admirals Club membership alone doesn’t allow.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
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