Mastercard Credit Cards: Best and Latest Offers [April 2023]

Mastercard partners with the biggest card issuers worldwide to provide you with a wide selection of high-value consumer and business credit cards to choose from. Included among these cards are options for some of the best cashback credit cards and best balance transfer credit cards available.

Here are some of the best Mastercard credit cards and who they’re right for.

The best Mastercard credit cards

• Best for easy cashback rewards: Citi^® Double Cash Card
• Best for 5% cashback rewards: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
• Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for travel: Citi Premier^® Card
• Best for luxury travel: Citi Prestige^® Card (no longer available for applications)
• Best for IHG hotel stays: IHG^® Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Best for balance transfers: Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card
• Best for building credit: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
• Best for JetBlue travel: JetBlue Plus Card
• Best for American Airlines travel: Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®
• Best for Frontier Airlines budget travel: Frontier Airlines World MasterCard^®
• Best for American Airlines business travel: CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®

Citi^® Double Cash Card: Best for easy cashback rewards

With the Citi^® Double Cash Card, cardholders can earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit, direct deposit, or a mailed check. You can also convert your cash back to points, which can be used for travel redemptions. The Citi Double Cash has a $0 annual fee.

Why this is best for cashback rewards: The Citi Double Cash Card rises above other cashback credit cards because of how much cash back you can earn. Many cashback cards offer up to 1.5% unlimited cash back, so getting up to 2% is a huge deal. For example, if you spend $5,000 a year on everyday purchases like groceries, you’d get $75 cash back at a 1.5% rate ($5,000 x .015 = $75). With this card, it’s $100 cash back ($5,000 x .02 = $100).

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi^® Double Cash Card

Citi^® Double Cash Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for 5% cashback rewards

With the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, cardholders can earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1% cash back), plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit, direct deposit, or a mailed check. You can also convert your cash back to points, which can be used for travel redemptions. The Citi Custom Cash is a $0-annual-fee credit card.

Why this is best for cashback rewards: With this card, you can earn cash back by automatically getting 5% bonus rewards for your top spending category (up to a limit) each billing cycle. You don’t have to choose or activate a category to receive your bonus rewards, like certain credit cards require.

Earn the Most in the Category You Spend the Most

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1% cash back), plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
• Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases
• 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1% cash back)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• No Annual Fee
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming services purchases. Even better, you’ll earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment. You can also earn a $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, a mailed check, gift cards, and more.

Why this is best for dining and entertainment: If you like to dine out and visit entertainment venues, this is the card for you. Even with the Savor Cash Rewards’ $95 annual fee, no other card offers quite the same amount of value for these specific categories. This cost can be easily offset if you use your card enough, especially if you can take advantage of purchases through Vivid Seats.

Citi Premier^® Card: Best for travel

For frequent travelers, the Citi Premier^® Card provides 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. You can also earn 60,000 bonus thankyou® points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Why this is best for travel: Cardholders get access to the Citi rewards program. Along with earning Citi ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for travel, cardholders also receive a $100 annual hotel savings benefit ($100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more). There are also no foreign transaction fees with this card. For more flexibility with your travel, transfer your points from ThankYou.com to Citi transfer partners like Emirates, JetBlue, and Turkish Airlines. If you travel often, these benefits are more than enough to offset the $95 annual fee.

Earn Valuable Travel Points Even Faster

Citi Premier^® Card

Citi Premier^® Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; and 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels
• $100 annual hotel savings benefit
• No foreign transaction fee

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Citi Prestige^® Card: Best for luxury travel

Note: This card is no longer available for applications.

If you want to travel in style, the Citi Prestige^® Card offers great travel rewards and premium benefits. Earn N/A. Also, n/a.

Why this is best for luxury travel: Earning travel rewards is nice, but elevating your entire travel experience is even better. The Citi Prestige has a $495 annual fee, but you can leverage luxury perks to cancel out the cost. Cardholders receive TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement, Priority Pass airport lounge access, and up to a $250 annual travel credit each year. For a high-quality airport experience, this is the card for you.

Luxury Travel Benefits

Citi Prestige^® Card

Citi Prestige^® Card

Compare Credit Cards

Current Offer

N/A

Annual Fee

$495

Rewards Rate

N/A

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 50,000 bonus point sign-up offer
• 5X points on airline purchases and at restaurants
• Up to $250 travel credit every calendar year
• Complimentary 4th night hotel stay
• Transfer points to airline partners

Drawbacks

• Annual fee

Card Details

• N/A
• N/A

IHG^® Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG hotel stays

The IHG^® Rewards Premier Credit Card can help you stay at hotels for free with its valuable rewards. Earn 26X points per $1 spent on stays at IHG hotels; 5X points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants; and 3X points on other purchases. And if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, you’ll earn 175,000 points.

Why this is best for IHG hotel stays: IHG has over 5,000 locations around the world, which makes it easy for you to earn and use your points. Even better, cardholders receive a free anniversary night each year, which more than makes up for this card’s $99 annual fee. And let’s not forget the automatic Platinum Elite status you receive. Platinum Elite members receive complimentary room upgrades, bonus points earning, guaranteed room availability, and more.

Earn an Annual Free Night

IHG^® Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG^® Rewards Premier Credit Card

Learn How to Apply

Current Offer

Earn 175,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months

Annual Fee

$99

Rewards Rate

26X points per $1 spent on stays at IHG hotels; 5X points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants; and 3X points on other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 175,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months
• Up to 26X points at IHG hotels
• Earn 5X points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants, 3X points on all other purchases
• Free night every year
• Fourth reward night free

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule

Card Details

• Earn 175,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months
• 26X points per $1 spent on stays at IHG hotels; 5X points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants; and 3X points on other purchases

Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card: Best for balance transfers

Although the Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card doesn’t earn rewards, it still offers plenty of value. Cardholders get a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months (then 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable)) and a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months (then 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable)). After that period, your APRs will increase to variable APRs based on your creditworthiness.

Why this is best for balance transfers: Balance transfers aren’t for everyone, but if you need help managing your debt, consider this card. For balance transfers, 21 months is a long period of time to get a 0% interest rate. This allows you to move existing debt onto this card and pay it down as much as possible while interest isn’t accruing. Plus, with a $0 annual fee, you don’t have to stress about an annual cost. There is a relatively low balance transfer fee with this card, which is something to keep in mind.

Extended 0% Intro APR for Balance Transfers

Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card

Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Long introductory APR period for balance transfers

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months, then 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) APR
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) APR
• Choose your payment due date
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Does not earn rewards

Card Details

• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 17.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
• With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is an excellent option for building your credit. With a $0 annual fee and an initial credit line of $200, you can get your credit back on track.

Why this is best for building credit: If your credit score has taken some hits, it can be difficult to get it back in shape. Most credit cards require good or excellent credit, so those might be out of your reach for now. But with the Capital One Platinum Secured, the guidelines are different. As long as you qualify for the card and make your refundable security deposit, you’ll be granted credit. Then, it comes down to using your card and making the required payments. Capital One will automatically consider your credit line for increases, and you’ll be on your way to a better credit score.

JetBlue Plus Card: Best for JetBlue travel

The JetBlue Plus Card offers 60,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. In addition, you can earn 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases. With the opportunity to earn so many points, offsetting the $99 annual fee is simple.

Why this is best for JetBlue travel: The JetBlue Plus Card provides benefits that can enhance your JetBlue flying experience. The travel rewards can help you fly for free, and you also get your first checked bag for free. In addition, you receive 5,000 bonus points each year on your account anniversary; plus, you can use your card to earn Mosaic status benefits.

Mega Points for JetBlue Flyers

JetBlue Plus Card

JetBlue Plus Card

Compare Credit Cards

Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases (and paying the annual fee) in the first 90 days

Annual Fee

$99

Rewards Rate

6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 6X points on JetBlue purchases
• Intro APR on balance transfers
• $100 annual statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• No travel insurance perks

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases (and paying the annual fee) in the first 90 days
• 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Intro balance transfer 0% APR offer: 0% for 12 billing cycles on transfers that post within 45 days of account opening then 20.49%, 24.49% or 29.49% (variable)

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®: Best for American Airlines travel

American Airlines travelers can use the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® to boost their rewards earned from flying. Earn 2X miles at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1X miles on all other purchases. And earn 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months.

Why this is best for American Airlines travel: This card provides plenty of miles for flying American Airlines and for its sign-up bonus. Cardholders also receive their first checked bag for free, which is enough value by itself to offset the $99 (waived first year) annual fee if you fly often. You also get preferred boarding on American Airlines flights and 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases.

Free checked bags & more

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

Compare Credit Cards

Current Offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$99 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

2X miles at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1X miles on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• 2X miles at gas stations, restaurants, and eligible American Airlines purchases
• First checked bag free
• 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases
• Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee after first year
• Best for frequent American Airlines travelers

Card Details

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• 2X miles at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1X miles on all other purchases

Frontier Airlines World MasterCard^®: Best for Frontier Airlines budget travel

With the Frontier Airlines World MasterCard^®, you can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee. When you use your card, you’ll also earn 5X miles on purchases on Flyfrontier.com, 3X miles on restaurant purchases, and 1X miles on all other purchases.

Why this is best for Frontier travel: Budget travelers typically want to spend less on airfare, and both Frontier Airlines and the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard can help them accomplish this goal. The rewards from this card can help you fly for free, and you’ll earn miles toward Elite Status as you use your card or fly Frontier. Elite 100K offers free checked baggage allowance, which is a huge money saver. If you can leverage these benefits, this card is worth the $89 annual fee.

Easy-to-earn welcome bonus

Frontier Airlines World MasterCard^®

Frontier Airlines World MasterCard^®

Compare Credit Cards

Current Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee

Annual Fee

$89

Rewards Rate

5X miles on purchases on Flyfrontier.com, 3X miles on restaurant purchases, and 1X miles on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee
• Introductory APR on balance transfers
• 5X miles on Flyfrontier.com purchases
• Potential to earn annual $100 flight voucher
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Does not have free checked bag benefit

Card Details

• Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee
• 5X miles on purchases on Flyfrontier.com, 3X miles on restaurant purchases, and 1X miles on all other purchases
• Intro balance transfer 0% APR offer: 0% for 15 billing cycles (on balance transfers that post within 45 days of account opening) then 20.49%, 24.49% or 29.49% (variable)

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®: Best for American Airlines business travel

The CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^® offers a generous 65,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 4 months. The earning potential for travel rewards is excellent as well. Earn 2X miles per dollar on all eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1X miles on other purchases.

Why this is best for American Airlines business travel: If American Airlines is your preferred airline for business travel, this is the card for you. The sign-up bonus and rewards easily offset the $99 (waived first year) annual fee, and the benefits provide even more value. You get your first checked bag for free, preferred boarding, and 25% in-flight Wi-Fi savings.

Double miles on American Airlines purchases

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®

Compare Credit Cards

Current Offer

Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$99 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

Earn 2X miles per dollar on all eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1X miles on other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
• 2X miles for eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries
• Preferred boarding
• 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card

Drawbacks

• Annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
• Earn 2X miles per dollar on all eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1X miles on other purchases

Methodology

To choose the best Mastercard credit cards, we compared the available cards to find the most valuable benefits and rewards. If the perks and benefits of a card didn’t provide enough value to warrant an annual fee, that card didn’t make the cut. Benefits and rewards include the earning potential, sign-up bonus, and any extra perks on the card.

Because Mastercard credit cards are so diverse, we chose cards that would fit a variety of financial situations. For example, you may not be interested in travel rewards, but cashback rewards sound good to you. For this reason, we wanted to showcase how you can pick and choose the Mastercard credit card that best suits your lifestyle and financial needs.

What is Mastercard?

Mastercard is a global payments network that connects individuals and businesses in more than 210 countries worldwide. For over 50 years, Mastercard has innovated and adapted its technology to help make safe credit card transactions a reality. Today, billions of Mastercard transactions are made on an annual basis.

Mastercard partners with credit card companies to provide consumers and businesses with valuable credit card products. Mastercard isn’t a credit card issuer itself but instead helps facilitate payments on cards. Credit card issuers like Chase, Barclays, Citibank, and others rely on the Mastercard network to ensure their customers can make safe and reliable transactions. For example, Mastercard has contactless payment technology available.

In addition to processing payments, Mastercard also provides benefits on every Mastercard-branded credit card. And with nearly 19,000 employees and a net revenue of $16.9 billion in 2019, it’s clear that Mastercard is a large, successful company.

What are the different Mastercard credit card tiers?

Mastercard doesn’t issue any of its own cards, but Mastercard credit cards still come with extra benefits. As you move up the tiers of Mastercard cards, you’ll find more and more benefits. Keep in mind, the actual card issuer has the final say on which benefits are included on their cards, so credit cards may offer different benefits even if they’re the same Mastercard tier.

These are the current Mastercard tiers, how they work, and the types of benefits you receive:

Standard and Gold Mastercard

Standard and Gold Mastercards are designed for use on everyday purchases, like shopping at retail stores online or in-person. With a Standard or Gold Mastercard, you may get access to these benefits:

• Zero liability protection: You’re not responsible for unauthorized purchases on your card.
• Global service: Use the emergency assistance hotline to report a lost or stolen card, get a card replacement or cash advance, or find an ATM.
• Identity theft protection: Your credit card account is monitored for fraudulent activity, credit inquiries, address changes, and more. You can choose to track any suspicious activity with alert notifications.

Titanium and Platinum Mastercard

Titanium and Platinum Mastercards are designed to offer premium benefits above those offered on standard cards.

With a Titanium or Platinum Mastercard, you may get access to these benefits:

• Standard and Gold benefits: Receive all the benefits found on Standard and Gold Mastercards.
• Rewards and experiences: Your eligible card provides access to hundreds of Mastercard Priceless Specials. These offers are exclusive to Mastercard cardholders and may include experiences within these categories: travel, culinary, arts and culture, sports, shopping, and entertainment.

World Mastercard

World Mastercard cardholders experience a large step up in benefits compared to lower Mastercard tiers.

With a World Mastercard, you may get access to these benefits:

• Titanium and Platinum benefits: Receive all the benefits found on Titanium and Platinum Mastercards.
• Concierge services: Contact your concierge for personal services, including setting up dinner reservations, booking tickets, or buying and delivering gifts.
• Airport concierge: Have an in-person agent escort you through the airport on your next departure, arrival, or connecting flight.
• Professional travel services: Contact travel services for professional help to plan and curate your next trip.
• Postmates: Get $5 off every Postmates purchase of $25 or more.
• ShopRunner: Receive a complimentary ShopRunner membership for free two-day shipping and return shipping.
• Onefinestay: Save 10% on available rental homes and villas around the world.
• Golf: Access exclusive golf offers and experiences.
• Luxury hotel & resorts: Enjoy complimentary benefits like room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and early check-in and late checkout at more than 2,000 global properties.
• Car, air, cruise, and vacation packages: Receive special savings and upgrade offers for all your travel needs.

World Elite Mastercard

World Elite Mastercards offer the highest level of cardholder benefits.

With a World Elite Mastercard, you may get access to these benefits:

• World benefits: Receive all the benefits found on World Mastercards.
• Lyft: Get a $10 Lyft credit each month after taking five rides during the month.
• Boxed: Get 5% rewards on Boxed orders to use on future purchases.
• Fandango: Get $5 off future movie tickets for every two movie tickets you buy.

Note that some Mastercards will have their own special benefits available. For example, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has the added Mastercard benefit of extended warranty that extends U.S. manufacturer’s warranties by one year on eligible purchases.

How does Mastercard compare to other credit card companies?

Mastercard doesn’t issue credit cards, but it still competes with certain credit card issuers like American Express and Discover. However, its biggest competitor is likely Visa, another payments network that’s very similar to Mastercard. How does Mastercard compare to these other credit card companies?

Mastercard vs. American Express

Mastercard and American Express are both payments networks, which means they partner with credit card companies and financial institutions to process their transactions. However, American Express is also a credit card issuer, so it can issue credit cards and then use its own payments network for transactions. Mastercard does not issue any credit cards.

Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted around the world than American Express credit cards, but they’re both accepted almost everywhere in the U.S. Overall, American Express is a much larger company with 64,500 employees, compared to Mastercard’s nearly 19,000 employees.

Mastercard vs. Visa

Mastercard and Visa are the two most well-known and widely accepted cards on the planet. They’re both payments networks, but neither company issues any credit cards. Instead, they partner with credit card issuers like Chase and Citibank to process their transactions. Many credit card companies partner with both Mastercard and Visa with the cards they issue.

For company sizes, Mastercard and Visa are nearly identical. Mastercard has almost 19,000 employees, and Visa sits above 18,000 employees.

Mastercard vs. Discover

Both Mastercard and Discover offer payments services, but Discover also provides online banking accounts, personal loans, and issues its own credit cards. Although Mastercard may not provide as many services, its payments network is larger than Discover’s. Discover is accepted at 99% of U.S. merchants, but it doesn’t have the global reach that Mastercard does.

Discover has more than 17,000 employees, which almost matches the nearly 19,000 employees of Mastercard.

Which Mastercard credit card should you choose?

To choose the right Mastercard credit card, consider the benefits of each card and see which ones most align with your financial goals. Also, remember that each credit card may have different requirements for qualification, so keep your creditworthiness in mind.

Cashback credit cards are straightforward and easy to use. You can use them to earn cashback on every purchase, and they typically don’t have annual fees. This makes earning rewards simple and stress-free.

For travel purchases, there’s nothing better than a travel credit card. You can go with a general travel rewards card that earns flexible points or miles, or a specific airline credit card if you have a preferred airline. Either way, these cards can help you travel more while spending less.

If you aren’t yet able to qualify for a rewards card due to poor credit or limited credit history, consider building your credit with a secured credit card. These cards are meant to provide an opportunity for you to get a credit card without having great credit. In time, they can help you meet the requirements for cards with big sign-up bonuses and high-value benefits.

The best Mastercard credit card for you depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Carefully browse the list we’ve provided to see which one would best suit your needs. Included among these cards are options for some of the best cashback credit cards and best balance transfer cards available.

FAQs about Mastercard credit cards

Bottom line on the best Mastercard credit card for your wallet

Mastercard credit cards offer some of the best benefits among all available credit cards. They can easily suit the needs of most financial situations, whether you want cash back, travel rewards, low interest rates, or a chance to build your credit.

As you browse the list of the best Mastercard credit cards, consider the types of purchases you generally make and the kind of benefits you’re looking for. Doing so will make it simple to find the perfect card for your wallet.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi^® Double Cash Card

Citi^® Double Cash Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Author Details

Ben Walker, CEPF Ben Walker, CEPF, is a credit cards and travel writer at FinanceBuzz who loves helping others achieve their travel goals through financially sound decisions. For over a decade, he has been using credit card points and miles for the sole purpose of traveling the world. Ben is a Certified Educator of Personal Finance and has been featured in The Washington Post, MSN, Debt.com, and Finder.com.

More posts from Ben Walker, CEPF >