Let's take a look at this travel credit card deal:  The Citi Executive World Elite MasterCard.

The major benefits are:

• Admiral's Club (American Airlines/US Air) Admiral's Club lounge membership
• First domestic bag checked free
• 25% savings on in-flight purchases
• Earn 10,000 qualifying miles when $40,000 in purchases have been made (see comments on qualifying miles below)
• Earn 2x miles on qualifying AA or USAir purchases
• Priority checking/screening/boarding on AA, USAir and participating OneWorld partners
• Concierge services: dinner reservations, gift purchase/delivery
• No foreign transaction fees
• No award mileage accumulation cap.  Earn as many miles as you can

Cost:

• This card carries an annual fee of $450

Comments:

I own this card and use it as my primary travel credit card.   I think the major advantage is Admiral's Club membership.  If you fly as much as I do (over 75,000 miles per year) I encounter long waits, delays and layovers frequently.  The Admiral's Club lounge is of great benefit to me in this respect.  Note that the price for a new membership in the Admiral's Club is $400-$500 and renewal rates range from $350-$450.  Consider my previous credit card (without Admiral's Club membership) cost me $85 per year and the price for my Admiral's Club renewal is $400, it was a no-brainer for me to get the World Elite MasterCard.

I also like that I earn 10,000 qualifying miles after $40,000 is spent in a calendar year on the card.  Qualifying miles count towards my elite status on American Airlines.  All other miles earned (except on flights) do not count towards elite status.

There are a few things I DON'T LIKE about the "World" Elite MasterCard:

• It is hardly a "World" card:  it does not have the PIN/chip capability for it to be used in kiosks in train stations, for instance, overseas.  Also, only domestic bags are checked free.  Why they call this a "World" card is beyond me.
• I am in effect, paying for services I never use such as the concierge service.
• No companion certificates as offered in most of the other MasterCard deals.
• Benefits are primarily designed only for those who fly AA or USAir

So, if membership in the Admiral's Club is important, this is the card for you.

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