A new wave of airline credit cards has arrived, and they’re surprisingly compelling – even for those who typically avoid airline loyalty programs. Two cards, in particular, stand out, offering exceptional value and sparking a difficult decision: which one to choose?
The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card, geared towards Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flyers, and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®, an American Airlines product, both present a strong case for themselves. These aren’t just incremental improvements; they’re genuinely impressive offerings.
Let’s begin with the welcome bonuses. The Atmos Rewards Summit currently offers 80,000 bonus points plus a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days. The Citi / AAdvantage Globe counters with a limited-time bonus of 90,000 miles after $5,000 in purchases within four months.
The annual fees are competitive, with the Atmos Rewards Summit at $395 and the Citi / AAdvantage Globe at $350. However, the true value lies in how you’ll *use* the cards. The earning rates differ significantly, catering to distinct spending patterns.
The Atmos Rewards Summit shines with 3 points per dollar on dining and foreign transactions, plus 3 points on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines purchases. All other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The Citi / AAdvantage Globe, conversely, offers 6 miles per dollar on AAdvantage hotel bookings, 3 miles on American Airlines purchases, and 2 miles on transit and dining.
Beyond earning, both cards deliver valuable benefits. The Atmos Rewards Summit includes an annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award for domestic travel, eight Alaska Lounge passes annually, preferred boarding, and a free checked bag for you and up to six guests. It also provides 10,000 status points each year and a credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
The Citi / AAdvantage Globe offers an annual companion certificate (with a $99 fee plus taxes and fees), four Admirals Club lounge passes, preferred boarding, and a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions. It also includes statement credits for inflight purchases and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck.
When evaluating the welcome bonuses, the Atmos Rewards Summit appears to have the edge, valued at $1,628 including the companion award, compared to the Citi / AAdvantage Globe’s $1,485. However, the best choice depends on how you’ll utilize the companion award – its value diminishes if you typically travel solo.
Lounge access is a key benefit on both cards. The Atmos Rewards Summit provides eight Alaska Lounge passes, shareable with friends and family. The Citi / AAdvantage Globe offers four Admirals Club passes, usable across multiple lounges during a single travel day.
The Atmos Rewards Summit further sweetens the deal with its annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award, and a second award for those who spend over $60,000 annually. The Citi / AAdvantage Globe’s companion certificate is available starting in year two of card membership.
For those pursuing elite status, the Atmos Rewards Summit offers 10,000 status points annually. The Citi / AAdvantage Globe provides Flight Streak Loyalty Points based on eligible American Airlines flights.
Both cards waive foreign transaction fees, but the Atmos Rewards Summit earns 3 points per dollar on *all* foreign transactions, a significant advantage for international travelers. Additional perks include car rental coverage and travel protections.
Considering all factors, the Atmos Rewards Summit emerges as the stronger overall offering. Its combination of a potentially more valuable welcome bonus, generous earning rates, and unique benefits like the companion award make it a compelling choice.
However, the Citi / AAdvantage Globe remains a strong contender, particularly for loyal American Airlines flyers. The decision ultimately hinges on your individual travel habits and preferences. If you fly both airlines frequently, acquiring both cards could maximize your rewards.
Ultimately, both the Atmos Rewards Summit and the Citi / AAdvantage Globe represent a new standard for airline credit cards. They’re worth a close look, even if you’ve previously dismissed this category. The right card can unlock significant value and elevate your travel experience.
