American Airlines, Citi and Mastercard announced on August 3, 2026 that the
Citi AAdvantage Executive Mastercard is getting a benefits refresh along with a
higher price. The annual fee goes to $695 effective August 23, 2026, up
from the $595 it has carried since the 2023 refresh. American says the
updated card carries up to $2,300 in stated value, and the card is being
positioned on Mastercard's World Legend tier.
What is being added
The largest new credit is up to $500 back annually on eligible American
Airlines Vacations purchases. Cardmembers also get up to $100 back on
inflight purchases and eligible Admirals Club purchases.
Two existing perks get bigger. Lyft credits rise to up to $180 a year, up
from $120. Bookings through AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars now earn
12X AAdvantage miles instead of 10X.The status track also improves. New Loyalty Point milestones let cardmembers
earn up to 40,000 bonus Loyalty Points a year toward AAdvantage status,
double the previous 20,000 cap.
Two hotel and car partnerships join the card: Omni Hotels and Resorts Champion
status with an annual free night reward, and complimentary Avis President's
Club status.
What stays
Admirals Club membership remains included, covering unlimited lounge visits for
the primary cardmember plus up to two guests. American continues to describe it
as the only card that bundles Admirals Club membership.
The announcement does not list any benefits being removed. Cardholders who
renew on or after August 23 will pay the new fee, so anyone weighing whether
the added credits cover the extra $100 has until their next renewal date to
decide.