Beta

Every feature is free during beta. No credit card, no catch.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Both are airline travel cards. The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard comes from Citi at $595/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card from American Express at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureCiti / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MastercardDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Annual fee$595$150
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles80,000 bonus miles
Bonus value (est.)$980$960
Min spend to unlock bonus$7,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 6 mo
IssuerCitiAmerican Express
Card categoryairlineairline
Best earning category (American)4x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Admirals Club membership
  • Free bag for 9 travelers
  • $360 in Lyft+Grubhub+Avis credits
  • Global Entry credit
  • Free first checked bag
  • $200 Delta flight credit
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on restaurants & groceries
Read the full review
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
$595/yr · 70,000 miles
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus 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.

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has the bigger bonus, 70,000 miles, worth roughly $980, versus 80,000 bonus miles (~$960) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard's $595 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
Premium cards like the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard ($595/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $595+ of those credits, the math works. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and American Express) 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 Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: $7,000 spend in 3 months. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $3,000 in 6 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.