Barclays Capital Vacations World Mastercard

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 5x on Capital Vacations, 2x on travel, 1x everywhere else
• Bonus: 3-night Capital Vacations Resort Stay Certificate (worth ~$250)
• Best For: Capital Vacations members, timeshare owners, vacation planners
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (690+)

Overview

The Capital Vacations World Mastercard is a specialized rewards card developed in partnership with RCI (the world's leading vacation exchange company) and designed specifically for Capital Vacations members and timeshare enthusiasts. Launched in September 2024, this no annual fee card offers exceptional value for those invested in the Capital Vacations ecosystem, with 5x rewards on Capital Vacations purchases and 2x on broader travel spending.

What sets this card apart is the welcome bonus—a 3-night Capital Vacations Resort Stay Certificate with an approximate retail value of $250. This certificate provides immediate, tangible vacation value rather than just points, making it perfect for members who want to experience Capital Vacations properties or extend their existing stays.

Beyond the welcome bonus, the card's earning structure aligns perfectly with vacation ownership: maximize rewards on maintenance fees, booking fees, and Capital Vacations purchases at 5x, while earning 2x on all other travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, this card is built for cost-conscious travelers who value the flexibility of timeshare vacations combined with everyday rewards.

The extended 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers adds financial flexibility, while the low promotional APR on timeshare down payments (for Capital Vacations members) makes this card a valuable tool for those expanding their vacation ownership portfolio.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Timeshare Down Payment APR: Low promotional APR on timeshare down payments (for Capital Vacations members, check current rates)
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening, then 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None specified
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater

Note: The promotional APR on timeshare down payments is unique to this card and provides valuable financing for Capital Vacations purchases. The 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers offers debt consolidation benefits.

Benefits Overview

Capital Vacations Benefits

• 5x rewards on Capital Vacations purchases (maintenance fees, booking fees, upgrades)
• 3-night Resort Stay Certificate as welcome bonus (worth ~$250)
• Low promotional APR on timeshare down payments for members
• Exclusive cardholder offers and promotions at Capital Vacations resorts
• Priority access to select booking windows and availability
• Integration with RCI vacation exchange network

Travel Benefits

• 2x rewards on all travel purchases (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises)
• No foreign transaction fees (0%)—essential for international vacations
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary coverage)
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (when trip is charged to card)
• Lost luggage reimbursement

Everyday Benefits

• 1x rewards on all other purchases where Mastercard is accepted
• No annual fee keeps ownership cost-free
• 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 customer service
• Digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

Mastercard World Benefits

• Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services
• Complimentary concierge service
• Mastercard ID Theft Protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection against damage or theft

Rewards & Earning Structure

• 5x rewards per dollar on Capital Vacations purchases (maintenance fees, booking fees, resort purchases)
• 2x rewards per dollar on all travel purchases (airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruises, travel agencies)
• 1x reward per dollar on all other purchases where Mastercard is accepted
• No caps or limits on rewards earned
• Flexible redemption: Redeem through Barclays redemption site for travel, merchandise, gift cards, cash back, and more
• Redemption value: Typically 1 cent per point for standard redemptions, with potential for higher value through travel redemptions

Capital Vacations World Mastercard rewards provide flexible redemption options through the Barclays platform. While specific redemption values vary by choice, travel redemptions often provide the highest value at approximately 1–1.25 cents per point.

Welcome Bonus

Receive a 3-night Capital Vacations Resort Stay Certificate with an approximate retail value of $250.

This unique welcome bonus provides immediate vacation value rather than requiring you to accumulate points over time. The 3-night stay certificate can be used at participating Capital Vacations properties, allowing you to experience the resort lifestyle, explore new destinations, or extend an existing vacation. Unlike point-based bonuses, this tangible certificate gives you a concrete vacation benefit from day one—perfect for trying out new resorts or sharing the Capital Vacations experience with family and friends.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Capital Vacations members with timeshare ownership or vacation club membership
• Timeshare owners paying annual maintenance fees
• Frequent travelers who can maximize 2x on broad travel categories
• RCI members utilizing vacation exchange programs
• Those considering timeshare purchase (low promotional APR on down payments)
• Vacation ownership enthusiasts committed to the timeshare lifestyle
• Travelers wanting no foreign transaction fees for international trips
• Balance transfer seekers needing 15 months at 0% intro APR
• Those valuing flexible redemption (travel, cash back, gift cards, merchandise)

Not Good For

• Non-Capital Vacations members without timeshare ownership or plans to purchase
• Hotel loyalists focused on Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt programs
• Those seeking airline miles that transfer to loyalty programs
• Infrequent travelers who won't maximize travel earning categories
• Those without annual maintenance fees or Capital Vacations expenses
• Luxury hotel enthusiasts preferring traditional hotel stays over timeshares
• Balance carriers (high APR negates rewards if not paid in full)
• Those seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or status

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee keeps long-term ownership cost-free
• Strong 5x earning on Capital Vacations purchases (maintenance fees, bookings)
• 2x earning on all travel purchases (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises)
• 3-night resort stay certificate welcome bonus (worth ~$250)
• No foreign transaction fees for international travel
• 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers
• Low promotional APR on timeshare down payments (for members)
• Flexible redemption through Barclays platform (travel, cash back, gift cards, merchandise)
• Works everywhere Mastercard is accepted for 1x earning
• Mastercard World benefits including concierge service and travel insurance
• Points never expire as long as account is open

Cons

• Limited value for non-Capital Vacations members or non-timeshare owners
• 1x earning on non-travel purchases is basic (many cards offer 1.5%–2%)
• Redemption values vary by option (may be lower than specialized travel cards)
• High variable APR (20.24%–29.99%) after promotional periods
• Resort stay certificate may have blackout dates and restrictions
• Not ideal for earning traditional airline miles or hotel points
• Limited value if you don't have annual maintenance fees to charge
• Redemption process through Barclays may be less straightforward than direct transfer
• No lounge access or premium travel status benefits
• 5% balance transfer fee

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Assuming you're a Capital Vacations member spending $15,000 annually:

First Year Total Value: $544
Ongoing Annual Value: $294

No annual fee to subtract = $294 net annual value

For Capital Vacations members with higher maintenance fees—say $4,000 annually—the Capital Vacations rewards alone would be worth $200, significantly increasing the card's value for dedicated members.

Timeshare Owner Example: A member paying $3,600 in annual maintenance fees, taking two vacation trips per year ($4,000 travel spending), and using the card for everyday expenses would earn approximately $400+ in rewards annually while enjoying the 3-night resort certificate in year one.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You're a Capital Vacations member paying annual maintenance fees
• You own timeshare property and want to maximize rewards on those expenses
• You travel frequently and can benefit from 2x on flights, hotels, and car rentals
• You want a 3-night resort stay certificate as an immediate welcome bonus
• You appreciate no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• You need a balance transfer card with 15 months at 0% intro APR
• You're considering purchasing timeshare property (low promotional APR)
• You value flexible redemption options (travel, cash back, gift cards, merchandise)
• You always pay balances in full to avoid the high APR
• You're an RCI member utilizing vacation exchange programs

You Should Skip It If...

• You're not a Capital Vacations member or timeshare owner
• You don't have annual maintenance fees or vacation ownership expenses
• You want higher earning rates on everyday purchases (1x is basic)
• You prefer traditional airline miles or hotel points with transfer partners
• You're seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
• You rarely travel and won't maximize the 2x travel earning
• You carry credit card balances (20–30% APR negates rewards value)
• You prefer Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt hotel programs over timeshares
• You want a card with extensive purchase protection and insurance benefits

Apply Now

Apply for Capital Vacations World Mastercard

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.