The lineup of World Elite Mastercards is full of premium options with VIP-worthy perks and stellar earn rates. Many of the best Mastercards in Canada are World Elite cards.
Because of these premium perks, earn rates, and other excellent benefits, World Elite cards have relatively high eligibility requirements and annual fees. Still, these exclusive features can far outweigh the costs for savvy card users.
This article reviews the World Elite Mastercard program: its pros and cons, top cards, and more.
Key Takeaways
- World Elite Mastercards are Mastercard’s exclusive collection of premium cards with premium perks.
- All World Elite Mastercards have high income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household.
- If you qualify for these cards, you can expect high earn rates and unique perks like concierge service and access to incredible experiences around the world.
Never miss an amazing deal again + get our bonus 250+ page eBook for FREE. Join 50,000 other Canadians who receive our weekly newsletter – learn more.
What is World Elite Mastercard?
World Elite Mastercards are premium credit cards offered by Mastercard. They offer more benefits, better rewards, and more insurance coverage than mid-tier World Mastercards.
That said, these enhanced rewards and benefits come with a cost. World Elite Mastercards generally have high annual fees and higher income requirements. If you do meet these steep requirements, you'll enjoy a wealth of exclusive shopping and travel opportunities.
Those looking for even more luxurious benefits should keep an eye out for Mastercard's newest tier: Mastercard Legend. While only Rogers issues this card, we expect to see more of these elite-tier cards competing with World Elite Mastercards going forward.
World Elite Mastercard perks and benefits
Mastercard is continually updating its benefits and features to deliver the best experience for cardholders. Whether you're looking to save on luxury purchases or book unique experiences when you travel, you'll want to reach for your World Elite Mastercard.
Here are some of the top benefits that come with your card:
- Priceless Experiences: If you have a World or a World Elite Mastercard, you'll get preferred access to all sorts of valuable offers and complimentary upgrades through Mastercard World Experiences. You can take advantage of offers like upscale hotel benefits through Mastercard Access.
- Priceless: Priceless allows you to pick and choose from an array of inspirational experiences and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities from all over the world or closer to home.
- Global emergency services: When you're travelling anywhere in the world, you can call 1-800-307-7309 for 24/7 assistance to report a lost or stolen card.
- Mastercard Travel Rewards: Earn cash back and exclusive discounts on online shopping, travel opportunities, and dining experiences.
- Travel Pass powered by DragonPass: All World Elite Mastercards include lounge access for all Mastercard Travel Pass lounges. You can choose from over 1,400 lounges around the world, plus dining, spa, and retail experiences. You'll find available airport lounges in major Canadian airports.
- Partner benefits: Mastercard partners with H&R Block, FlexiRoam, Cirque du Soleil, and Fubo to give cardholders discounts on tickets and services.
World Elite Mastercards are also known for having top-of-the-line credit card insurance and larger welcome bonuses than World Mastercards.
World Elite Mastercard vs. World Mastercard
The right credit card for you really depends on what you can qualify for and the features you'll actually use. First off, World Elite Mastercards have significantly higher income requirements. You'll need $80,000 personal or $150,000 household per year vs. $60,000 personal or $100,000 household to qualify for a World Mastercard.
The premium World Elite Mastercards also cost more to use, charging higher annual fees than World Mastercards. Be prepared to pay at least $120 per year for the privilege. World Mastercards, on the other hand, typically charge less (and you may be able to snag one with no annual fee).
These higher costs and qualification requirements mean you'll enjoy more insurance coverage and airport lounge access, plus free passes.
How do you qualify for a World Elite Mastercard?
World Elite Mastercards are some of the network's premium credit cards, so they're hard to qualify for. To successfully apply, you'll need:
- At least $80,000 in personal or $150,000 in household annual income
- At least $120 for annual fees
- At least $50+ for extra card fees
If you're unsure whether you qualify, the creditcardGenius quiz can help you figure it out. It takes less than a few minutes and requires no hard credit checks.
The best World Elite Mastercard credit cards in Canada
Interested in becoming part of the World Elite network? Here are our top picks for the best World Elite Mastercards in Canada:
| Category | World Elite Mastercard | Annual fee | Welcome Bonus | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 |  $20 GeniusCash + 30,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Best cash back | Neo World Elite Mastercard | $125 | None | Learn more |
| Best airline card | BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard | $199 | $150 GeniusCash + Up to 70,000 bonus points, companion pass, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
| Best for no fee | Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard | $0 | None | Learn more |
| Best for travel credits | National Bank World Elite Mastercard | $150 | Up to 40,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Best for business | BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard | $149, first year free | Up to 70,000 100,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
Best overall: MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
×7 Award winner 
GC: $20
7x Award winner Pros:
- Up to 30,000 bonus points
- Up to 5 points per $1 spent on purchases
- 10% bonus points every year on your birthday
- Includes 12 types of insurance
Cons:
- $120 annual fee
- High income requirements
Why we love it:
The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard offers some of the best rewards you can get among flexible rewards cards, earning:
- 5 points for every $1 spent on restaurants, groceries, and select recurring bills (up to $50,000 spent annually per category)
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
You'll also get 10% bonus points every year on your birthday – up to a maximum of 15,000 points – and you'll be covered by 12 types of purchase and travel insurance.
Best cash back: Neo World Elite Mastercard
Pros:
- Earn up to 5% cash back on purchases
- Redeem your cash back whenever you want
- Includes 12 types of insurance
Cons:
- Caps on bonus categories
- High income requirements
- No welcome bonus
Why we love it:
If you know you want cash back instead of flexible redemption options, the Neo World Elite Mastercard is the way to go. When you shop with Neo partners or make grocery purchases, you'll get a generous 5% cash back, while recurring bills give 4% back. You'll also earn 3% back on gas and EV charging, while all other purchases give a steady 1% back.
Just pay attention to the monthly income caps.
Best airline card: BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
×1 Award winner GC: $150
1x Award winner Pros:
- Up to 70,000 bonus points
- Up to 3 points per $1 spent on purchases
- Automatic VIPorter Venture Avid Traveller status
- Annual companion pass
Cons:
- High income requirements
- Points can only be used for flights on Porter, Air Transat, and Alaska Airlines
- High annual fee
Why we love it:
We selected the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard as one of the best airline World Elite Mastercards because of the huge welcome bonus and automatic status upgrade for the VIPorter Rewards program. Your boost to Avid Traveller status gives you priority check-in, boarding, security, and free checked bags.
Plus, if you charge at least $50,000 per year to the card, you'll qualify for a free companion pass. All you'll have to pay are taxes and fees.
Best for no fee: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
Pros:
- 3% cash back on USD purchases
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases – increases to 2% if you have a Rogers service
- Includes 6 types of insurance coverage
- 50% bonus when you use your cash back to pay for Rogers services
Cons:
- Must spend $15,000 annually or risk being downgraded
- High income requirements
Why we love it:
Most World Elite Mastercards charge an annual fee, but not the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard. Despite having no annual fee, the card still offers great value. You'll earn solid cash back rates on your purchases – especially those in USD – and get even more rewards if you have a Rogers service.
This card won't deliver an extensive insurance package like some of the other World Elite Mastercards, but if you're a Rogers customer, getting the Red card makes a lot of financial sense.
If you don't mind paying a premium annual fee for a Mastercard, take a look at the new Rogers Red World Legend Mastercard. You'll earn more cash back, more Roam Like Home Days, an annual $200 entertainment credit, and more.
Best for travel credits: National Bank World Elite Mastercard
Pros:
- Up to 5 points per $1 spent on purchases
- Includes 10 types of insurance
- $150 annual travel fee reimbursements
Cons:
- $150 annual fee
- High income requirements
Why we love it:
Seasoned travellers usually look for specific credit card benefits: a great insurance package, lounge access, travel fee reimbursements, and a great earn rate on purchases with extended protection. Fortunately, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard checks all the boxes.
In addition to the extensive travel insurance you get, you'll also enjoy unlimited free access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport (that's in addition to the standard airport lounge access you get through Mastercard).
Best for business: BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard
Pros:
- Up to 70,000 100,000 bonus points
- Up to 4 points per $1 spent on purchases
- Mastercard Travel Pass with 2 free lounge passes annually
- 13 types of insurance included
Cons:
- $149 annual fee (waived for the first year)
- Low point value of 0.67 cents
- High income requirements
Why we love it:
Businesses can also use World Elite Mastercards! Our top pick, the BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard, offers:
- 4 points per $1 on gas, office supplies, and cell phone/internet bills
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
We like that you can redeem your points for cash back or BMO investments. The low interest rates on the card and access to Maple on-demand healthcare make it a valuable card to have in your pocket.
FAQ
What does it mean to have a World Elite Mastercard?
If you have a World Elite Mastercard, you've got a premium Mastercard. This means you've met strict income requirements, but you'll get the best perks, rewards, and insurance coverage, along with exciting offers and discounts that aren't offered to World Mastercard members.
What benefits do I get with my World Elite Mastercard?
World Elite Mastercards come with airport lounge access – operated by DragonPass – and sometimes free lounge passes too. They also offer high cash back rates, exclusive opportunities through Mastercard Priceless Cities, extensive insurance coverage, global emergency services, and discounts with select Mastercard partners.
Are airport lounges free with a World Elite Mastercard?
World Elite Mastercards typically include airport lounge access through the DragonPass lounge program. Whether or not your credit card includes free passes to get into a lounge depends on your specific credit card, so read your card's terms and conditions carefully.
Is it hard to get a World Elite Mastercard?
Yes, it can be hard to qualify for these premium credit cards since World Elite Mastercards require a strong credit score and ask for personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000 per year. Don't forget that you'll also have to pay a high annual fee to use the card, too.
What's the best World Elite Mastercard in Canada?
The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is the best World Elite Mastercard – and best Mastercard overall. The card gives you one of the highest reward rates on everyday spending, a comprehensive insurance package, and a yearly birthday bonus of 10% of the points you earned for the year.
Are World Elite Mastercards worth it?
If you have a high annual income and don't mind paying an annual fee to use a premium card, then a World Elite Mastercard might be right for you. Before you apply, however, consider how often you'd use the perks and benefits that come with a card to decide if it's worth it for you.
creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 233 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 233 cards is for you.
GC: 
Comments
Leave a comment
Required fields are marked with *. Your email address will not be published.
Showing 8 comments