The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard®, issued by Barclays, is an elite travel rewards credit card designed for frequent flyers of Emirates Airlines. Whether you’re chasing sky-high status or dreaming of award flights, this card delivers an impressive range of airline-specific perks, bonus mile opportunities, and luxury travel benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore all the essential details — from its rewards structure and travel privileges to how to apply and maximize your benefits.
Overview of the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard®
This credit card is tailored specifically for Emirates loyalists who want to accelerate their Skywards Miles, enjoy status upgrades, and unlock exclusive travel perks that enhance the flying experience.
Here’s a quick look at the card at a glance:
- Annual Fee: $499
- Rewards: Earn up to 3X Skywards Miles
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Skywards Miles after qualifying purchases
- Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (700+ recommended)
Skywards Miles Earning Structure
The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® offers a generous rewards structure focused on maximizing travel spend:
- 3X miles per $1 spent on eligible Emirates purchases
- 2X miles per $1 on hotel stays and car rentals
- 1X mile per $1 on all other purchases
These Skywards Miles can be used for award flights, class upgrades, lounge access, and even hotel stays and experiences via Emirates’ partner network.
Pro Tip: Book directly on Emirates.com to ensure you earn the full 3X reward rate.
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Skywards Miles
New cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
That’s enough for a round-trip economy class ticket from the U.S. to Dubai or significant savings when upgrading to business class.
Exclusive Cardholder Benefits
This card isn’t just about earning miles — it’s also packed with luxury travel perks that elevate your experience with Emirates and beyond.
1. Emirates Skywards Gold Tier Status
Upon approval, you’ll receive automatic Skywards Gold status during your first year — which includes:
- Complimentary business class lounge access
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Extra baggage allowance
- Seat selection privileges
Maintaining Gold status in future years requires a minimum annual spend on the card.
2. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit
Get a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every 5 years, helping you breeze through security on international or domestic flights.
3. Luxury Hotel Benefits
Book through Mastercard Travel Services and enjoy:
- Room upgrades
- Complimentary breakfast
- Early check-in/late checkout (when available)
- Exclusive amenities at select properties
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Use your Emirates Skywards Premium card worldwide with zero foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.
5. Travel and Purchase Protection
You’ll benefit from premium travel insurance, including:
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Emergency evacuation
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
These protections add peace of mind for high-value travel and purchases.
Additional Benefits
- Contactless payment for faster transactions
- Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
- Mastercard Concierge access 24/7 for travel, dining, and entertainment support
- Access to Priceless Experiences® curated by Mastercard
Who Should Get This Card?
The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® is ideal if you:
- Frequently fly Emirates Airlines
- Want elite travel perks and lounge access
- Plan to use the Skywards Miles for flights and upgrades
- Spend regularly on travel and luxury experiences
- Prefer a card with worldwide acceptance and travel protections
It may not be the best fit if you don’t fly Emirates often or want more flexible reward redemption options like cashback or general travel statement credits.
How to Apply for the Emirates Skywards Premium Mastercard®
Applying is easy and can be done online in minutes. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
Go to Barclays.com or directly through the Emirates Skywards Mastercard® product page.
Step 2: Check Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet the following:
- U.S. resident with valid SSN
- Good to excellent credit (700+ preferred)
- Steady income to support a premium card
Step 3: Complete the Application
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name and contact info
- Social Security Number
- Employment and income details
- Housing and financial information
Step 4: Review and Submit
After reviewing the terms and disclosures, submit your application. Many users receive instant decisions, but some may require further review.
If approved, your physical card will arrive in 7-10 business days, and you can start using it online immediately in some cases.
How to Maximize the Value of This Card
To get the most out of your Emirates Skywards Premium Mastercard®:
- Use it for all Emirates purchases to earn 3X miles
- Pay your full balance each month to avoid interest on the $499 annual fee
- Redeem points for business or first-class upgrades for the best value
- Take advantage of status benefits and concierge services
- Use the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit to streamline travel
Final Thoughts
The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® is a powerful tool for international travelers who frequently fly Emirates and want to make the most of the Skywards loyalty program. With high earning potential, luxury perks, and exclusive benefits, it’s designed to elevate your travel experience in every way.
While the $499 annual fee is steep, it’s more than justified for loyal Emirates flyers who can take advantage of elite status, reward flights, and premium services around the globe.
If you’re ready to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel, this card is a top-tier companion.
