Miles · Mastercard · $499 annual fee
Last verified 2026-10-26. Review issuer source
Barclays Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard is a $499-a-year miles card from Barclays. Its best everyday rates are 2x on travel; everything else earns 1x. There is also 3x on Emirates, a single-merchant rate. Rewards are Emirates Skywards miles that only spend inside that program, so we value them at roughly a third of a cent each.
On our reference budget of $24,600 a year its rewards come to $92, $407 short of the annual fee. That is normal at this price; the card only works if the perks replace spending you already do, or your bonus-category spending is far above a typical household's. The welcome bonus, 50,000 miles after $3,000 in 90 days, is the strongest reason to open it in a given year.
Get it if you already fly or stay with Emirates Skywards often enough to use the lounge access. A general travel card earns points that go more places.
Earn 3 Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates purchases
Earn 2 Skywards Miles on eligible travel purchases
Earn 50,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn 10,000 anniversary bonus Skywards Miles after spending $30,000 on purchases each cardmembership year.
Receive a 25% savings when you Buy Skywards Miles for yourself or Gift Miles.
Enjoy Emirates Gold tier membership during your first year, and retain your tier status by spending $40,000 each cardmembership year.
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.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit - Receive an automatic statement credit for the cost of one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every five years – up to $120.
Priority Pass™ Select lounge access provides unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide for the primary cardmember and their guest(s).
These come from Mastercard, not from Barclays. Every card on the World Elite Mastercard tier carries them, so they should not decide between two cards.
A smooth departure starts with Fast Track access. Use your World Elite Mastercard to purchase* discounted access to a dedicated security lane for you and your guests at select airports in 30+ countries outside the U.S. Enjoy this benefit as part of The Mastercard Collection.
Call 1-800-MASTERCARD (1-800-627-8372) for 24/7 assistance to report a lost or stolen card.
Groceries and more delivered in as fast as one hour. Get $10 off your second order each month, and new Instacart+ members can also get three free months of Instacart+. Offer expires 1/31/2027.
More rides means more adventure. Take three rides in a month with Lyft to earn a $5 credit.3* Plus, save 10% on all scheduled rides to or from U.S. airports when you pay with your World Elite or World Legend Mastercard. Offer expires 1/31/2027.
Complimentary 24/7 concierge agent for lifestyle needs, travel bookings and event access.
Get exclusive PGA TOUR® experiences and access amazing golf benefits with our Golf Concierge Service.
Monitor your credit file for fraud, get alerts for suspicious activity and access a resolution specialist.
Mastercard gives you exclusive access to premium preferred seats and ticket presales at top venues and festivals across the U.S. Eligibility restrictions, exclusions and terms apply. Offer expires 3/31/2027.
Save when you tap and go with your eligible Mastercard and receive a $2.50 statement credit when you spend $10 or more each month at participating transit systems.
Enhance travel with cash back rewards when traveling internationally and shopping from your home.
Get $3 off Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus each month when you use your World Elite or World Legend Mastercard to subscribe. Watch new movies from theaters, buzzworthy original series, hit TV shows, live sports and so much more. Eligibility restrictions, exclusions and terms apply. Offer expires 12/31/2027.
Enjoy experiences in culture, dining, sports, entertainment and more in over 45 exciting destinations around the globe.
With Mastercard Zero Liability protection you’re protected against unauthorized transactions in stores, online and in app.
Chef-curated menus, signature drinks, and a space designed for travelers. Taste by Priceless is a dining club that reimagines culinary experiences at the airport — now open at Hong Kong International Airport. Use your World Mastercard to purchase access for yourself and your guests, as a benefit of The Mastercard Collection.
Benefit descriptions are the issuer’s and network’s own wording, trimmed for length. Limits and exclusions are in the guide to benefits.
Priority Pass™ Select lounge access provides unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide for the primary cardmember and their guest(s)
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards earned | Net after fee | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard®This card · 2x on travel | $499 | $92 | −$407 | 1275th of 1,284 |
| The AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard®Barclays's most-held other card · 3% on airfare | None | $342 | +$342 | 519th of 1,284 |
| Chase Freedom Flex® Credit CardThe strongest no-fee card on this budget · 7% on dining | None | $822 | +$822 | 1st of 1,284 |
| Robinhood Gold CardHighest net return on this budget · 3% on everything | $50 | $798 | +$748 | 2nd of 1,284 |
Reference budget: groceries $6,000, dining and restaurants $3,600, gas and ev charging $2,400, travel and transit $3,000, online shopping $2,400, entertainment and streaming $1,200, everything else $6,000. Points are valued at 1¢ unless the program is worth less; statement credits, welcome bonuses, and perks are left out. Run it with your own spending.
