MasterCard World

glasydorlan

Hello,
Long time follower of this forum, first time posting a question! 

I have the IHG MasterCard issued by Creation. It states that it's a World MasterCard, which according to the MasterCard website, allows you to take advantage of various benefits.

I've tried registering for the Airport Lounge access, however, the card number isn't accepted.

I'm assuming that Creation haven't enrolled in the World programme, and that it's on the card in name only? 

Glasydorlan

Migster

The World and also Signia (I think that's the spelling) are sub-brand of Mastercard credit cards aimed at consumers. They originally attracted higher rates of interchange (the fee paid by the merchant to the card issuer) which presumably paid for the benefits you mention. However, following an EU directive a few years ago, the interchange rate was standardised at 0.3%, for all consumer cards. As such the cards no longer generate the same level of revenue for the issuers, so presumably they cannot afford the same level of benefits. 

This only applies in Europe, so perhaps you looked at a "global" website that mentioned the benefits that are available in other territories.   

The_Urbanite

glasydorlan said:

Hello,
Long time follower of this forum, first time posting a question! 

I have the IHG MasterCard issued by Creation. It states that it's a World MasterCard, which according to the MasterCard website, allows you to take advantage of various benefits.

I've tried registering for the Airport Lounge access, however, the card number isn't accepted.

I'm assuming that Creation haven't enrolled in the World programme, and that it's on the card in name only? 

Glasydorlan

There is a page on the UK Mastercard website that tells you all the benefits a World card grants - https://www.mastercard.co.uk/en-gb/consumers/find-card-products/credit-cards/world.html

In other words, nothing special at all. I have the two IHG cards and the Santander All In One which have the World mark on them - they're all rewards cards. Migster has done a good job of explaining the state of play with Mastercard World.

If you want additional benefits, have a look at the Mastercard World Elite cards. Curve Metal and the HSBC Premier cards which do have Lounge Key access and are pretty good with rewards. Santander also offer a World Elite card.

glasydorlan

Thanks @Migster, @The_Urbanite

Suspected that was the case, although the UK MasterCard website still refers to the Travel Benefits towards the bottom of the page. 

Will have a look at those World Elite MasterCards you mentioned @The_Urbanite

Glasydorlan