Miles · Mastercard · $99 annual fee
Last verified 2026-10-26. Review issuer source
Synchrony Bank Cathay World Elite Mastercard is a $99-a-year miles card from Synchrony Bank. Its best everyday rates are 2x on dining; everything else earns 1x. There is also 3x on Cathay Pacific, a single-merchant rate. Rewards are Asia Miles 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 $94, $5 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, 38,000 miles after $3,000 in 90 days, adds to the first year's return.
Get it if you already fly or stay with Asia Miles often enough to use the perks. A general travel card earns points that go more places.
Earn 3 per USD spent on all eligible Cathay Pacific travel and in-flight purchases
Earn 2 per USD spent on dining and eligible dining delivery services
Earn 3 per USD spent on all eligible Hong Kong Express travel and in-flight purchases
You can earn 38,000 bonus Asia Miles when you open an account and spend USD 3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
10% redemption discount on hotel, car rental and experiences awards with Asia Miles.
10% savings on Asia Miles Gift Miles and Mileage Transfer Fee transactions.
Primary cardholders may use their Asia Miles to redeem access to Cathay Pacific Business Class lounges.
Primary cardholders can enjoy the same boarding line as Premium Economy class passengers on flights operated by Cathay Pacific.
Primary cardholders may check in at our Premium Economy class airport check-in counters. Travel companion(s) can also enjoy this benefit when travelling with the Primary cardholder.
Earn 10 Status Points for every USD5,000 in eligible purchases made each month, up to a maximum of 100 Status Points per calendar year
These come from Mastercard, not from Synchrony Bank. 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.
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards earned | Net after fee | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cathay World Elite Mastercard®This card · 2x on dining | $99 | $94 | −$5 | 1103rd of 1,284 |
| Verizon VisaSynchrony Bank's most-held other card · 4% on dining | None | $606 | +$606 | 11th 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.
