Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive

The $695 annual fee is significant, but it makes complete sense for dedicated American Airlines flyers who want Admirals Club access. Because an individual lounge membership often costs more than this card's annual fee on its own, frequent flyers easily unlock positive value from the start. Priority airport screening, priority boarding, and free checked bags for up to eight travel companions on the same reservation add considerable convenience for families or frequent group travel.

To help offset the cost further, the card includes up to $180 in Lyft credits, up to $120 in car rental statement credits, and up to $500 toward American Airlines Vacations. If you do not regularly fly American Airlines or prefer flexible travel rewards that can be transferred across multiple airlines, a broader multi-airline travel card will be a much better fit.