Originally Posted by
garfangle
The World Elite side of the card provides for a free basic Priority Pass membership which can be used at all the non-Admirals and Crown venues (though at a cost of $27 per stay). ...Costco only accept Amex, so you'll need at least one Amex-branded card to shop in its stores. Why no go with the best?...$135K use Amex Blue Cash (min. $1960 cash back)
I'm not persuaded that avoiding annual fees when spending $200,000 is important, but let's start with that assumption.
At $27 per visit the WEMC basic Priority Pass is false economy if you use those lounges more than one visit per month. It would be less expensive to pay for a full membership or for a credit card that includes it. The Merrill+ lounge access is for AA -or- DL, not both. DL includes reciprocal access to all CO and NW clubs. However, if you fly AA the best strategy would seem to be to pair an Admirals Club membership with a full Priority Pass because all DL and many CO and NW lounges participate in Priority Pass. The Priority Pass bundled with the Citi Chairman card ($500) is attractive because it includes two guests per visit, otherwise $27 per person.
If you shop at Costco, and already pay the membership fee, you could increase the cash back by adding the Costco American Express card. No annual fee, and a better return than Blue Cash on travel and dining transactions. If you choose the Business version there are additional savings.