Citibank Raises Citi/AAdvantage Card Annual Fee
The annual fee for the travel rewards credit card has increased from $99 to $150.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Credit Cards
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Citibank has officially raised the annual fee for its Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard to $150. Despite the price hike, the card now includes added perks such as travel protections and a Walmart+ membership.
Why it matters
The fee adjustment is intended to offset the cost of providing enhanced benefits and ongoing account management to cardholders. Customers are now receiving additional travel credits and shopping incentives alongside the increased subscription cost.
The new $150 annual fee replaces the previous $99 charge, though the card retains a $0 introductory fee for the first 12 months. New cardholder benefits include a Walmart+ membership valued at $98.
The players
Citibank
This major global financial services company is the issuer of the Citi/AAdvantage credit card line.
The details
The card now includes new travel protections and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit to accompany its bonus earning categories. Citibank implemented these changes to provide more value-added services for its user base.
Timeline
In 2024, cardholders across the United States incurred $31 billion in total credit card fees.
Total annual fees charged reached $8.7 billion during 2024.
The updated $150 annual fee for the card took effect in October 2026.
Market Dynamics
This adjustment follows the trend identified in the 2024 CFPB report on total annual credit card fees, which highlights an ongoing rise in charges across the financial sector. This increase marks a departure from lower-fee models as issuers look to bundle more premium perks.
Cardholders will face a $150 annual charge after the first year, making it essential to assess if the new $98 Walmart+ value and travel credits align with individual spending. Those holding this card should review their personal finance budgets to account for the $51 increase compared to the previous year.
The takeaway
Consumers should prioritize cards that offer tangible credits that exceed the annual fee to ensure long-term value. Regularly auditing your credit card portfolio helps determine if a premium card is still cost-effective after a price adjustment.
Further reading
For more information on managing card expenses, visit the Credit Cards section.
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