Originally Posted by teemuflyer

Only the original/primary card holder gets the Admirals Club printed on their card, since they are the only ones granted reciprocal access rights to some other lounges such as AS and QF. Authorized users do not get this benefit, so this makes it easier for those other lounge attendants to quickly determine eligibility.

Originally Posted by skydve1

You are correct - You only get Admirals Club access (plus guests per their policy) ... no free bags, no priority boarding, etc.

Also - the primary cardholder can have their picture taken at an Admirals Club so it pops up when they hand over their card, boarding pass or AA #. This speeds entry up since they won't have to show a photo ID. Authorized users have to show their ID.