Top 10 World Elite Mastercard Benefits & Best World Elite Mastercard Cards [2026]

Your Mastercard may offer access to benefits such as travel protections, shopping benefits, and exclusive experiences. The World Elite Mastercard tier offers premium benefits, but not every World Elite Mastercard has the same perks. Card issuers choose which Mastercard benefits to offer and may offer additional benefits.

Here are some of the top benefits and examples of the best World Elite Mastercard credit cards available.

World Elite Mastercard Cards Overview

Bottom Line:

World Elite Mastercard credit cards are issued by several financial institutions, including Chase, Citi, Capital One, Bank of America, and more. The card issuer determines the package of benefits for each specific card. 

Top 10 World Elite Mastercard Benefits

World Elite Mastercard cardholders can access a long list of benefits and protections. Here are some of the top benefits you may find on a World Elite Mastercard credit card:

1. Cell phone protection
2. Car rental insurance
3. Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance
4. Baggage insurance
5. Purchase protection, price protection, and extended warranty protection
6. Mastercard Luxury Hotels & Resorts Portfolio benefits
7. Priceless Experiences
8. World Elite Concierge
9. Shopping discounts and services
10. Car rental program perks

Some of these benefits are available with a World Mastercard or a Platinum Mastercard.

Certain benefits may be available for card issuers to include on a World Elite Mastercard, but they may choose to exclude them. For example, not every World Elite Mastercard has cell phone protection.

Bottom Line:

The Mastercard network offers a menu of benefits that card issuers can select from. World Elite Mastercard cards offer the second-highest level of benefits, but you’ll also find Mastercard benefits on World Mastercard cards and Platinum Mastercard cards.

Different Levels of Card Benefits

The Mastercard network offers several levels of card benefits — Standard Mastercard, Platinum Mastercard, World Mastercard, World Elite Mastercard, and World Legend Mastercard. World Legend Mastercard has the highest level of benefits.

Standard Mastercard Benefits

Each Mastercard comes with basic protections such as theft and liability protection, digital access, and services that can help you get your life back in order when your card is lost:

• Mastercard ID Theft Protection: Monitor fraud, receive alerts for suspicious activity, and receive assistance should you experience ID theft.
• Mastercard Zero Liability Protection: You are not responsible for unauthorized activity on your card. Terms apply.
• Mastercard Global Service: Receive help if you lose your card anywhere in the world. Plus, you can receive an emergency card replacement and emergency cash.
• Mastercard Music and Entertainment: Gain exclusive access to ticket presales at top venues and festivals across the U.S. (through March 31, 2027).
• HealthLock: Receive complimentary access to HealthLock’s Medical Claim Monitor service and a 90-day premium upgrade to HealthLock’s Medical Claim Saver.
• Instacart: Free delivery with Instacart+ for 3 months for new members and $10 off your second delivery of the month (through January 31, 2027).
• Mastercard Transit Benefit: Pay for your transit fare with your Mastercard and get $2.50 back as a statement credit when you spend at least $10 in a month. (In participating U.S. cities only; through December 31, 2027.)

Example of a Standard Mastercard: BankAmericard^® Credit Card

Platinum Mastercard Benefits

On a Platinum Mastercard, you get all the standard benefits mentioned above, plus access to the Priceless collection of benefits:

• Platinum Mastercard Priceless Rewards and Experiences: Access Priceless Experiences such as a helicopter ride over Paris, dining with a Michelin chef, playing a bucket-list golf course, or booking a photographic excursion in Turkey. Note that you still have to pay for these experiences.

Example of a Platinum Mastercard: Capital One Platinum Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.

Bottom Line:

A basic Mastercard comes with ID theft protection, zero liability, and Mastercard Global Service assistance. A Platinum Mastercard comes with all of these benefits, plus Mastercard Priceless Rewards and Experiences.

World Mastercard Benefits

The World Mastercard level is where the majority of lifestyle, travel, shopping, and protection benefits kick in.

In addition to Standard and Platinum benefits, World Mastercard cardholders access a selection of these additional benefits:

Travel Benefits

• Mastercard Hotels & Resorts Collection Benefits: Enjoy on-site benefits including daily breakfast for 2, an on-site amenity worth up to $100, a room upgrade, and early check-in and late checkout, when available.
• Mastercard Airport Concierge: Save 15% on airport meet and greet services when using your Mastercard World card.
• Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services: These services are provided by the travel company Ten Lifestyle Management USA and include booking flights, hotels, rental cars, event tickets, golf experiences, and more. You’ll have access to special hotel offers, car rental upgrades/status, and discounted private jets.
• Lowest Hotel Rate Guarantee: If you book a prepaid stay via Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services and find the same hotel stay for less, you could receive a refund of the difference in rates.
• Mastercard Hotel Stay Guarantee: When you book a hotel rated 3 stars or higher with Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services, a Lifestyle Manager can assist with any issues during your stay.

Travel Protection Perks

• Car Rental Insurance: Reserve and pay for your entire car rental with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive secondary or primary car rental coverage for damage and theft. Secondary coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance. Primary coverage means that you do not need to do this, as card coverage will kick in immediately.
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance: Purchase your trip with your card (and/or points earned with your card), and if your trip needs to be canceled or is disrupted for a covered reason, you may receive reimbursement for eligible nonrefundable expenses.
• Baggage Insurance: Pay for your entire common carrier ticket with your card, and you could receive compensation for lost or stolen baggage up to the coverage limit stated in your Guide to Benefits.

Shopping Benefits

• Lyft Credit: Use your card 3 times each month for Lyft rides and receive $5 off your next ride purchase (through January 31, 2027).

Shopping Protections

• Cell Phone Protection: Pay your monthly bill with your Mastercard to receive protection against damage and theft, up to $800 per claim, with a limit of $1,000 or 2 claims per year. Coverage limits can vary by card.
• Purchase Protection: Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive coverage for damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date.
• Extended Warranty: Eligible items will receive double the manufacturer’s warranty, up to a maximum of 24 total months.
• Price Protection: While it’s rare to find price protection, the coverage will reimburse you if you find that an eligible item purchased with your card within 60 days of the purchase date is advertised at a lower price.

Examples of World Mastercard Credit Cards: The JetBlue Card and the Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^® (could be issued as a Platinum or World Mastercard)

World Elite Mastercard Benefits

World Elite Mastercard benefits are in addition to basic Mastercard, Platinum, and World Mastercard benefits.

• World Elite Concierge: Receive 24/7 assistance with reserving a restaurant, finding a gift, securing event tickets, and more, with concierge access.
• Car Rental Perks: World Elite Mastercard cardholders receive up to 35% off Avis car rentals, President’s Circle Status and discounts at Hertz, perks and discounts at SIXT, and more.
• Lyft: Get 10% off all scheduled rides to the airport. The credit will be applied automatically for eligible rides (through January 31, 2027).
• Peacock: Get $3 off a Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus subscription each month when you pay with your card (through December 31, 2027).

World Legend Mastercard Benefits

World Legend Mastercard benefits include everything Mastercard, Platinum, World Mastercard, and World Elite Mastercards offer, but add:

• Priority Pass and Taste by Priceless airport lounges: Access participating Priority Pass and Taste by Priceless airport lounges worldwide.
• Soho Friends membership: Get access to discounts on Soho House hotel rooms, publicly accessible restaurants, and Soho Home products.
• Trip delay reimbursement: Get reimbursed for meals, lodging, and other expenses after lengthy delays.
• Baggage delay: This coverage offers reimbursement for clothing and toiletries if your baggage is delayed.
• Travel accident insurance: Includes coverage for serious injury or death while traveling.

This is not an all-encompassing list of benefits, and descriptions have been abbreviated. The actual terms and conditions and limits on coverages are listed in each card’s Guide to Benefits.

It can be a bit daunting to navigate all the benefits, sub-benefits, and information available with World Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle services, but it’s worth registering your card and exploring the offers available to you.

Bottom Line:

The actual collection of benefits on a Mastercard depends on which perks the card issuer selects to include from the Mastercard menu of benefits. The card issuer may offer additional benefits.

The Best World Elite Mastercard Cards

Here are some of the best World Elite Mastercard credit cards:

Citi Strata Premier® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Strata Premier^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Strata Premier^® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou^® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

60,000 Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.74% to 27.74% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier^® Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou^® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% to 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Receive elevated points-earning on everyday purchases and travel, plus flexible redemption options with the Citi Strata Premier card.

Here are just a few reasons the card is a favorite World Elite Mastercard:

• Modest annual fee
• Elevated points-earnings in everyday purchase categories
• Redeem ThankYou Points earned on the card via the Citi Travel powered by Agoda for 1 cent each in value
• Transfer ThankYou Points to Citi’s airline and hotel partners for greater potential value
• Receive onsite benefits with Mastercard Luxury Hotels & Resorts
• $100 annual hotel credit when booking a prepaid hotel of $500 or more via Citi Travel
• Purchase protection and extended warranty
• No foreign transaction fees

Hot Tip:

Consider transferring Citi ThankYou points to Choice Privileges at a 1:1.5 rate. Citi also has several airline transfer partners with 1:1 transfer ratios that can offer elevated value for your ThankYou Points. 

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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!

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

$200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.49% to 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus 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. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% – 28.74%, 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).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% to 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

When simplicity is your priority, the Double Cash card can fit that objective. The card also ensures every purchase you make earns solid rewards.

Here’s why consumers who pay off their cards each statement period like this World Elite Mastercard:

• $0 annual fee
• 2% cash-back on all purchases (1% cash-back when you make the purchase, and an additional 1% when you pay your bill)
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.74%.
• Redeem points for cash-back, travel, shopping, charitable contributions, or select loan payments

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Capital One Savor card is a great no-annual fee card for those who regularly spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Savor card is a great no-annual fee card for those who regularly spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro on purchases for 12 months; 18.74% - 28.74% variable thereafter

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Savor card is a phenomenal option when it comes to no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards. With popular bonus categories like dining, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), entertainment, and popular streaming services, and the ability to earn 3% cash-back on these purchases, it is easy to see why those who use the card can earn some serious cash-back throughout the year.

The card also allows you to take your rewards and experiences even further by offering access to Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 5% cash-back on hotels, rental cars, and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply.
• 3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Capital One Dining, Capital One Travel, and Capital One Entertainment

Cons

• Rewards are purely cash-back, so there is no option for miles transfers to transfer partners for redemptions

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart^® and Target^®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.74% – 28.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro on purchases for 12 months; 18.74% - 28.74% variable thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Cash Back
• No Annual Fee Cards

More Reads

• Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Savor Card [Detailed Comparison]
• Capital One Platinum Card vs. Capital One Savor Card [Detailed Comparison]
• Capital One Venture Card vs. Capital One Savor Card [Detailed Comparison]

If you’re a foodie, the Capital One Savor card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. can be rewarding. Here are some of the reasons foodies love this World Elite Mastercard:

• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), plus 1% on all other purchases.
• Redeem rewards for cash, statement credits, gift cards, shop with Amazon, or PayPal.

Best Airline and Hotel Program World Elite Mastercard Credit Cards

Several airlines and hotel loyalty programs have co-branded World Elite Mastercard credit cards that offer additional benefits specific to that brand.

Here are some of the best World Elite Mastercard cards connected to airline and hotel programs:

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Business™ World Elite Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Business™ World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 frequently travel with American Airlines.

All information about Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Business™ World Elite Mastercard^® has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Business™ World Elite Mastercard^®

A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who frequently travel with American Airlines.

Welcome Offer

For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,050

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99

APR

19.74% to 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

With the Citi^® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®, you can earn more miles on business expenses and get perks including preferred boarding, free checked bags, and discounts on inflight purchases. It also helps you qualify for higher levels of elite status.

Beginning January 24, 2027, cardholders can access expanded earning categories, travel credits, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Starting January 24, 2027: 3x miles per $1 on qualifying AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars bookings, 2x on one eligible self-select category (U.S. shipping providers, office supply stores, or U.S. advertising services)
• 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

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99 annual fee (increases to $150 on January 24, 2027)
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Designed for businesses.
• For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $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.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% to 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program

Business owners who fly American Airlines often can benefit significantly from having an AAdvantage-branded credit card.

Here are the top benefits of having the AAdvantage Business card for business travelers who frequent American Airlines:

• Starting January 24, 2027: 3x miles on AAdvantage Hotels bookings and bookings at aadvantagecars.com
• Starting January 24, 2027: 2x miles on a self-selected category, including U.S. shipping providers, office supply stores, or U.S. advertising services
• 2x miles on American Airlines, car rental, gas station purchases, telecommunications merchants, and cable and satellite providers
• Free checked bag on domestic flights for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions
• Priority boarding on American Airlines
• 25% statement credit for inflight purchases
• Companion certificate for $99 (plus taxes/fees) redeemable for domestic travel after spending $30,000 on the card in a card anniversary year
• Starting January 24, 2027: Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years
• Starting January 24, 2027: Up to $100 back on inflight purchases annually

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite™ Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

American Airlines frequent flyers can earn miles on everyday spending and use money-saving benefits, from free bags to statement credits.

All information about Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

American Airlines frequent flyers can earn miles on everyday spending and use money-saving benefits, from free bags to statement credits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

50,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee, $99 after the first year

APR

19.74% to 29.74% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The AAdvantage Platinum Select card offers American Airlines frequent flyers the ability to earn miles on everyday spending and take advantage of perks, including free checked bags, preferred boarding, travel credits, and new lifestyle benefits beginning January 24, 2027.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beginning January 24, 2027: 3x miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars bookings, 2x miles at EV charging stations, select streaming services, and Rides and Rails purchases
• 2x miles at restaurants, gas stations, and eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1x miles on all other purchases

Cons

• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Charges an annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% to 29.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Program

If American Airlines is your airline of choice, you’ll find plenty of flight benefits just for having the card. Here are some of the top benefits of the card:

• Starting January 24, 2027: 3x miles on AAdvantage Hotels bookings and bookings at aadvantagecars.com, 2x miles on EV charging, select streaming services, and Rides and Rails purchases
• 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and at restaurants and gas stations
• Free checked bag on domestic flights for the cardholder and up to 4 traveling companions
• Preferred boarding on American Airlines
• 25% statement credit for inflight purchases
• $125 flight certificate after spending $20,000 on the card in a card anniversary year (increases to $150 on January 24, 2027)
• Starting January 24, 2027: Up to $100 in annual inflight purchase credits, up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years, complimentary annual Walmart+ membership, 50% discount on annual FOX One subscription, up to $180 in annual Turo rental credits

If having complimentary Admirals Club access is important to you and you don’t mind paying a higher annual fee, consider the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Legend Mastercard^®. World Legend Mastercards are a step above World Elite Mastercards and offer additional benefits.

To learn more about the best credit cards for American Airlines loyalists, you’ll also want to read about our top picks for cards that deliver the best airline-related benefits, including additional World Elite and World Legend Mastercard options.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

An excellent card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Gold Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

An excellent card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Gold Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

180,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.49%- 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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 Gold elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 24x points on IHG stays
• 5x points on flights booked directly and car rental agencies, dining, gas stations, and grocery stores
• 3x points on all other purchases

Cons

• $150 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn up to 24X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5X points on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, at gas stations, grocery stores (new!) and restaurants. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• NEW! Enjoy up to $100 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• This card offers over $700 in value your first year!
• Automatic Gold Elite Status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier cardmember. Plus, get 15 Elite Night Credits each year (new!).
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Kimpton^®, Hotel Indigo^®, Crowne Plaza^®, EVEN^® Hotels, & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%- 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you are a regular guest at IHG Properties, the IHG Premier card is a great card to consider and includes these benefits:

• Earn up to 24x points on eligible IHG purchases
• 5x points on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, grocery stores, and gas stations
• Receive a free reward night certificate, worth up to 50,000 points, each card anniversary year
• Complimentary Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, plus the ability to earn more with card spend
• Up to $100 in Food and Beverage Rewards vouchers each year to use during IHG stays
• Spend $40,000 in a calendar year and receive Diamond Elite status
• Up to $50 United Travel Bank credit
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursement
• Travel and shopping benefits and protections

Learn more about the best card options for IHG loyalists.

Bottom Line:

If you frequently fly a specific airline or stay at 1 hotel chain, securing that brand’s credit card can deliver benefits that make your trip more comfortable, provide travel and shopping protections, and make it easier to earn rewards quickly. 

Final Thoughts

World Elite Mastercards offer valuable travel, shopping, and lifestyle benefits, but the specific perks vary by card. Consider a card’s benefits alongside its rewards, redemption options, and annual fee. A higher Mastercard tier doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better card for your spending habits.

See more options in our guide to the best Mastercard credit cards.