Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
United Gateway Card vs Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase 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 ($590 more in estimated value) than the United Gateway Card's. Get the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard first; revisit the United Gateway Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $980 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $7,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Read the full review
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
$595/yr · 70,000 miles
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, United Gateway Card or Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard?
- The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has the bigger bonus, 70,000 miles, worth roughly $980, versus 30,000 miles (~$390) on the United Gateway Card.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard?
- The United Gateway 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 United Gateway Card.
- Can I have both the United Gateway Card and Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 United Gateway Card or the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $1,000 spend in 3 months. 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.