May 26, 2020
Who is the Mastercard Titanium Card for?
The Mastercard Titanium Card is a travel rewards credit card for luxury travels. It is ideal for those who want to enhance their purchasing power through the rewards program. This card represents exclusivity on all levels: a unique metal card design, personalized travel services, access to 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge as well as Luxury Magazine, and more.
The Titanium Card makes the most sense to frequent travelers. You earn 1x point for every one dollar you spend, which can be redeemed at a 2% value for airfare redemptions and 1% for cash back redemptions. Additionally, cardmembers receive a variety of other benefits that upgrade their travel and shopping experience. They receive airport meet and assist service to save time during the airport process as well as annual airline credits for purchases like tickets, baggage fees, and upgrades. Perhaps the biggest selling point is the Luxury Card Concierge, a lifestyle management tool that assists you with travel bookings, product search, research, and other personal requests. This round-the-clock service is available for no hidden fees.
Instead, access to these rewards and benefits requires cardmembers to pay a hefty annual fee of $195 as well as a fee of $95 for each user added to the account. Other fees include a variable APR of 14.99% for purchases and 25.24% for cash advances. Cardmembers are given a 0% APR for balance transfers during the introductory period, after which the APR will increase to 14.99% (variable). Transaction and penalty fees also apply.
As a luxury travel rewards card, the Mastercard Titanium Card is ideal for high-end cardholders who want to improve their travel and shopping experience. While the rewards program is not the most competitive compared to what premium rewards cards offer, the card does offer various unique perks. If you value upgraded customer service and luxury perks such as the meet-and-greet service, then the MasterCard Titanium Card might be right for you.
Rewards Program
When compared to other competitors, the rewards rates are not as impressive. Cardholders earn just one for every dollar spent -- below what many other cards offer. Most premium rewards cards, for instance, offer bonus points on a selection of spending categories such as restaurants or travel, in addition to rewarding one point for everything else. Furthermore, because the card lacks a sign-up bonus, racking up points during your first year can be challenging.
The rewards rate may be worth overlooking if you consider the value of Titanium Rewards points. Cardholders can redeem points at a 2% value for airfare redemption with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. This means that spending 50,000 points in the form of airfare redemptions would get you a $1,000 ticket on any airline. Furthermore, cardholders can also redeem points at a 1% value for cash back redemptions. This means that spending 50,000 points in this way would get you $500 in cash back that can be deposited directly into a US bank account or applied as a statement credit.
When it comes to rewards redemption, there is not a lot of flexibility as cardholders are unable to transfer points to other programs such as frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty accounts.
The inability to transfer points limits the opportunity to take advantage of another loyalty program, making it difficult to earn enough points to make a purchase.
Patented Card Construction
The metal card design is a key feature of the Titanium Card. It is lined with a stainless steel front and carbon back, detailed with laser engravings, and embedded with advanced technology. If you value the aesthetic and durability of your card, you want to add this unique card design to your wallet.
Other Benefits
One of the most notable features of the Titanium Card is the 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge. The round-the-clock service is available via phone, live chat, and email. This tool comes with the membership at no added cost and can assist you with various personal requests like travel bookings, research, product search, meeting arrangements, and more. For example, the concierge service can help you find the best restaurants in town, acquire a limited edition pair of sneakers, or help you create a personalized travel itinerary.
Not only does the extensive customer service differentiate this card from competitors, but so does its comprehensive travel program. Its travel amenities and services include resort or spa credits, complementary foods and beverages, room upgrades, and more. The meet-and-assist and baggage delivery service allow you to save time and avoid busy crowds during the airport process. You also receive a $100 automatic statement credit for the cost of the Global Entry and TSA Pre application fee, granting you expedited entry into the United States. Furthermore, you can collect up to $200 in annual airline credits for purchases such as airline tickets, baggage fees, and upgrades.
The Titanium Card also offers travel insurance, which can be valuable to frequent travelers. Eligible cardholders can receive insurance for delayed baggage, trip delay, or cancellation protection, as well as rental car insurance. Other perks worth noting when you use your Luxury Card is the ability to earn credit for Lyft, Postmates, Fandango, ShopRunner, and more.
Fees
Many benefits come with the card, however, they come at a hefty price. The annual fee is $195 annual fee and cardholders have to pay $95 for each authorized user added to the account. On the other hand, the variable APR of 14.99% for purchases and balance transfers is relatively low for a premium reward card. You receive an 0% introductory APR for balance transfers within 45 days of account opening and while it is short, it is something you want to take advantage of. After the introductory period, your APR will be 14.99%.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Titanium Card is a unique travel rewards card meant for those who travel frequently and value luxury perks. If you can afford the high annual fee and don’t mind the average rewards rate, then this card may be worth getting. From its next-level concierge service to extensive travels program, this card provides high-end cardholders a one-of-a-kind experience.
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