Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard
- Annual fee
- $499
- Recommended credit
- Excellent / Good
- Card network
- Mastercard
- Regular purchase APR
- 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
At a glance
The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard is an ultra-premium airline rewards credit card issued by Barclays. The card offers impressive introductory (and annual) miles offers, decent earning potential, and complimentary lounge access worldwide – all for a hefty $499 annual fee.
Our review of the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard
The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard is a top-of-the-line airline card with impressive benefits for frequent travelers. This ultra-premium card offers a generous welcome bonus, elite status, complimentary lounge access, and more. However, with an annual fee of $499, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the cost.
Bonus Miles Introductory Offer
New cardholders can earn a substantial welcome bonus of 40,000 Bonus Miles by spending $3,000 in the first 90 days with their Barclays credit card. This offer is especially valuable considering the worth of airline miles, the Emirates codeshare agreements, and the fact that miles never expire.
How to Earn Emirates Skywards Miles
Both Emirates credit cards from Barclays earn miles in the Emirates Skywards frequent flyer program. The Premium card offers the same rewards-earning rate as its more affordable counterpart. This means you can earn miles on eligible Emirates purchases, airfare, hotels, rental cars, and all other purchases worldwide where Mastercard is accepted.
One advantage of the Premium card is that miles never expire as long as the account is open and active. This is a significant perk compared to the previous expiration policy.
Emirates Skywards Credit Card Comparison
While both Emirates credit cards offer similar rewards, the Premium card provides additional benefits for a higher annual fee. Cardholders can enjoy Gold elite status, priority pass select membership, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, and more.
How to Redeem Emirates Skywards Miles
Emirates Skywards offers a range of redemption options, including award flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Cardholders can also enjoy a complimentary first year of Gold elite status, which comes with exclusive perks like priority seat selection, excess baggage allowance, and lounge access.
Should You Apply for the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard?
The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard is a top choice for frequent Emirates flyers who value luxury travel perks. However, compared to other premium travel cards like the UBS Visa® Infinite Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, it may not offer as much value for all travelers. Consider your travel habits and preferences before applying for this ultra-premium airline card.
Card features
Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.
- Earn up to 3 Skywards Miles per dollar spent
- Earn unlimited Skywards Miles that do't expire
- Enjoy Emirates Skywards Gold tier membership during your first year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Complimentary lounge access to Emirates Business Class lounges worldwide for a cardmember and a guest
- Earn 50% bonus Skywards Miles on Emirates flights
Who this card may suit
- You fly frequently with Emirates and can justify all the perks and benefits that are included with a $499 annual fee
- You want a card with no foreign transaction fees
- You prefer the versatility of the Emirates codeshares to an airline alliance
- You plan to use the card to spend heavily on flights with codeshare partners or directly with Emirates
Rates, fees and terms
| Annual Fee | $499 |
|---|---|
| Regular Purchase APR | 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Balance Transfer APR | 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Balance Transfer Transaction Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater |
| Cash Advance APR | 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate |
| Cash Advance Transaction Fee | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
| Late Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $40 |
| Return Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $40 |
Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Excellent Credit Good Credit.
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Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard
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