Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® Review

As a seasoned financial expert, I have had the opportunity to review and analyze a wide array of credit cards. Today, I am delving into the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® from Barclays Bank Delaware. This card is specifically designed for avid travelers and Emirates Skywards members, offering unique benefits and rewards tailored to those who frequently take to the skies. In this comprehensive review, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the card’s features, benefits, pros and cons, and whether it is worth the $499 annual fee.

Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® Key Takeaways

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s highlight some key takeaways about the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard®:
– Bonus Miles: Earn 40,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.
– Earning Rates: 2x Skywards Miles on eligible travel purchases and 1x Skywards Mile on all other purchases.
– Annual Fee: $499 annually.
– APR: Variable APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.99% for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.
– Credit Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799).
– Benefits: Includes Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, Priority Pass™ Select lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
– Anniversary Bonus: 10,000 Skywards Miles after spending $30,000 each card membership year.

Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Every credit card has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® is no exception. Here is a balanced view of its pros and cons:

Pros

– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a significant advantage for international travelers, as it can save a considerable amount of money on foreign purchases.
– Generous Sign-Up Bonus: The 40,000 bonus Skywards Miles can be a substantial value, particularly if used for Emirates flights or partner airlines.
– High Earning Rates on Travel: Earning 2x Skywards Miles on eligible travel purchases can significantly accelerate your miles accumulation.
– Premium Travel Benefits: Access to Priority Pass™ Select lounges and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit enhances the travel experience.
– Anniversary Bonus: Earning 10,000 Skywards Miles after spending $30,000 annually is a nice incentive for high spenders.

Cons

– High Annual Fee: At $499 annually, the fee is steep and may not be justifiable for all cardholders, particularly those who do not travel frequently.
– No Intro APR: The absence of an introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers makes it less appealing for those seeking to finance large purchases over time.
– High APR: The variable APR of 21.24% – 29.99% is on the higher side, which could be a concern for those carrying a balance.
– Spending Requirement for Bonus: The $3,000 spend in the first 90 days to earn the bonus miles could be challenging for some.
– High Spending Threshold for Anniversary Bonus: Spending $30,000 annually to earn the anniversary bonus miles is a considerable amount and may not be attainable for all cardholders.

Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® Benefits

The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® comes loaded with a suite of benefits that cater to frequent travelers. Here are some of the standout features:

Travel Benefits

– Priority Pass™ Select Lounge Access: Cardholders receive unlimited access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. This benefit alone can make long layovers or flight delays much more bearable.
– Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Application Fee Credit: Cardholders are reimbursed for the cost of one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every five years, up to $100. This can expedite the security and customs process, saving valuable time.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This feature can save cardholders a significant amount in fees when making purchases abroad.

Rewards and Bonuses

– Skywards Miles: The primary earning mechanism of the card is Skywards Miles. Cardholders earn 2x miles on eligible travel purchases, which include flights, hotels, and car rentals. All other purchases earn 1x mile per dollar spent.
– Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.
– Anniversary Bonus: Upon spending $30,000 in a card membership year, cardholders receive an additional 10,000 Skywards Miles.

Purchase and Travel Protection

– Purchase Protection: This benefit covers eligible purchases against theft and damage for a specified period.
– Fraud Protection: Cardholders are protected against unauthorized transactions, ensuring peace of mind.
– Travel Insurance: The card offers various types of travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance.

Additional Perks

– Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection: Cardholders can enjoy special benefits at participating luxury hotels and resorts, such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and late check-out.
– Concierge Service: 24/7 concierge service is available to assist with travel bookings, dining reservations, and other personal requests.
– Car Rental Privileges: Cardholders can receive discounts and special offers at participating car rental agencies.

Conclusion

The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® is a robust credit card designed for frequent travelers who value premium travel benefits and the ability to earn Skywards Miles quickly. The card’s standout features, such as Priority Pass™ Select lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees, make it a compelling choice for those who travel internationally.
However, the high annual fee of $499 and the lack of an introductory APR period may be deterrents for some potential cardholders. Additionally, the high APR range and spending thresholds for the sign-up and anniversary bonuses may not be suitable for everyone.
Ultimately, the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® is best suited for individuals who are loyal to Emirates and its partner airlines, travel frequently, and can maximize the card’s premium benefits to offset the high annual fee. For those who fit this profile, the card can provide significant value and a rewarding travel experience.