How to earn elite airline status with credit cards

• Welcome offer: 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
• Rewards rate: 4X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, plus 1X miles on other purchases; After spending $150,000 in a calendar year, cardmembers can earn a total of 5X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases for the remainder of the calendar year
• Additional rewards: 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through aa.com
• Annual fee: $595

While the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has a high annual fee of $595, this card offers automatic Admirals Club membership (valued up to $850) and a credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years. An enhanced airport experience is also included, with perks like priority check-in and boarding. Cardholders also get a first checked bag free, a dedicated concierge and 25 percent back on in-flight purchases, among other benefits.