Perhaps one of the understated joys of this hobby is the ability to see the world through a number of “secrets” found through our points and miles cards. Although the many various methods of collecting points and miles are not a secret, the extra benefits that come with our favorite credit cards are sometimes overlooked – and can often provide just as much value as all those points.
Both the Platinum Card from American Express and the Visa Signature cards offer a number of hidden benefits to travelers who wish to go further with their travel. The World Elite MasterCard, which features cards including the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard, offers travelers who are in the know plenty of features when they use it for their adventures.
As with many things in the travel world, knowledge is power. Here are the benefits every frugal traveler needs to know about when using their World Elite MasterCard to travel around the world.
Ticket Discounts on Select International Airlines
For those still seeking elite status on the world’s airlines, holding the World Elite MasterCard can offer a little help getting closer towards that ever-elusive status. On many different international airlines, travelers can access discounted rates on air travel when booking through the concierge.
The airlines range from the luxuriously elite (Etihad Airways), to those with the largest international reaches (Lufthansa), to even Asia’s top carriers (Singapore Airlines). The discounts vary between carriers and are often targeted towards premium cabin offerings, like business- or first class tickets, but there are some sweet spots to be found.
For example: travelers booking on Lufthansa before the end of 2016 can get a complimentary upgrade to business class when purchasing a qualifying full-fare economy ticket. For those looking for the most amount of miles and gateways to elite qualifying dollars as they travel, these discounts can make a world of difference.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard®
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$95 after first year
30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles
After $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard®
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$95 after first year
After $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
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Priceless Cities
In all of their advertising, MasterCard is oft to remind cardholders that some experiences in life are priceless. The card network has taken this an additional step further through their Priceless Cities promotions.
Available at over 40 destinations worldwide, the Priceless Cities guides offer travelers a number of discounts and experiences only available to those holding a valid MasterCard. The offers vary from discounted attraction tickets, to exclusive access to master classes with chefs and other world-renowned experts.
For those who have a destination in mind, but are not sure what to do once they are there, the Priceless Cities guides can provide plenty of inspiration for travelers. While some of the experiences may be at a higher price range than others, these are a great spot to start looking for new and fun attractions throughout your next tour.
Luxury Hotel Benefits
Much like American Express offers Fine Hotel and Resort access to Platinum Card holders, World Elite MasterCard holders also get a number of benefits at select luxury hotels around the world. Through their collection of luxury hotel benefits, travelers can access benefits including late checkout, room upgrades and even on-site credits.
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The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express
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$95 first year
$95 after first year |
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards Points® After you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months Read Review » |
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The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express |
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Unlike the airline program, the collection of luxury hotels available to World Elite MasterCard holders are located both in the United States and around the world. Furthermore, every hotel offers something different to the guest – allowing the traveler to truly make it their own.
While the points and miles we collect are great towards our upcoming travels, the extra benefits we receive from holding the right cards make them that much more valuable. By knowing the hidden benefits of the World Elite MasterCard, every traveler can get even more value from their card year after year.
Have you ever received a benefit from the World Elite MasterCard? Let us know your experiences in the comments below!
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com