For travelers who frequently fly with Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners, the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® offers a world of rewards and travel benefits. Whether you’re planning vacations, business trips, or international journeys, this card can help you earn miles faster and enjoy elite travel perks that make your experience smoother and more rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the benefits, fees, rewards, and application process for the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® to help you decide if it’s the right card for your lifestyle.
What is the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®?
The Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®, issued by Barclays, is the official co-branded credit card of the Miles & More loyalty program, the frequent flyer program of Lufthansa Group airlines (including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines), as well as other Star Alliance carriers.
This card is specifically designed for travelers who fly often with Lufthansa or any of the Star Alliance partners, offering accelerated miles accumulation and elite travel benefits.
Key Benefits of the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles
New cardmembers can earn 50,000 award miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of opening the account. This welcome bonus is enough for a round-trip economy flight between the U.S. and Europe when booked in advance with Miles & More.
Ongoing Earning Rates
- 2 award miles per $1 spent on tickets purchased directly from Miles & More airline partners (like Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines).
- 1 award mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
There are no foreign transaction fees, which makes the card ideal for international use.
Two Lufthansa Business Lounge Vouchers
Every year, cardholders receive 2 complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers, which can be used at select airports when flying Lufthansa or partner airlines.
Companion Ticket Every Year
Each year on your account anniversary, you’ll receive a companion ticket valid for travel within the continental U.S. on Lufthansa flights — just pay taxes and fees. This benefit alone can be worth hundreds of dollars.
Mileage Expiration Waiver
With this card, Miles & More miles do not expire as long as you make one qualifying purchase per month and remain a cardholder in good standing.
Elite Travel Benefits
As a World Elite Mastercard, the card offers additional perks including:
- Travel and emergency assistance
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
- Concierge service
Annual Fee
The card carries an annual fee of $89, which is fairly competitive considering the travel perks it offers. The companion ticket and lounge access alone can offset the cost of the fee if used even once a year.
Who Should Consider the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®?
This card is ideal for:
- Frequent flyers with Lufthansa or other Star Alliance airlines
- U.S.-based travelers who frequently visit Europe or other international destinations
- People who want to earn award flights faster and enjoy added travel perks
- Anyone looking to maximize their Miles & More program benefits and protect their miles from expiration
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 50,000-mile welcome bonus
- Miles don’t expire while the card is active
- Companion ticket and lounge access yearly
- No foreign transaction fees
- Solid travel protections and World Elite Mastercard perks
Cons
- $89 annual fee (not waived the first year)
- Best value comes when flying with Lufthansa or partner airlines
- No bonus categories outside airline purchases
How to Apply for the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®
Applying for the card is quick and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
Go to the official Miles & More Mastercard application page provided by Barclays:
👉 https://cards.barclaycardus.com/banking/cards/miles-and-more-world-elite-mastercard/
Step 2: Check Eligibility
You’ll typically need:
- A good to excellent credit score (typically 700+ FICO)
- U.S. residency with a valid SSN
- A verifiable income and stable credit history
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application
Provide your personal information, including:
- Full legal name
- Address
- Income details
- Employment information
- Social Security Number
Step 4: Submit and Await a Decision
Most applicants receive an instant decision, although some applications may require additional verification.
Once approved, you’ll receive your card within 7–10 business days.
Tips for Maximizing Your Miles & More Card
- Book Flights Through Miles & More Airlines
Make all your Lufthansa or Star Alliance ticket purchases using this card to earn double miles. - Use the Companion Ticket Strategically
Use the companion ticket on flights where fares are higher, such as during holidays or business travel periods. - Avoid Letting Miles Expire
Make one qualifying purchase each month to keep your miles from expiring. - Combine with the Miles & More Loyalty Program
Link your card to your Miles & More account for seamless tracking and redemption of miles. - Redeem Miles Early
Book flights in advance to get the best mileage redemption deals — award seats can go fast!
Conclusion
The Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® is a valuable travel rewards card for anyone who frequently flies Lufthansa or its Star Alliance partners. With a generous welcome bonus, annual companion ticket, and lounge vouchers, the card can quickly pay for itself for regular travelers. Plus, the ability to prevent miles from expiring and the lack of foreign transaction fees make it a reliable tool for international adventures.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or just starting to explore the world, the Miles & More card makes every mile — and every purchase — count.
