lkar

So, if you apply today, do you lock in the lower annual fee and AUs for a year? Seems like it has to be yes, since that is what the advertised offer says.

If you value AA miles it would be kind of stupid since the sign up bonus goes up by 50k, but the spend also goes up to $10k. I still can’t see why anyone would do this, but interesting.

dw

Yes; card issuers can’t increase AFs during the first 12 months so you’ll lock in the $450 and any AUs you add right away for the first year

pubsmeister

As someone in the AA ecosystem with both the Executive and Aviator Silver cards and now at about 90k loyalty points in the current year my immediate take on the implications of the changes:
1. Stop spending on this card now. I'm at 23k on the way to 40k (to get the LP boost); this no longer seems necessary. Will focus on Aviator Silver spend to hit it's LP bonus thresholds.
2. At some point in time after July 23rd I should get a 20k LP boost based on my Loyalty point balance. That will be sweet.
3. My annual fee typically posts mid August. As has been speculated, I'm guessing no change to the annual fee or authorized user fee this year, but will kick in next year- we shall see.

Assuming this is correct will definitely renew for this year, and the more difficult decision will be next year. Currently have 5 AU's and if keeping the card will definitely pare down to 3 at the most. Thoughts?

moe8555

Would also love to understand this better+1

pcoll

I applied today and was very surprised to get denial. Applied through my Citi account portal.
I have always received cards applied for, including CSR.
Credit score above 800, I am far below 5/24 card restriction. No hard pulls in the last year.
Response with Denial said they would send email within 15 days with explanation for denial.

I wonder if Citi or AA has put a hold on approvals for this card until the AF increase goes into effect at the end of the month.

berombeu

1 person got approved on 7/12 with 30k limit.
source: myficoforum.

lkar

Interesting. Just curious why you applied now instead of waiting -- were you thinking of adding a larger number of AUs such that the extra 50k mile sign up bonus is not worth it?

diver858

Appears to be an effort to get those of us who pay the AF as discounted Admirals Club membership, keep the card in the sock drawer to start using it (Lyft, Grubhub, etc.). I have until May to decide, but as most of my travel is now on Alaska, no need for LPs as a LT PLT, renewal is highly unlikely.

Gaucho100K

Sorry if this has been asked before, but does anybody know if there is a similar overhaul for the Citi AAdvantage Business Cards.....?

Thanks !!

mia

The Executive card exists because of the bundled Admirals Club membership. It competes with the United Club and Delta Reserve cards. There is no indication that Citi is changing the other AAdvantage cards (Platinum, MileUp. Business) at this time.

Gaucho100K

Thanks.... not what I wanted to hear but its good to know the facts.

pcoll

I had my financial advisor look into this. Turns out that “a lack of installment loans” was the reason for decline. All houses and cars are paid and no outstanding debt. Revolving credit cards do not qualify as installment product.
Interesting to see a good credit risk be declined for lack of debt.

mia

This can lower a credit score, but it is probably not the sole reason for a decline. Did any of your card accounts show a balance at the time of the application? Citi will decline if it appears that you are not using existing accounts.

nall

Weirdly there's no business version of the Executive Card, like Delta and United have.

econ

So you only get the Lyft credit on the 4th ride of the month? And I assume the first 3 would have to charged to the Exec card?