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If your credit card boasts a Visa or Mastercard logo, you can have confidence knowing your card will be widely accepted throughout the world.
And while Visa and Mastercard are both brands that are recognized globally, these companies do not actually issue credit cards, but rather serve as payment processors that facilitate the purchases you make with your affiliated card.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are actually issued by financial institutions, and that’s where the majority of benefits found on your card are derived.
For this reason, Visas and Mastercards end up being issued with varying levels of features and benefits. We’ve written previously on some of the best credit cards that utilize the Visa network so today we’re turning our focus to seeking out some of the best cards that can be found in the Mastercard network.
There are so many types of Mastercards that it’s impossible to list all of the available options, however, in this article we’ve selected some of the best to share with you today.
But first, let’s briefly look at how the Mastercard network works.
How Does the Mastercard Network Work?
Without diving too deep into the topic of credit card association networks, allow us to take just a minute to explain how the Mastercard credit card network relates to your credit card.
First, Mastercard does not issue credit cards, it simply serves as the payment processor between the merchant from which you’re purchasing and the financial institution that issued your card.
Mastercard also offers a menu of benefits from which the financial institution can select to pass on to the cardholder.
There are 3 levels of Mastercard benefits — Mastercard Standard core benefits, elevated Mastercard World benefits, and the highest level Mastercard World Elite benefits.
Most of the cards mentioned here will offer Mastercard World or Mastercard World Elite benefits.
The financial institution decides which benefits it wants to pass on but could also add its own level of benefits. For example, a card issuer may choose to offer additional benefits such as bonus earnings, airport lounge membership, or statement credits for food delivery services.
That’s where the diversity comes in, and the reason different Mastercards have different levels of benefits.
Let’s now look at some of the Mastercard versions that stand out.
Bottom Line: Mastercard does not issue credit cards; it serves as a network that facilitates the processing of payments between the merchant and the card issuer. Mastercard also provides a collection of benefits that the financial institution can select to pass on, or not, to the cardholder.
Best Mastercard Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Travel rewards credit cards are commonly referred to as such because the earnings, redemption options, and benefits tend to be travel-related. While the Mastercard network issues a lot of co-branded travel-related cards (we’ll cover those shortly), the network does not host a large collection of general travel rewards credit cards compared to Visa or American Express.
You will, however, find worthy Mastercard travel rewards cards from which to select.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.
Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
60,000 points
$960
$95
21.24% - 29.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!
Pros
3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
Access to Citi transfer partners
Annual hotel credit
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
$95 annual fee
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
Travelers who are looking for a travel rewards credit card with a lower annual fee, bonus rewards on everyday and travel purchases, plus flexible redemption options, might want to look closer at the Citi Premier card.
Here’s why we like this Mastercard for travel rewards:
Redeem points for 1 cent each for other travel via the portal
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Complimentary lounge access, fourth-night free hotel stay, an annual travel credit, and strong point-earning make the Citi Prestige card a great option.
Complimentary lounge access, fourth-night free hotel stay, an annual travel credit, and strong point-earning make the Citi Prestige card a great option.
$495
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)
The information for the Citi Prestige® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The Citi Prestige® Card is an excellent all-around premium travel rewards card. With 4 different bonus categories to help you earn points, a $250 travel credit each year, complimentary lounge access, and more, there is tons to love about the Citi Prestige card.
Update: At this time, the Citi Prestige card is no longer available for new applicants.
Pros
5x points per $1 on purchases at airlines and travel agencies
5x points per $1 on dining
3x points per $1 on purchases at hotels and cruise lines
1x point per $1 on all other purchases
$250 annual travel credit (can also be applied to supermarkets and dining purchases in 2022)
Complimentary Priority Pass lounge access
Annual fourth-night free hotel booking
Access to Citi transfer partners
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cell phone insurance
Cons
$495 annual fee
Doesn’t offer travel protections
$250 Air Travel Credit each year, and receive a statement credit, up to $100 every 5 years, as reimbursement for your application fee for Global Entry or TSA Pre √. Through December 2022, supermarket and restaurant purchases will also count towards the $250 Travel Credit.
Fourth-night hotel benefit for any hotel stay at hotels booked through the Citi Prestige Concierge; up to 2 times per calendar year
Transfer points to a variety of travel loyalty programs from airlines to hotels
Hot Tip: At this time, the Citi Prestige card is no longer available for new applicants.
The Citi Prestige card lost some of its luster when Citi removed a good portion of its travel benefits. However, the card still has a few sweet spots that can deliver value for the right traveler.
In addition to a generous welcome bonus and higher earnings on airfare, restaurants, hotels, and cruise lines, you’ll find the following benefits on this Citi-issued Mastercard:
$250 statement credit for qualifying travel purchases
Cell phone protection, up to $1,000 per claim, $1,500 per year, $50 deductible
Rental-car elite status benefits with Hertz, SIXT, and National
World Elite benefits
Both of these cards come with shopping benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and Shoprunner membership. The cards also have access to World Elite Mastercard Travel and Lifestyle Services that you can register for here.
Bottom Line: While Citi markets several cards as travel rewards cards, the card issuer has removed several travel-related benefits such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, car rental insurance, and more. You’ll still find several Citi-issued cards that offer stellar earning levels and valuable redemption options for travel but be sure to compare benefits with other travel rewards cards if travel protections/benefits are a priority for you.
Best Mastercard Cash-Back Credit Cards
There’s no shortage of cash-back-earning Mastercards. Here are a few of the most popular cards — some that do not even charge an annual fee.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.
The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.
The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.
Pros
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Excellent cell phone insurance
Ability to pool points
Mastercard World Elite benefits
Cons
3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
Packed with more earnings at grocery stores and quarterly bonus categories, flexible redemption options, and benefits you can use, the no annual fee Freedom Flex card offers easily-recognized value.
We also like its collection of additional benefits:
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
$200 cash back
$0
0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Fair to Excellent (580-850)
The Citi Double Cash® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!
This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.
Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.
Pros
Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
Flexible redemption options
No annual fee
Cons
No bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fees
Lack of premium travel benefits
Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Citi Double Cash® Card Travel Portal Limited Time Offer: Earn a total of 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi TravelSM portal on ThankYou.com or by calling 1-800-Thankyou and saying “Travel.” Offer is valid through 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) 12/31/2024.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
For those who reach out for simplicity, the Double Cash card will match that requirement perfectly.
Simply earning structure
No limit on the amount of rewards you can earn
Introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months (fees apply)
Redeem points for cash-back, travel through the Citi Travel Portal, transfers to select partners, or gift cards
Capital One® Savor® Rewards Card
If you enjoy dining out, ordering carryout, or indulging in regular restaurant delivery, receiving unlimited cash-back on those purchases could make the Capital One Savor card a wallet necessity. Add in more bonus earnings at grocery stores and on entertainment and cash-back rewards will accumulate quickly.
Plus, there are additional reasons this Mastercard offers value:
Secondary car rental insurance
Shopping benefits such as purchase protection, price protection, and extended warranty
No foreign transaction fees
Bottom Line: Cash-back rewards are normally simple to earn and redeem. It’s also common to find Mastercard cash-back cards that do not charge an annual fee or charge a lower annual fee yet still deliver good earning levels and in some cases, benefits you can utilize.
Best Mastercard Business Credit Cards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Card
For those business owners who have a qualifying existing relationship with Bank of America, the earnings offered on this World Mastercard could be a game-changer.
The card is best for small businesses, however, as there is a $50,000 limit on purchases for 3% and 2% bonus categories combined.
Here is an overview of the benefits offered by the card:
No annual fee
3% cash-back on your choice of category each month including travel, purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, TV/telecom/wireless, business consulting services, or computer services
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.
A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.
For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.
75,000 miles
$1,050
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99
21.24% - 29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)
With the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, you get a card that gives you perks like boarding privileges, free checked bags, and discounts on inflight purchases, while also earning more miles for your next award redemption.
Pros
2x miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
2x miles per $1 spent on cable and satellite providers, at gas stations, on car rentals, and on select telecommunications merchants
1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Free checked bag for you and up to 4 traveling companions
Priority boarding
25% off inflight purchases including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi
Companion Certificate for domestic travel after you spend $30,000 or more in purchases in a cardmember year
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
$99 annual fee
Does not earn transferable rewards
Designed for businesses
For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.
First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
If you’re a business owner and American Airlines is your preferred airline, you’ll find value in an American Airlines-branded credit card that focuses earnings toward business expenses.
You’ll also find benefits that save you money and make your journey more comfortable when flying on the airline:
Preferred boarding and 1 free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions
25% statement credit for in-flight purchases including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi
Shopping benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and ShopRunner membership
World Elite Mastercard Travel and Lifestyle Services (register here)
Bottom Line: There are a limited number of business credit cards that utilize the Mastercard card network. To view a more expansive collection, and compare options, check out our recommendations for the best small business credit cards.
Best Airline and Hotel Branded Mastercard Credit Cards
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000 points
$700
$99
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.
The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.
Pros
Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Automatic Platinum Elite status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond Elite status
Free anniversary night certificate
Fourth-night free on award stays
20% off when buying IHG Rewards points
Up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year
Earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Purchase protection
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
$99 annual fee
Does not earn transferable points
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
IHG loyalists will find tremendous value with the IHG Rewards Premier card. If you frequent IHG properties and enjoy instant elite status, free hotel nights, and a nice collection of travel benefits, the card can easily earn a place in your wallet.
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
Free hotel night each card anniversary, worth up to 40,000 rewards points
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus fee statement credit
20% discount on IHG point purchases
Redeem points for free hotel nights, starting at 5,000 points
2x miles earned per dollar spent on American Airlines, at restaurants, gas stations
Free checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to 4 travel companions
25% statement credit for in-flight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases
$125 airfare certificate after spending $20,000 each cardmember year
Both cards come with Mastercard and World Elite shopping benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and Shoprunner membership. In addition, cardholders may register for World Elite Mastercard Travel and Lifestyle Services here.
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
If you’re a frequent Hawaiian Airlines traveler or just want to earn HawaiianMiles for that annual vacation to Hawaii, the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite card may offer some appealing attributes.
Welcome bonus
3x miles per dollar spent on Hawaiian Airlines
2x miles gas, dining, grocery store purchases
50% discount on companion roundtrip airfare purchase
$100 off a companion ticket at each card anniversary
Free checked bag on Hawaiian Airlines
Access to discount award flights
Share miles between family members and friends at no charge
Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®
Best Western has nearly 4,700 properties in over 100 countries worldwide, so you’re sure to find convenient and affordable lodging when you travel. Cardholders of the Best Western Rewards Premium card earn big at hotel properties and receive complimentary elite status just for having the card.
The card does charge an annual fee of $89 but comes with these additional benefits:
Generous welcome bonus worth several free hotel nights
Complimentary Best Western Rewards Platinum elite status
20 points per dollar spent at Best Western (10x for using the card, 10x for status bonus)
Spend $5,000 on the card each 12 billing cycles and receive 40,000 Rewards points (the average price of a reward night is 16,000 points)
2 points per dollar for all other purchases
10% rate discount
No foreign transaction fees
Bottom Line: If you have loyalty preferences when it comes to specific airlines or hotel brands, a branded card is a great way to elevate the benefits you receive when utilizing that brand. Most airline and hotel-branded cards align well with the loyalty programs to provide accelerated earnings, perks, and even a faster path to elite status.
Best Mastercards for No Credit or Poor Credit
You’ll generally need a good to excellent credit score to secure the cards mentioned previously in this article. But having no credit or even bad credit won’t eliminate the possibility of securing a card that utilizes the Mastercard network.
Here are several Mastercard options for those with no credit or bad credit:
First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card— no security deposit required, $300 initial credit limit may be increased after 12 months of positive history, $75 first year annual fee
Fortunately, there are so many options to choose from when you decide to start building credit or rebuilding poor credit. We’ve discussed the topic in-depth in several articles on secured cards, and cards for no credit or bad credit.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the differences between card processing networks can help you diversify your credit card holdings to be sure you always have a card the merchant will accept.
Having cards that use various networks is also imperative if you’re a frequent traveler as not all networks are widely accepted globally.
While Visa and Mastercard are the largest card networks, American Express and Discover are growing quickly and in third and fourth place respectively.
It’s worth noting that we’ve only mentioned a sampling of available Mastercards here, and even the cards we’ve featured may have additional benefits not listed. We have also abbreviated the benefit descriptions, so you’ll want to access any Guide to Benefits for complete information, including the applicable terms and conditions.
When comparing card options, pay close attention to the benefits offered as many Mastercards, especially those issued by Citi, do not offer a full collection of travel benefits.
Finally, finding the right Mastercard for you will involve determining your highest expenditures and making sure the card you’re considering will earn well on those purchases. The right card should also have an appropriate annual fee that matches your situation, redemption options that deliver value, and benefits that can be easily utilized.
The information regarding the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Platinum Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information for the Citi Prestige® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Featured Image Credit: Depositphotos
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better Mastercard or Visa?
Fortunately, both Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted globally, so selecting a card that utilizes either network will serve you well.
American Express and Discover are next in line when it comes to card network acceptance. Having a diverse selection of cards that utilize most of these networks, especially if you travel, can be a good strategy to ensure that you have a card that the merchant will accept.
How does Mastercard work?
Mastercard is a card network that serves as a link between the merchant from which you make a purchase to the financial institution that issued your credit card.
Mastercard only facilitates card transactions and does not issue credit cards.
However, Mastercard does offer benefits that the financial institution can choose to pass on to the cardholder.
What are Mastercard benefits?
Mastercard offers 3 levels of benefits — Standard core benefits, World benefits which are broader, and the highest level, World Elite benefits.
The bank that issues your credit card can select benefits from these options and pass those benefits on to the cardholder, or choose not to. The bank can also add its own benefits beyond what it is offered by Mastercard.
Which is the best Mastercard?
The best Mastercard for you may be different than the best Mastercard for another consumer.
Compare Mastercards based on to what extent the card you’re considering rewards your highest expenses, if the redemption options result in added value to your business or household, and if the offered benefits are ones you will actually use.
Additionally, you’ll want to select a Mastercard with an annual fee you’re comfortable paying.
There are so many Mastercards with varying benefits that no 1 card is the best for every consumer.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
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