Sonesta World Mastercard® Review

Introduction

Welcome to our in-depth review of the Sonesta World Mastercard® from Bank of America. As financial experts, we aim to provide you with comprehensive insights and detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision about whether this credit card is the right fit for your needs. In this review, we’ll cover the key features, benefits, pros and cons, and other essential aspects of the Sonesta World Mastercard®.

Sonesta World Mastercard® Review

The Sonesta World Mastercard® is designed to appeal to frequent travelers, especially those who favor Sonesta hotels and resorts. This card offers a robust rewards program, including significant bonus points, travel-related perks, and a competitive earning structure for various categories of purchases. Here’s a closer look at what the Sonesta World Mastercard® has to offer.

Rewards Program

The Sonesta World Mastercard® rewards program is structured to provide substantial benefits for cardholders who frequently stay at Sonesta properties, travel often, and dine out regularly. Here’s a breakdown of the rewards earning potential:
– 30,000 Bonus Points on Your Account Anniversary: Earn 30,000 bonus points every year on your account anniversary, provided you spend at least $7,500 on purchases annually.
– 3x Points on Eligible Sonesta Purchases: Earn triple points for every dollar spent at Sonesta hotels and resorts.
– 2x Points on Airfare, Car Rental, and Dining: Earn double points for every dollar spent on eligible airfare, car rentals, and dining.
– 1x Points on All Other Purchases: Earn one point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus

The Sonesta World Mastercard® offers an attractive sign-up bonus to new cardholders:
– 60,000 Bonus Points: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
– 5,000 Additional Points: Earn 5,000 additional points after adding an authorized user within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual Fee and Interest Rates

The Sonesta World Mastercard® has a tiered annual fee structure and competitive interest rates:
– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, and $75 thereafter.
– Purchase APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable.
– Balance Transfers APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable.
– APR for Cash Advances: 21.24% – 29.24% Variable (for Direct Deposit and Check Cash Advances) and 29.24% Variable (for Bank Cash Advances).

Travel Benefits

The Sonesta World Mastercard® offers several travel-related benefits designed to enhance your travel experience:
– Complimentary Room Upgrade: Enjoy a complimentary room upgrade to the next higher room category, subject to availability.
– 15% Discount on Dining and Resort Amenities: Receive a 15% discount on dining and resort amenities at Sonesta properties.

Additional Features

– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Enjoy the convenience of making purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees.
– Payment Flexibility: Flexible payment options to manage your finances effectively.
– Excellent Customer Service: Access to Bank of America’s renowned customer service for any assistance you may need.

Sonesta World Mastercard® Key Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways for the Sonesta World Mastercard®:
– Generous Rewards Program: Earn significant points on Sonesta purchases, travel, dining, and everyday spending.
– Attractive Sign-Up Bonus: Receive up to 65,000 bonus points within the first 90 days of account opening.
– Travel Perks: Enjoy complimentary room upgrades and discounts on dining and resort amenities.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, $75 thereafter.

Sonesta World Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Pros

– Robust Rewards Program: The Sonesta World Mastercard® offers substantial rewards for frequent travelers and Sonesta customers.
– Generous Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn up to 65,000 bonus points in the first 90 days.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for those who travel internationally.
– Travel Perks: Complimentary room upgrades and discounts enhance the travel experience.
– Annual Fee Waived for the First Year: Enjoy the benefits of the card without an annual fee for the first year.

Cons

– Annual Fee After the First Year: The $75 annual fee applies after the first year.
– No Intro APR Period: There is no introductory APR period for purchases or balance transfers.
– High Variable APR: The variable APR can be high, depending on your creditworthiness.
– Limited to Sonesta Properties: The most significant rewards and benefits are tied to Sonesta hotels and resorts, which may not be ideal for those who do not frequently stay at these properties.

Sonesta World Mastercard® Benefits

Rewards Points

The Sonesta World Mastercard® offers a competitive rewards points program that allows cardholders to earn points on a variety of purchases. Here’s a closer look at the points-earning structure:
– 30,000 Bonus Points on Your Account Anniversary: Earn 30,000 bonus points every year on your account anniversary, provided you spend at least $7,500 on purchases annually.
– 3x Points on Eligible Sonesta Purchases: Earn triple points for every dollar spent at Sonesta hotels and resorts.
– 2x Points on Airfare, Car Rental, and Dining: Earn double points for every dollar spent on eligible airfare, car rentals, and dining.
– 1x Points on All Other Purchases: Earn one point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Travel Perks

The Sonesta World Mastercard® offers several travel-related benefits designed to enhance your travel experience:
– Complimentary Room Upgrade: Enjoy a complimentary room upgrade to the next higher room category, subject to availability.
– 15% Discount on Dining and Resort Amenities: Receive a 15% discount on dining and resort amenities at Sonesta properties.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without incurring additional fees, making this card an excellent choice for international travelers.

Sign-Up Bonus

The Sonesta World Mastercard® offers an attractive sign-up bonus to new cardholders:
– 60,000 Bonus Points: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
– 5,000 Additional Points: Earn 5,000 additional points after adding an authorized user within the first 90 days of account opening.

Additional Features

– Payment Flexibility: Flexible payment options to manage your finances effectively.
– Excellent Customer Service: Access to Bank of America’s renowned customer service for any assistance you may need.
– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, and $75 thereafter. This gives you a year to evaluate whether the card’s benefits justify the annual fee.
– Fraud Protection: Enjoy peace of mind with advanced fraud protection features that safeguard your account.

Rate and Fee Information

Here’s a detailed look at the rate and fee information for the Sonesta World Mastercard®:
– Purchase Intro APR: None
– Purchase APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable
– Intro Balance Transfer APR: None
– Balance Transfers APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable
– APR for Cash Advances: 21.24% – 29.24% Variable (for Direct Deposit and Check Cash Advances) and 29.24% Variable (for Bank Cash Advances)
– Fees for Balance Transfer: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
– Fees for Cash Advances: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
– Penalty Fees: Up to 29.99% Late Payment, Up to $40

How to Avoid Paying Interest

To avoid paying interest on your purchases, make sure to pay your entire balance by the due date each month. Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle, giving you ample time to pay off your balance and avoid interest charges.

About the Issuer

The Sonesta World Mastercard® is issued by Bank of America, a reputable financial institution known for its diverse range of credit card offerings and excellent customer service. Bank of America provides multiple ways to manage your account and pay your bills, including online account management and customer service support.

Conclusion

The Sonesta World Mastercard® from Bank of America is a compelling option for frequent travelers, particularly those who prefer staying at Sonesta properties. With its robust rewards program, attractive sign-up bonus, and travel-related perks, this card offers significant value for the right cardholder.
However, it’s essential to consider the annual fee after the first year and the high variable APR, which can be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the card’s most significant rewards and benefits are tied to Sonesta hotels and resorts, which may not be ideal for those who do not frequently stay at these properties.
Overall, if you’re a frequent traveler who enjoys staying at Sonesta hotels and resorts, the Sonesta World Mastercard® can be a valuable addition to your wallet. The generous rewards program, travel perks, and no foreign transaction fees make it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their travel experiences and earn substantial rewards in the process.
By carefully considering your spending habits and travel preferences, you can determine whether the Sonesta World Mastercard® is the right fit for you. If you decide to apply for this card, make sure to take advantage of the sign-up bonus and other benefits to get the most value out of your new credit card.