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Card reviewBarclays
Updated Jul 28, 2026 · research
BarclaysEmirates Skywards
Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard
The premium credit card for Emirates frequent flyers, featuring Gold tier membership, unlimited Priority Pass lounge access, and up to 3 Skywards Miles on purchases.
PremiumPersonal
Mastercard
$499
Annual fee
3x miles eligible emirates purchases
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Current Welcome Offer
Earn 70,000 miles
Spend $3,000 in 90 days
Verifiedissuer page
Card Offers
public
Earn 70,000 miles
Spend $3,000 in 90 days
issuer page
Earning Rates
eligible Emirates purchases
3xmiles
Earn 3 Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates purchases
eligible travel purchases
2xmiles
Earn 2 Skywards Miles on eligible travel purchases
all other purchases
1xmiles
Earn 1 Skywards Mile on all other purchases
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Elevated 3X miles on Emirates purchases and 2X on travel
- Complimentary first-year Gold tier status
- Unlimited Priority Pass Select lounge access with guests
- No foreign transaction fees
- Miles do not expire with active account
Cons
- $499 annual fee
- $40,000 spend required to retain Gold status
- 1X miles on most everyday spending
- Excellent credit score needed
- Balance transfer fee of 5% (min. $5)
Key Takeaways
- 50,000 bonus Skywards Miles after $3,000 spend in 90 days
- Gold tier status first year, retain with $40,000 annual spend
- Unlimited lounge access via Priority Pass Select for cardmember and guests
- 3X miles on Emirates, 2X travel, 1X other purchases
- $499 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $499 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
APR Information
- Purchase APR
- 19.49% - 29.49%
- Balance Transfer APR
- 19.49% - 29.49%0% intro APR for 12 months
- Cash Advance APR
- 29.74%
APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.
Card Benefits
4 benefits (2 strong or better)
Travel Access & Perks
Travel Credits
Elite Status
Lifestyle Benefits
Coverage Tier Legend
Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee?
The annual fee is $499. It is not waived for the first year.
What is the welcome bonus offer?
New cardmembers earn 50,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This offer is listed on the product page.
What are the Skywards Miles earning rates?
Earn 3 Skywards Miles per dollar on eligible Emirates purchases, 2 miles per dollar on eligible travel purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. Earn 10,000 anniversary bonus miles after $30,000 spend each cardmembership year. There is no cap on miles earning while the account remains open, active, and in good standing.
How does the Emirates Skywards Gold tier status work?
Cardmembers receive complimentary Gold tier membership during the first year. Retain Gold tier by spending $40,000 each cardmembership year thereafter. Failure to meet the spend drops status to a lower tier.
What airport lounge access does the card provide?
Unlimited visits to over 1,200 lounges worldwide via Priority Pass Select for the primary cardmember and guests. Guest access is included but check per-visit policies.
Are there foreign transaction fees?
No foreign transaction fees apply to international purchases. This is confirmed in benefits and pricing disclosures.
What application fee credits are available?
Receive up to a $120 statement credit for one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every five years. Global Entry covers the full $120 fee.
Do Skywards Miles expire?
Skywards Miles do not expire as long as the credit card account remains open and active. Closing the account may lead to miles expiry per program rules.
About This Card
Best for frequent Emirates flyers who spend heavily on the airline and travel to retain Gold status and utilize lounge access. Suited for those valuing uncapped miles earning and no expiration on Skywards Miles.
Enjoy Emirates Skywards Gold tier membership during your first year, and retain your tier status by spending $40,000 each cardmembership year. Earn 70,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Get unlimited Priority Pass Select lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and pay no foreign transaction fees.
Stands out with complimentary first-year Emirates Skywards Gold tier status and unlimited Priority Pass guest lounge access in the $499 fee tier.
Ready to Decide?
Apply for the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard
Earn 70,000 miles with a $499 annual fee.
Spend $3,000 in 90 days
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Sources & Methodology
Sources & Methodology
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- 4 of 4 benefits rated high confidence
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