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Although there are many advantages to Mastercard-branded credit cards, Mastercard doesn’t actually provide the majority of its features. Thats because Mastercard is a payment network rather than a card issuer. The majority of the benefits on a credit card are supplied by the bank that issues it, such as Citi, Capital One, or your neighborhood bank. Mastercard just processes the transactions.
The World tier has the largest value increase, and World Elite adds a few more perks from more merchants.
The benefits below are those listed as available for Mastercard-branded cards as of April 2024. Two things are important to note, though:
Unlocking the World of Exclusive Benefits and Experiences
The World Elite Mastercard® is a premium credit card designed for individuals who value exceptional benefits and experiences. It offers a comprehensive suite of perks, including travel insurance, concierge services, airport lounge access, and more. But who qualifies for this prestigious card?
Eligibility Requirements:
Generally speaking, you must have excellent or good credit with a FICO score of 670 or higher in order to be eligible for a World Elite Mastercard®. Certain issuers might be subject to extra conditions, like a minimum income threshold or a particular bond with the issuing bank.
Benefits and Features:
The World Elite Mastercard® offers a wide range of benefits and features, including:
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and more.
- Concierge Services: 24/7 access to a dedicated concierge who can assist with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, and other requests.
- Airport Lounge Access: Access to airport lounges worldwide, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment before your flight.
- Global Customer Service: 24/7 customer service support in multiple languages.
- Purchase Protection: Protection against damage or theft for eligible purchases.
- Extended Warranty: Extended warranty coverage for eligible purchases.
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection: Comprehensive identity theft protection services.
- Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services: Access to exclusive travel and lifestyle offers, including discounts on hotels, car rentals, and more.
Annual Fee:
The World Elite Mastercard® typically carries an annual fee, which varies depending on the issuer. However, the benefits and experiences offered by the card often outweigh the annual cost for frequent travelers and those who value premium services.
Alternatives to Consider:
If you don’t travel far or stay at upscale hotels often, a World Mastercard® or a regular Mastercard® might be a better option for you. These cards offer similar benefits, but with a lower annual fee.
For those who qualify, the World Elite Mastercard® is a premium credit card that provides a wide range of advantages and experiences. This card might be a great option for you if you value special benefits and have good or excellent credit.
Additional Resources:
- World Elite Mastercard® website: https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/find-a-card/world-elite-mastercard-credit.html
- World Elite Mastercard® Guide to Benefits: https://www.mastercard.us/content/dam/public/mastercardcom/na/global-site/documents/gtb/world-elite.pdf
FAQs:
- What is the minimum credit score required for a World Elite Mastercard®?
Typically, a FICO score of 670 or higher is required. However, some issuers may have additional requirements.
- What are the benefits of a World Elite Mastercard®?
The card offers a wide range of benefits, including travel insurance, concierge services, airport lounge access, purchase protection, extended warranty, and more.
- Is there an annual fee for the World Elite Mastercard®?
Yes, the card typically carries an annual fee, which varies depending on the issuer.
- What are some alternatives to the World Elite Mastercard®?
If you don’t frequently travel or value premium services, you may consider a World Mastercard® or the standard Mastercard®.
Standard benefits
- Zero fraud liability. If someone uses your card fraudulently, you won’t be held accountable.
- Mastercard Global Service. This is a hotline you can call worldwide. Call Mastercard in the event that your card is lost or stolen, and it will work with your issuer to promptly obtain a replacement.
- ID theft protection. You get free identity theft prevention and response services. The business keeps an eye on websites to check if any personal information about you is being trafficked. You can contact Mastercard 24 hours a day, and a specialist will be assigned to handle your case if you become the victim of identity theft. Call for assistance in canceling and reordering all cards and identification documents, including your driver’s license, if you misplace your wallet.
- Booking. com. Get up to 7% off on prepaid stays when you make a reservation. com. This offer expires on Sept. 30, 2025.
- HealthLock. Get free access to HealthLock’s Medical Claim Monitor service to safeguard your medical records and identity. Additionally, you can choose to get a premium 90-day upgrade to HealthLock’s Medical Claim Saver. This option allows you to negotiate medical bills with insurance companies and providers in an effort to reduce costs and overturn denials of claims.
MoviePass plan discounts may also be available for the Standard level only. Eligible cardholders can get 50% off of the first two months of a standard or premium MoviePass plan. This offer expires on Sept. 30, 2025.
World benefits
- All Standard-level benefits. For World cards, everything from the basic benefits tier is also applicable.
- Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services. This suite of benefits includes:Trip planning assistance. You can use an online planner or speak with a planner over the phone. Get access to discounts on travel packages. Lowest hotel rate guarantee. When you use a Mastercard to book a pre-paid hotel stay and discover that your exact stay—that is, the same hotel, room type, dates, number of guests, etc.—is available, if it was listed for less before you check in, Mastercard might reimburse the difference. Hotel satisfaction guarantee. A Lifestyle Manager will try to improve your hotel if it’s not doing well, even if it’s rated three stars or higher. This applies only to certain stays booked through Mastercard. Luxury hotel benefits. Upgrades, late checkout/early check-in, and other perks are available at over 4,000 properties across the globe.
- Discounts and memberships. You get special benefits with:Instacart. Get $10 off your second eligible Instacart purchase each month and a two-month free trial of the app. Additionally, get a reduction in service fees, credit back on qualified pickup offers, and avoid paying delivery fees on orders larger than a specific size. This offer is only valid for new Instacart cardholders, and it expires on March 31, 2025. Peacock. If you sign up for the Peacock Premium monthly streaming service, you will receive a $3 statement credit. This offer expires on March 31, 2025. Lyft. Receive a $5 credit for each of the three rides you take in a given month. The credit can only be used once per month and will be automatically applied to the subsequent ride. This offer expires on Sept. 30, 2025. ResortPass. With ResortPass, you can buy special day passes to opulent resorts. You can obtain a $20 statement credit on a reservation of $200 or more. This offer expires on Sept. 30, 2025. Shoprunner. With over 100 online retailers, get free two-day shipping and free return shipping. This offer expires on Sept. 30, 2025. Golf. Use Mastercard’s Golf Concierge Service to receive golf benefits and access to exclusive PGA Tour experiences. Priceless experiences. Discover exceptional global experiences centered around travel, entertainment, golf, food, fashion, and other areas. Mastercard gives you access to these private events, but the cost is on you. Gourmet food tours, spa treatments, and wine tasting are a few of the options available.