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Side-by-side

Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card vs Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card comes from First Bank & Trust at $0/yr; the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard from Citi at $595/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($980 more in estimated value) than the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card's. Get the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard first; revisit the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureBest Western Rewards Visa Signature CardCiti / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee$0$595
Sign-up bonusNot advertised70,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)-$980
Min spend to unlock bonus-$7,000 in 3 mo
IssuerFirst Bank & TrustCiti
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Best_western_hotels)4x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • Admirals Club membership
    • Free bag for 9 travelers
    • $360 in Lyft+Grubhub+Avis credits
    • Global Entry credit
    Read the full review
    Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card
    $0/yr ·
    Read the full review
    Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
    $595/yr · 70,000 miles

    Editorial take: Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card

    Editorial take: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

    Pure Admirals Club access card. If you spend more than ~$850/year on lounge passes or visit AA hubs frequently, the $595 fee is a layup. The 2024 refresh added ~$360/year in Lyft/Grubhub/Avis credits that often go unclaimed, plus the free checked bag for 9 travelers is undersold for family travelers.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card or Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard?
    The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has a public bonus (70,000 miles, worth roughly $980), while the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard?
    The Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard's $595 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard's benefits to clear $595 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card.
    Can I have both the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card and Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (First Bank & Trust and Citi) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card: no published min spend. Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: $7,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.