Choosing an airline rewards card is not easy. There are multiple things to consider, including how often you travel, where you’re traveling, how likely you are to use lounge access and how much the miles are actually worth.

Most major U.S. airlines have rewards cards that work in tiers. There is usually a starter card with no annual fee but low rewards. Then there is a mid-tier card with rewards and added benefits, like discounts to lounges. Finally, the highest-tier card comes with a hefty annual fee, high spend requirements to receive bonuses and really are only worth it for frequent travelers.

To choose the best airlines rewards card, Low Costlooked at airline rewards cards and compared them based on mile earnings, mile values, annual fees, discounts and additional benefits, including TSA Pre✔ or Global Entry credits. A great airline rewards card will also have no foreign transaction fee — what’s the point of taking a card with you on your travels if it will cost you big bucks to swipe it during your adventure?

The Citi/AAdvantage Executive Mastercard checked off every benefit on our list and then some — it pays Pre✔ or Global Entry in full. Instead of giving discounted access to its lounge as some other cards do, it gives complete access to the cardholder andauthorized users. This is an impressive card, and travelers who want to be rewarded for both domestic and international travel should consider being loyal to American Airlines with this card.

Rewards: Earn two miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases; earn one mile for every $1 spent on everything else.

Annual Fee: $450

Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, Admiral’s Club® membership (a value of up to $650)

Other Benefits or Drawbacks: This card comes with:

• Admirals Club membership ($650 value and includes access for authorized users)
• Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ application fee credit
• First bag checked free on domestic including for up to eight travel companions
• Priority boarding
• VIP check in including eight companions
• 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases.

One drawback: This card doesn’t offer companion certificates, as some other airline rewards cards do.