Barclays
Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard®
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $499.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 70,000 bonus Skywards Miles |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-3x Skywards Miles |
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR will apply, 19.74% to 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. There is a fee for balance transfers.1 |
| Regular APR | Purchases – 19.74% to 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. After that, (and for balance transfers that do not post to your account within 45 days of account opening) your APR will be 19.74% to 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. APR for cash advances 29.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Other Fees | Balance transfer – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Balance transfer fee: 5% (min. $5). Cash advance fee: 5% (min. $10). Foreign transaction fee: 0%. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $1.00. |
| Network | Mastercard |
About this card
The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® is a highly specialized card that offers significant value for a very specific subset of consumers: frequent and loyal Emirates travelers. For this niche audience, the card's rewards program is exceptional, offering an outstanding sign-up bonus including immediate Emirates Gold tier membership, competitive earning rates on Emirates and travel purchases, and valuable perks like lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and non-expiring miles. The absence of foreign transaction fees is also a crucial benefit for an international travel card. However, the card's appeal dramatically diminishes outside of this specific demographic due to its substantial drawbacks. The most significant barrier is the exceptionally high $499 annual fee, which, while potentially offset by benefits for heavy Emirates flyers, is a major deterrent for most. The APR structure is notably poor, with high regular rates and a steep balance transfer fee, making this card unsuitable for carrying a balance. The card also lacks redemption flexibility, tying rewards exclusively to Emirates and its partners, unlike more versatile premium travel cards. While Barclays is a reputable issuer, some customer service concerns have been noted. Considering these factors, the card earns an overall rating in the 'Good' category. Its strengths are truly outstanding for its intended users, providing a premium, tailored experience. However, the card's very high cost (annual fee and APR) and narrow focus mean it cannot achieve an 'Excellent' rating for the broader market. Its value proposition is highly conditional on consistent, high-spending loyalty to Emirates, making it a powerful tool for some but a poor choice for many others. It is a solid card with significant strengths for its niche but notable weaknesses for general consumers.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Automatic elite status
- High rewards rate on travel and airline purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lounge membership
- Travel credits
- Intro APR period for balance transfers
Things to consider
- High annual fee
- High regular APR
- High balance transfer fee
What this card offers
Sign-up bonuses
- Enjoy Emirates Gold tier membership during your first year, and retain your tier status by spending $40,000 each cardmembership year.2
- Earn 70,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.2
Rewards
- NEW! Earn 1 Tier Mile per 4 base Skywards Miles earned4
- Earn 3 Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates purchases.
- Earn 2 Skywards Miles on eligible travel purchases and earn 1 Skywards Mile on all other purchases.2
- Earn 10,000 anniversary bonus Skywards Miles after spending $30,000 on purchases each cardmembership year.2
Other features
- Receive an automatic statement credit for the cost of one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every five years – up to $120.2
- Receive a 25% savings when you Buy Skywards Miles for yourself or Gift Miles.2
- There is no limit to the number of Skywards Miles you can earn as long as your account remains open, active and in good standing.2
- Enjoy a special rate when using your Emirates Skywards Mastercard to book flights on emirates.com and the Emirates App using Cash + Miles.5
- Priority Pass™ Select lounge access provides unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide for the primary cardmember and their guest(s).2
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.1
- Complimentary online access to your FICO® Credit Score lets you keep an eye on your credit score and get alerts when we learn that your score has changed.3
- $0 Fraud Liability protection means you're not responsible for charges you did not authorize.
- The Skywards Miles you earn will not expire as long as your account remains open.2