Barclays Emirates Skywards Premium Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $499
• APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 3x on Emirates, 2x on travel, 1x everywhere else
• Bonus: 50,000 Skywards Miles after $3,000 spend in 90 days
• Best For: Premium Emirates flyers, frequent international travelers, lounge access seekers
• Credit Needed: Excellent (750+)

Overview

The Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel credit card that combines Emirates' world-class airline experience with comprehensive lounge access and elite status benefits. With a $499 annual fee, this card positions itself as a luxury travel companion for serious international travelers who fly Emirates regularly and value premium airport experiences worldwide.

What sets the Premium card apart from the standard Rewards card is the automatic Emirates Skywards Gold tier status—Emirates' highest co-brand card elite tier—which provides business class lounge access across Emirates' network, extra baggage allowances, priority services, and more. Beyond Emirates-specific benefits, cardholders receive Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits to over 1,200 lounges worldwide for you and your guests, making this one of the most comprehensive lounge access packages available.

The 50,000 Skywards Miles welcome bonus, combined with 3x earning on Emirates purchases and 2x on all travel, ensures you're consistently building miles toward future Emirates flights—whether in economy, business, or first class. The included TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit (up to $120 every 5 years) and 25% savings on buying/gifting Skywards Miles add further value for frequent international travelers.

For Emirates loyalists, business travelers connecting through Dubai, and luxury travel enthusiasts who appreciate premium amenities, this card delivers exceptional value that far exceeds its annual fee when you utilize its comprehensive benefits.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None specified

Note: Premium cards focus on benefits rather than financing. The APR is standard for rewards cards. Always pay balances in full to maximize value.

Benefits Overview

Emirates & Elite Status Benefits

• 3x Skywards Miles per dollar on Emirates purchases
• Emirates Skywards Gold tier status for 12 months from card opening
• Retain Gold status by spending $40,000 annually on card purchases
• 50,000 bonus Skywards Miles after $3,000 spend in 90 days
• 25% savings when buying or gifting Skywards Miles
• Emirates Business Class lounge access in Dubai and throughout Emirates network (Gold benefit)
• 40kg baggage allowance in Economy, 50kg in Business (Gold benefit)
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling (Gold benefit)
• Complimentary seat selection and advance seat assignment (Gold benefit)
• Access to Emirates Business Class check-in counters worldwide (Gold benefit)
• Expedited immigration and security where available (Gold benefit)

Premium Lounge Access

• Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits to 1,200+ lounges worldwide
• Complimentary lounge access for primary cardholder and guests
• Access to Emirates Business Class lounges (with Gold status)
• Digital Priority Pass card accessible via app

Travel Benefits & Credits

• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit: Up to $120 statement credit every 5 years
• 2x Skywards Miles per dollar on eligible travel purchases (airfare, hotels, car rentals)
• 1x Skywards Mile per dollar on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees (0%)
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay insurance
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (primary coverage)
• Emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling

Everyday Benefits

• Miles never expire with active account
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 premium customer service
• Digital wallet compatibility
• Online account management and mobile app

Mastercard World Elite Benefits

• Complimentary premium concierge service (24/7)
• Luxury hotel and resort benefits program
• Exclusive shopping and dining experiences
• Mastercard airport concierge at select airports
• Extended warranty protection (adds 1 year)
• Purchase protection against damage or theft
• Return protection

Rewards & Earning Structure

• 3x Skywards Miles per dollar on Emirates purchases (flights, extras, Emirates Holidays)
• 2x Skywards Miles per dollar on eligible travel purchases (airfare, hotels, car rentals)
• 1x Skywards Mile per dollar on all other purchases
• No caps or limits on miles earned
• Miles never expire with account activity every 18 months
• Redemption: Emirates award flights (all cabins including First Class), upgrades, partner airlines (oneworld), hotels, car rentals, experiences

Emirates Skywards Miles are valued at approximately 1–2 cents per mile when redeemed for Emirates business or first class, with potential for exceptional value on premium cabin redemptions. Economy redemptions typically value around 1–1.5 cents per mile.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 50,000 Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening and paying the annual fee.

This substantial welcome bonus is worth approximately $500–$1,000 in flight value depending on redemption choice. 50,000 miles can cover one-way business class flights to Europe or the Middle East, or roundtrip economy tickets to Asia or Africa. With a $3,000 spending requirement over 90 days, this bonus is attainable and provides significant value toward premium Emirates experiences.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $499 (not waived first year)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: Not typically offered
• 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

• Frequent Emirates flyers who fly 4+ times per year internationally
• Business travelers connecting through Dubai regularly
• Lounge enthusiasts who value Priority Pass Select + Emirates lounges
• Premium cabin travelers redeeming miles for business/first class
• International travelers needing Gold status benefits (extra bags, priority services)
• Those pursuing Emirates elite status without flying 50+ flights annually
• Luxury travel enthusiasts appreciating Emirates' premium service
• High spenders who can reach $40,000 annually to retain Gold status
• Frequent travelers through DXB (Dubai International Airport)

Not Good For

• Occasional international flyers (less than 3–4 times annually)
• Domestic-only travelers without international travel plans
• Budget travelers focused on low-cost carriers
• Those in non-Emirates markets without direct service
• Those unable to justify $499 annual fee based on usage
• Travelers not utilizing lounge access regularly
• Those seeking flexible transfer partners beyond oneworld
• Balance carriers (high APR negates premium benefits)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Emirates Skywards Gold status for first 12 months (highest co-brand card tier)
• Priority Pass Select with unlimited lounge visits (1,200+ lounges)
• Emirates Business Class lounge access in Dubai and worldwide network
• 50,000 Skywards Miles welcome bonus (worth $500–$1,000)
• 3x earning on Emirates, 2x on all travel
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit ($120 every 5 years)
• 25% savings on buying/gifting Skywards Miles
• No foreign transaction fees
• Retain Gold status with $40,000 annual spend
• Extra baggage allowances (40kg Economy, 50kg Business)
• Priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling
• Primary rental car coverage (rare for credit cards)
• Comprehensive travel insurance and protections
• Mastercard World Elite premium benefits

Cons

• High $499 annual fee (not waived first year)
• $40,000 annual spend required to retain Gold status (very high threshold)
• Limited value for non-Emirates flyers or domestic travelers
• $3,000 spend in 90 days for welcome bonus
• Miles primarily valuable for Emirates and oneworld partners
• Must maximize lounge access and Gold benefits to justify fee
• 1x earning on non-travel purchases is basic
• Standard APR with no promotional financing
• Limited value if you don't fly Emirates 4+ times annually
• Fewer transfer partners compared to flexible travel cards

Alternatives to Consider

Card	Best For	Annual Fee	Rewards	Welcome Bonus
Chase Sapphire Reserve	Premium flexible travel + lounges	$550	3x–10x travel/dining	60,000 points + $300 credit
American Express Platinum	Premium travel + Centurion lounges	$695	5x flights/hotels	80,000 points + credits
Capital One Venture X	Premium travel with transfer flexibility	$395	2x–10x tiered	75,000 miles + credits
Emirates Skywards Rewards Card	Mid-tier Emirates card	$99	3x Emirates, 2x travel	40,000 miles + Silver status

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Assuming you fly Emirates 6 times per year and spend $45,000 annually:

Category	Annual Spend	Reward Rate	Earned Value
Emirates flights	$8,000	3x miles	24,000 miles ($360–$480)
Other travel (hotels/airlines)	$10,000	2x miles	20,000 miles ($300–$400)
Groceries & dining	$14,400	1x miles	14,400 miles ($216–$288)
All other purchases	$12,600	1x miles	12,600 miles ($189–$252)
Welcome bonus (first year)	—	—	50,000 miles ($750–$1,000)
Priority Pass + Emirates lounges	—	12 visits × 3 people	$900
Gold status benefits	—	Extra bags, priority services	$400
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry	—	Every 5 years	$24/year average

First Year Total Value: $3,139–$3,844
Ongoing Annual Value: $2,389–$2,844

Minus $499 annual fee = $1,890–$2,345 net annual value (ongoing)

For frequent Emirates flyers utilizing both Priority Pass and Emirates Business Class lounges, combined with Gold status baggage allowances and priority services, this card delivers exceptional value that far exceeds the annual fee.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You fly Emirates 4–6+ times per year internationally
• You value comprehensive lounge access (Priority Pass + Emirates Business Class lounges)
• You want Emirates Skywards Gold status without flying 50+ qualifying flights
• You can spend $40,000 annually to retain Gold status beyond year one
• You frequently travel through Dubai International Airport
• You appreciate extra baggage allowances (saves $100+ per international trip)
• You need TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (get $120 credit)
• You travel internationally frequently and maximize travel earning (2x)
• You book premium cabins (business/first class) where miles have highest value
• You always pay balances in full (no promotional APR)

You Should Skip It If...

• You fly Emirates less than 4 times per year
• You primarily travel domestically within the US
• You won't utilize lounge access regularly (key value driver)
• You can't spend $40,000 annually to retain Gold status
• You're seeking flexible transfer partners beyond oneworld
• You want a more affordable Emirates card (consider Rewards card at $99)
• You need promotional financing options
• You're focused on everyday spending rewards (1x is basic)
• You prefer other airline alliances or non-Emirates international carriers
• You won't maximize the premium benefits to justify $499 fee

Apply Now

Apply for Emirates Skywards Premium Card

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