The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card are both premium airline credit cards that offer a suite of benefits to frequent travelers.
However, there are some key differences between the two cards – let's compare their features, benefits, protections and drawbacks.
General Comparison
The Citi/AAdvantage Executive card is associated with American Airlines' AAdvantage program, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently fly with American Airlines. Cardholders receive Admirals Club membership, providing access to premium airport lounges, enhancing the overall travel experience.
On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve caters specifically to frequent Delta Air Lines flyers, providing exclusive benefits like priority boarding and complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges.
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite | Delta SkyMiles Reserve | |
Annual Fee | $525 | $650. See Rates and Fees. |
Rewards | 10X AAdvantage® miles on eligible rental cars/hotels through aa.com, 4X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1X on all other purchases
| 3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta flights and Delta Vacations® with 1X miles on all other purchases. Terms Apply. |
Welcome bonus | 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months |
0% Intro APR | N/A | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0. See Rates and Fees. |
Purchase APR | 21.24% – 29.99% (Variable) | 20.99%-29.99% Variable
|
Read Review | Read Review |
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Compare Point Rewards: Which Card Wins?
Based on our analysis, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a clear winner here. Not only did it accumulate more points for the same spend and have a better points rewards ratio in almost every category, but American Airlines' miles value is greater than Delta's.
Spend Per Category | Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite | Delta SkyMiles Reserve |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 10,000 miles | 10,000 miles |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 5,000 miles | 5,000 miles |
$6,000 – Hotels | 60,000 miles | 18,000 miles |
$8,000 – Airline
| 32,000 miles | 24,000 miles |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 miles | 4,000 miles |
Total Points | 111,000 miles | 49,000 miles |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 mile ~1.5 cents | 1 mile ~ 1.3 cents
|
Estimated Annual Value | $1,665 | $637 |
Delta Reserve Card holders can redeem SkyMiles for flights with Delta and its partner airlines. Additionally, redeem miles for seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and merchandise through the Delta SkyMiles Marketplace, enhancing travel and lifestyle benefits.
The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite card lets you redeem miles for various travel options like flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. You can also use miles for merchandise, gift cards, or cash back, giving you flexibility.
Travel And Airline Benefits: Comparison
When it comes to extra travel perks and benefits, the Delta Reserve card offers more unique benefits. Both cards offer various statement credits, checked bag free, and priority boarding, while the Delta Reserve card also offers an annual companion certificate.
Here are the travel perks for each card:
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite
- First Checked Bag Free: Enjoy the benefit of a complimentary first checked bag on domestic American Airline itineraries for yourself and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
- Enhanced Airport Experience: Receive priority check-in, screening, and boarding privileges for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation, enhancing your overall airport experience.
- Admirals Club® Membership: Gain access to nearly 100 Admirals Club® and partner lounges worldwide, with the flexibility to bring immediate family or up to 2 guests.
- Dedicated Concierge: Access a dedicated concierge service for expert assistance with foreign and domestic travel, shopping, dining, household, and entertainment needs.
- TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry Application Fee Credit: Get a statement credit, up to $100 every 4 years, as reimbursement for your application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- 25% Savings on Inflight Food and Beverage: Receive a 25% savings on food and beverage purchases when using your card on American Airlines flights.
- Up to $120 in Lyft Credits: Earn a $10 Lyft credit after taking 3 eligible rides in a calendar month, for a total of up to $120 Lyft credits annually.
- Up to $120 Back on Eligible Avis® and Budget Car Rentals: Earn $1 statement credit per $1 spent on eligible Avis® and Budget car rental purchases, up to $120 every calendar year.
- Up to $120 Back on Eligible Grubhub Purchases: Earn a statement credit of up to $10 per monthly billing statement on eligible Grubhub purchases, totaling up to $120 every 12 billing statements.
- Loyalty Points Bonuses: Earn a 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year, and an additional 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- Annual Companion Certificate: When you renew your card, you'll receive a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin roundtrip flights in the U.S., Caribbean, or Central America.
- TakeOff 15: Save 15% on Award Travel when booking Delta flights (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
- First Checked Bag Free: Receive complimentary first checked bag on Delta flights.
- $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Get reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.
- 20% Back on In–flight Purchases: Receive a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- Delta Sky Club® Access:
Get free entry to the Delta Sky Club when you fly on a Delta flight on the same day. You'll also get four guest passes each year. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
- ShopRunner: Enjoy free 2-day shipping at 100+ online stores when you enroll in complimentary ShopRunner membership with your Delta Platinum card.
- Complimentary Access to Delta Centurion® Lounge – When you book your Delta flight with your Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge.
- Priority Boarding: enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on their Delta flights, allowing them to board early, secure overhead bin space for their carry-on luggage, and have a more relaxed start to their journey.
- Upgrade Priority – When you use your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, you will have priority over other Medallion members in the same Medallion level and fare class grouping.
- Access to Complimentary Upgrades – If you do not have Medallion Status, your Card automatically adds you to the Complimentary Upgrade list, which is prioritized over Medallion Members.
- $200 Delta Stays Credit: Every year, enjoy a $200 credit for eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Join the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program and enjoy the benefits of Hertz Five Star Status.
- $240 Resy Credit: Get a $240 credit for Resy, earning up to $20 in monthly credits on eligible Resy purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Get a $120 credit for rideshare services, with up to $10 back each month on U.S. rideshare purchases when using your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment is required.
- MQD Boost: Earn $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each year, getting you closer to elite status with MQD Headstart.
- MQD on Purchases: Earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 you spend on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year, helping you reach a higher Medallion Status for the next year.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Travel Insurance And Protections: Comparison
When it comes to travel insurance and protections, Delta Reserve card coverage is better than Citi Executive card coverage. Here are the protections for both cards:
$0 Liability On Unauthorized Charges: ensuring you are not held responsible for charges you did not authorize.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you reserve and pay for a rental vehicle with your Card, declining the rental counter's collision damage waiver, you can be protected against damage or theft in specific regions, subject to certain exclusions and limitations
Trip Delay Insurance: If your trip faces a delay of more than 6 hours due to a covered reason and you paid for the round-trip with your Eligible Card.
Baggage Insurance Plan: When you purchase a common carrier vehicle ticket with your Eligible Card, you can receive coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Buying a round-trip with your Card can assist in the event of trip cancellation or interruption, following the specified terms and conditions.
However, there are protections that are available only for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card:
- Cell Phone Protection: Get reimbursed for cell phone repair or replacement (including cracked screens) up to $800 per claim, with a maximum of 2 approved claims per 12-month period, provided your cell phone line is on a wireless bill paid by your Eligible Card Account, subject to a $50 deductible.
- Return Protection: You can return eligible purchases to Amex if the seller won't accept them, within 90 days from the date of purchase, for a refund of up to $300 per item, with a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, when purchased entirely with your eligible Amex Card.
- Purchase Protection: Covered Purchases made with your Eligible Card are protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date, covering accidental damage, theft, or loss, up to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year.
- Extended Warranty: For Covered Purchases, your Eligible Card extends the original manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year, applicable to warranties of 5 years or less, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per calendar year.
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When You Might Want The Citi/AAdvantage Executive?
You might prefer the Citi/AAdvantage Executive over the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card in the following situations:
You're A Frequent American Airlines Traveler: If you find yourself consistently flying with American Airlines, the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is a preferable choice. It offers Admirals Club membership, providing exclusive lounge access, making it ideal for those who frequently use American Airlines lounges.
You Want Better Rewards Value: According to our analysis, the Citi Executive card annual point worth is much higher compared to Delta. So If you're looking to maximize your miles, this may be a better option.
You Fly With Oneworld alliance Airlines: If you frequently travel with airlines within the Oneworld alliance (of which American Airlines is a part), the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card can offer added value. The AAdvantage program provides opportunities for earning and redeeming miles with various Oneworld partner airlines, expanding your travel options and benefits beyond American Airlines.
When You Might Want The Delta SkyMiles Reserve?
You might prefer the Delta SkyMiles Reserve over the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card in the following situations:
You're Dedicated Delta Flyer: If Delta Air Lines is your preferred airline, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is a better choice. It offers exclusive Delta-related perks, such as complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges, enhancing the overall travel experience for loyal Delta flyers.
You Want Companion Travel Benefits: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card provides an annual companion certificate, allowing you to bring a companion on a domestic round-trip flight. If you frequently travel with a partner or friend, this benefit can significantly enhance the value of the card.
You Want Better Travel Protections: The Delta Reserve card offers a broader coverage than the Citi executive card, making it a preferred choice for those who need broad travel insurance coverage.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a travel rewards credit card– there are some excellent alternatives you may want to consider:
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Capital One Venture X Rewards | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates & Fees | $95
| $395 |
Rewards |
1X – 5X
5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
|
2X – 5X
5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services. 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
| 1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
|
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| 75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0. See Rates & Fees | $0
| $0
|
Purchase APR | 21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable | 21.24%–28.24% variable APR
| 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) |
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