If you’re a frequent traveler looking for a credit card that turns every dollar spent into valuable airline miles, the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® could be the perfect companion. Issued by Barclays and affiliated with the Miles & More loyalty program—the official frequent flyer program of Lufthansa and other airlines in the Star Alliance—this premium travel credit card offers strong rewards potential, elite travel perks, and access to award flights across a global network.
Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or someone aiming to travel more for less, here’s everything you need to know about the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®.
Overview of the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®
The Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for travelers who frequently fly with Lufthansa and its airline partners. The card allows you to earn Miles & More award miles through everyday spending, along with an attractive welcome bonus and airline-related perks that can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Key Features and Benefits
Generous Welcome Bonus
New cardmembers can earn a significant number of bonus miles after spending a required amount in the first few months. While the exact offer may vary, it typically includes:
- Up to 50,000 bonus miles after meeting minimum spending requirements within the first 90 days.
These miles can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, and more through the Miles & More program.
Miles Earning Rates
The card offers competitive mileage accrual on both travel-related and everyday purchases:
- 2 award miles per $1 spent on ticket purchases from Miles & More integrated airline partners (e.g., Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines).
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
There are no caps on how many miles you can earn, and the miles you accumulate can be used toward more than 40 airline partners, including those in the Star Alliance.
Companion Ticket Benefit
Every year on your account anniversary, you receive an Economy Class Companion Ticket, valid for Lufthansa-operated flights departing from the U.S. You’ll only need to cover taxes and fees for the second ticket, which can represent significant savings for couples or frequent travelers.
Miles Validity Extension
Normally, Miles & More miles expire after 36 months if unused. However, if you’re a cardholder and make at least one purchase per month, your miles will never expire, as long as your account is in good standing.
Elite Status Qualifying Miles
You can earn 15,000 status miles per calendar year toward Lufthansa Miles & More elite status, simply by spending $25,000 or more annually with the card.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
As a card designed for international travelers, the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® has no foreign transaction fees, saving you 2–3% on purchases abroad compared to many other cards.
Mastercard World Elite Travel Perks
As part of the World Elite Mastercard® suite, you get additional benefits, such as:
- Complimentary concierge services
- Travel insurance and protections
- Access to exclusive hotel and travel offers
- Rental car privileges
Fees and Interest Rates
- Annual Fee: $89 (not waived the first year)
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers: Variable APR, typically in the 20–29% range, based on creditworthiness
Though the card does have an annual fee, the benefits—especially for frequent Lufthansa flyers—can easily outweigh the cost.
How to Redeem Miles
Miles earned through this card are deposited into your Miles & More account and can be used for:
- Flights with Lufthansa and 40+ airline partners
- Seat upgrades
- Hotel bookings and rental cars
- Merchandise and experiences
Award flights typically start at 15,000 miles, and you can often find promotional redemptions (e.g., “Mileage Bargains”) offering heavily discounted award rates.
Who Should Consider This Card?
This card is best suited for:
- Travelers who frequently fly Lufthansa or Star Alliance carriers
- Those looking to build or maintain Miles & More status
- Cardholders who prefer redeeming miles for international award travel
- People who spend enough annually to take advantage of the Companion Ticket and elite miles bonus
If you fly Lufthansa or its partners even a few times per year, this card’s benefits can provide substantial value.
How to Apply for the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®
Applying for this card is a simple process and can be completed in just a few steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
You can apply directly through Barclays or the Miles & More website. Visit:
https://cards.barclaycardus.com
Search for the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®.
Step 2: Prepare Required Information
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Full legal name
- Social Security number
- U.S. address
- Date of birth
- Annual income
- Employment status
Step 3: Submit the Application
The form takes only a few minutes to fill out. You’ll receive an instant decision in most cases. If additional review is needed, Barclays may take a few business days to process the application.
Step 4: Receive Your Card
Once approved, your card will typically arrive by mail within 7–10 business days. After activation, you can begin earning miles immediately.
Tips to Maximize Your Card
- Use your card for airfare purchases with Lufthansa and partners to earn 2X miles.
- Redeem miles for Mileage Bargains to stretch your points further.
- Always make at least one purchase per month to keep your miles from expiring.
- Spend $25,000/year to receive status qualifying miles.
- Plan annual trips with the companion ticket benefit to maximize value.
Final Thoughts
The Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent choice for loyal Lufthansa travelers and Star Alliance frequent flyers. With strong earning potential, valuable travel perks, and the ability to earn status miles and companion tickets, it offers more than just rewards—it’s a travel strategy.
If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, reduce flight costs, and make the most of a premium airline loyalty program, this card deserves a place in your wallet.
