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WELCOME PROMOTION 

World Elite Mastercard

Get up to $1,460 in benefits and rewards upon enrollment* 

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*Promotion valid until January 31, 2024. Minimum purchases and insurance product required.  

Your World Elite ®  Mastercard ®  at a glance

Up to 5 rewards points per dollar spent 1

Travel insurance and exclusives 4-5-7

Extended warranty on your purchases 7

Minimum gross annual income: $80,000 for the applicant or $150,000 in household income. Subject to National Bank credit approval. To qualify, you must not hold a National Bank Mastercard credit card or have held one in the past 24 months.

Annual fee   2

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Purchase rate 2

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Balance transfers and cash advances 2-3

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Secure online form

Jusqu’à 900 $ en rabais voyage ou jusqu’à 800 $ à investir dans un produit financier annuellement*

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$150 Annual fee

Purchase rate

Interest rate (balance transfers and cash advances)

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A winter wonderland for rewards

Treat yourself with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card with up to 40,000 rewards points *  upon enrollment.

Welcome promotion

15,000 points = $125 in travel discounts

Offer to sign up for credit card payment insurance 

3,000 points = $25 in travel discounts

12,000 points in your first year

Get 1,000 points per month when you spend $2,500 in net purchases per month in the 12 months following enrollment = $100 in travel discounts

Offer at 14 th month

10,000 points = $83 in travel discounts

Rewards points earned after spending $56,000

90,720 points = $756 in travel discounts

There’s more:

• Unlimited and complimentary access for you and a guest to the National Bank Lounge ®  (For example, two visits with a guest are equivalent to  a value of $222 )  4
• Up to $150 reimbursement on your travel expenses (seat selection, airport parking, checked baggage, and more)  5

Certain eligibility conditions apply. The potential amount varies according to annual account spending and insurance enrollment. Redemption value may vary depending on the reward type, your number of visits to the National Bank Lounge ® , and reimbursed travel expenses. To find out the number of points required for each reward, visit nbcrewards.ca. Travel discounts are redeemable in increments of 12,000 points only, with each increment equalling $100. 

This promotion for new National Bank World Elite Mastercard cardholders ends on January 31, 2024. Minimum purchase and insurance product required. Certain conditions apply. 

Treat yourself with the World Elite Mastercard credit card 

Earn points and treat yourself 

Pay your card balance or redeem your points for items, gift cards, travel discounts and more in our online boutique.

How do points work?

Travel exclusives 

Enjoy unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport 4 and get up to a $150 refund per year on your travel expenses (seat selection, airport parking and more). 5

Extended warranty on your purchases 

Get up to triple the manufacturer’s warranty for most items purchased using your credit card, for up to 2 additional years. 7

Discover all the benefits

Earn points, get rewards 

In addition to offering you travel benefits, the National Bank World Elite ® Mastercard ® credit card helps you earn rewards points that vary according to the categories of common purchases. Here's how your points work. 

Get more points for your daily purchases 

Groceries 6

Restaurants 6

Gas and electric vehicle charging 10

Recurring bill payments 11

À la carte Travel TM,12

Other purchases 13

* For the first installment of $2,500 in gross monthly purchases charged to the account, regardless of the purchase category. After that, you will earn 2 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. 

How to earn points every month 

Here’s a look at what your monthly points accumulation with your World Elite Mastercard credit card could look like. 

Groceries and restaurants 6

À la carte Travel TM 12

* For the first installment of $2,500 in gross monthly purchases charged to the account, regardless of the purchase category. 

Choose your rewards 

Redeem your points for rewards: items, gift cards, travel discounts and much more! Here are some ideas to help inspire you. 

Points needed

$50 gift card

Pay $100 off your card balance

Wireless headphones In our online boutique

Starting from 9,380

Round-trip flight Montreal-Toronto ($375 value) $100 off per 10,000 points on À la carte Travel TM

Starting from 37,500

Subject to availability. Exchange value may vary by reward type.    

New features on our online boutique

Visit our online boutique to see our new homepage and the improvements we made to the online shopping experience on À la carte Rewards. While you’re there, treat yourself by redeeming your reward points today.

Visit our online boutique

Tip to help you earn more points 

Think about adding an additional credit card to your account, for your spouse for example. To learn more about how you can quickly earn rewards points, read more here . 

Your World Elite Mastercard credit card benefits 

Simplify your day-to-day with our range of benefits designed to fit your lifestyle.

Make yourself at home at the National Bank Lounge

As a World Elite ® Mastercard ® cardholder, you benefit from free and unlimited access 4 to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport. Free Wi-Fi, drinks, snacks and newspapers: waiting for your departure has never been so comfortable!

• Out-of-province hospital medical insurance   7
• Flight cancellation or trip interruption insurance  7
• Delayed flight and stolen luggage insurance  7
• Stolen or lost luggage insurance  7
• Vehicle rental insurance (local or abroad 7 )
• Medical, legal or general assistance  7
• Insurance in case of accidental breaks, loss or theft of mobile devices 14
• Extended manufacturer’s warranty on purchases 7
• Purchase protection  7  insurance (up to 180 days) 
• Contactless payments  with Apple Pay ® and Google Pay ®
• Enhanced security with  Mastercard ®  ID Check TM
• Fraud protection 9
• Redeem your points at the travel agency of your choice 
• Experiences  and  À la carte Rewards Plan ®
• Use your points to pay off your balance

Apply for our award-winning credit card

Best credit card for overall insurance

Best travel credit card *

Best Mastercard credit card *

Best credit card for travel insurance *

World Elite Mastercard credit card: Earn points when you travel

This card not offering what you’re looking for.

Check out the Platinum Mastercard ® credit card

• No minimum income required 
• Earn points with every purchase 
• Extended warranty on your purchases and travel insurance

See our Platinum card

We’re here for you

Is the world elite mastercard credit card right for you .

Apply online in minutes.

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Come see us or give us a call and we'll answer all your questions.

Call us toll free: 1-888-622-2783

Need more information?

Little details that matter, promotion conditions .

Length of the welcome promotion From November 20, 2023 to January 31, 2024.

Eligibility conditions

Sign up for a National Bank ® World Elite ® Mastercard ® credit card during the promotion as a primary cardholder.

Not have held one of our Mastercard credit card for individuals from National Bank over the past 24 months.     

Keep the credit card account open until rewards points are paid. 

Keep the account in good standing by complying with the conditions set out in the credit card agreement until the rewards points are paid. For example, all minimum payments must be made on time.

Must not be employed by National Bank or one of its subsidiaries.

Description of the promotion

Reward points

* To apply for payment protection insurance, you must complete the Credit Card Payment Protection Insurance (CCPP) application sections included in the credit card application form.  

** The calculation period starts at the end of a calendar month.

How total purchases are calculated

The calculation is for the total amount of purchases made through all cards linked to the account. 

The transactions not included in the calculation are set out in article 1.5 of the À la carte Rewards Plan TM .

Other conditions

You can only take advantage of the promotion once. 

Issuance of the card is subject to credit approval by National Bank of Canada. Other conditions apply to the issue of the card.

This promotion may not be combined with any other promotion or offer applicable to National Bank credit cards, nor is it retroactive.

This promotion may be modified or withdrawn without notice.

Potential $1,460 in benefits and rewards shown

The potential $1,460 in benefits and rewards is an example of what can be achieved in the first fourteen months as a World Elite Mastercard credit card holder. It is based on an average profile of a new cardholder with the expenses shown in the table.

Eligibility criteria

You aren't eligible? Discover the  World Mastercard Credit Card  or the  Platinum Mastercard credit card .

Annual fee and interest rate

Rewards plan, important phone numbers, credit card agreement.

To learn more about the terms applicable to your card, read the ${p1.urlConvention.en | link:"Credit card Agreement":"":"_blank"} [PDF].

Confidentiality Policies

To learn about how we protect your information, consult our  Confidentiality Policies .

Legal disclaimers

®Mastercard et World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank.

® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada. 

® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada 

® Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.  

® Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC and this content is not endorsed by or affiliated with Google in any way. 

TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. À la carte Travel is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc., holder of permit No. 753141 in Quebec.

TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.

† World Elite ®  Mastercard ®

National Bank's World Elite ® Mastercard ® credit card has won the Milesopedia 2023 awards for best travel credit card, best Mastercard ® credit card, and best credit card for travel insurance. Each year, Milesopedia examines the credit card offers of the largest financial institutions and establishes its ranking according to more than 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offers, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.

1. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, consult the  Rewards plan  section or the  Plan rules  regarding how to earn points.

2. Grace period:

No interest will be charged on purchases made during the month, provided the client pays the balance in full within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances or balance transfers. Minimum payment: If your account balance is lower than  $10 , you must pay the entire balance. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment will correspond to  5%  of the credit card account balance plus any overdue payment or  $10 , whichever amount is higher. If you reside outside of Quebec, your minimum payment represents  2.5%  of the credit card account balance plus any overdue payment or  $10 , whichever amount is higher. Account statement: A statement is sent monthly.

Example of credit charges over a 30-day period

*Variable interest rate in effect on September 1, 2021  

3. Balance transfer and cash advance are subject to credit approval by National Bank. Each balance transfer must be at least $250.

4.  Exclusively available to World Elite Mastercard cardholders . Visitors must present their physical credit card and boarding pass to access the National Bank Lounge. The National Bank Lounge is only available to clients travelling to international destinations (excluding Canada and U.S. flights). Guests cannot spend more than three (3) hours in the Lounge. For National Bank clients who do not have free Lounge access and for additional guests, admission is around $37 for adults and $26 for children, plus tax. Admission is free for children under three years old. The entry price may change at any time without notice and at the discretion of the Lounge operator.

5. Clients must submit required documents within the given deadline. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder (“Cardholder”) of National Bank World Elite Mastercard whose account is in good standing can request a refund of travel expenses. An account in good standing refers to an account linked to a credit card which complies with the Agreement governing the use of the credit card and which is not subject to any restrictions. For example, the annual fees related to the credit card must have been paid in full. The maximum amount that can be submitted for reimbursement between January 1 and December 31 of each year is $150.

Eligible expenses include: 

• airport parking fees
• baggage fees
• seat selection fees
• access to airport lounges worldwide 
• airline ticket upgrades

The claim must be submitted within 60 days of the purchase date and accompanied by proof of purchase. The travel fees must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card. The maximum reimbursement amount is $150 per account. The refund will be issued within 7 business days following the request approval date and after receiving all required information. An amount not claimed in a year cannot be carried over to the following year. For more information or to obtain the refund form, sign in to  rewards.nbc.ca , click the  Refund of travel expenses  tab and complete the form, you can also contact us at 1-888-296-8881 (toll-free) .  

6. The amount of points earned on grocery and restaurant purchases depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, regardless of the purchase category. You will earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until a total of $2,500 in gross monthly purchases is charged to the account. After that, you will earn 2 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The total gross monthly amount is calculated based on your monthly billing period. Grocery purchases include any purchase made at a store that primarily sells food, i.e., grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, greengrocer or specialty food store. Ready-to-eat meal services and meal delivery services are eligible. This definition excludes purchases made at retail stores and big box stores whose core business is the sale of non-food items. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. Restaurant purchases include purchases at a restaurant, fast food restaurant, bar, nightclub or pub. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan ® .

7. This coverage applies to purchases and rentals charged in part to the card, except out-of-province medical/hospital insurance for which the travel arrangements need not be charged to the card and lost or delayed luggage insurance where all transportation costs must be charged to the card. This coverage applies to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or dependent children when they (spouse and/or dependent children) travel with the primary cardholder. Extended warranty coverage applies to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, as long as the manufacturer's warranty is valid in Canada. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. For more information and for details of your  insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card .

8. Subject to credit approval by National Bank.

9. Certain conditions apply. Visit  mastercard.ca  for more information. Refer to the credit card terms and conditions.

10. To earn 2 points per dollar in purchases, you will need to purchase gas or an electrical vehicle charge from a service station or from certain big-box stores. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan ® .

11. Recurring bill payments are defined as monthly or regular payments automatically charged by a merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card. Not all merchants offer recurring bill payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Certain payments therefore may not entitle you to earn more points.

12. To earn 2 points per dollar in purchases, you must make your eligible purchases via the À la carte Travel TM Agency section of our À la carte Rewards TM site.

13. For example, if each month you charge $400 in groceries, $200 in gas, $100 in recurring bill payments and $150 in other purchases to your card, your $850 in purchases will earn you 2,750 points, as follows: 2,000 points for grocery purchases (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, i.e., under $2,500), 400 points for gas purchases, 200 points for recurring bill payments and 150 points for other purchases.

14. Up to $1,000 in the event of breakage, loss or theft for a maximum of 2 years after the purchase date. The device must have been purchased using your National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card, or your phone plan must be paid via recurring payments charged to your National Bank World Elite credit card starting September 1, 2022. For complete terms and conditions, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card .

National Bank: How to use the $150 NBC annual travel credit?

$150 Annual Travel Credit

Through NBC’s Review program, every calendar year , National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard ® cardholders have access to an annual travel credit of $150 , applicable to certain travel-related expenses:

• Airport parking
• Baggage fees
• Seat selection
• Access to airport lounges
• Flight upgrades

This credit must be used between January 1 and December 31 of each year. If it is not used, it is lost .

You get this annual travel credit as soon as you sign up for the National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard ® . This is in addition to the card’s other benefits, including the welcome bonus .

All refund requests must be initiated within 60 days of the transaction.

Access to the NBC Rewards à la carte portal

To use the annual travel credit on your National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard ® , you’ll need to log in to your NBC online account.

Then select the “My Rewards” tab and click on “Shop Your Rewards. ” You can also visit the NBC Rewards à la carte portal at this address .

Indicate expenses to use the Annual Travel Credit

Once on the NBC’s À la Carte Rewards portal, select your National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard ® .

Then choose the “Travel Expenses” option from the menu. Alternatively, you can click on this link to go to this page.

Then, the available credit will be displayed, up to a maximum of $150, for :

• Parking fees
• Seat selection fee
• Airport lounge access fee
• Airline ticket upgrade fees

If you have already used certain amounts, it will be indicated:

To claim an annual NBC travel credit, simply enter :

• the amount claimed
• the transaction date
• the transaction description

All you have to do is submit the application. A confirmation will then be sent to you by email once the request has been processed (within 7 working days).

You’ll receive your credit directly to your National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard ® account.

Here is an example of a prepaid parking at the Vancouver International Airport for which I was able to take advantage of the $100 parking credit :

Or another example where the cost of a Park’N Fly parking in Montreal was also accepted.

You can use any fee charged by an airline to receive the credit.

Here is an example of an EasyJet flight on which we have applied the Annual Travel Credit offered by the card:

Bottom Line

The National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard ® has an annual fee of $150. By using this $150 Annual Travel Credit each year, this Card can easily return to you year after year at no cost , which no other World Elite Card can offer!

This is exceptional for a Mastercard World Elite credit card (accepted everywhere, including Costco) and with the best insurance on the market.

All posts by Audrey

Suggested Reading

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National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard®

Best offer is available publicly

Welcome bonus, annual fee:, earning rate:, perks & benefits:.

The National Bank ® World Elite ® Mastercard ® is an excellent card for travel insurance, where it’s in a class of its own. With annual credits to offset the annual fee, it’s a great premium keeper card for paying the taxes and fees on award ticket bookings.

This card will especially be of interest to those that are older or anyone who enjoys longer trips, due to its generous emergency medical coverage.

Bonuses & Fees

Currently, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard has a welcome bonus of up to 40,000 points, structured as follows:

• Earn 15,000 points upon spending $4,000 in the first four months
• Earn 1,000 points upon spending $2,500 in each of the first 12 months
• Earn 10,000 points upon spending $20,000 in the first 14 months
• Earn 3,000 points for enrolling in payment insurance for the first three months

It’s worth noting that the spending requirements for the current offer are rather high, and don’t offer the best return for significant spending each month. However, if you’re able to max use of the category earning multipliers, the points will rack up quickly.

The card has an  annual fee of $150, and there’s a $50 fee for each authorized user added to your account.

Earning Rewards

The National Bank ® World Elite ® Mastercard ® has a rewards structure that varies based on the amount of money you’ve spent on the card:

• Earn 5  points per dollar spent on groceries and restaurant purchases
• Earn 2 points per dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À la carte Travel
• Earn 1 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

If your total gross monthly amount of purchases (regardless of category) is under $2,500, the 5x multiplier on groceries and restaurant purchases will apply. However, if your purchases in one month exceed $2,500, the earning rate on those food purchases will fall to 2 points per dollar.

Redeeming Rewards

National Bank’s rewards points can be redeemed through their online travel booking portal . Through this method, points have a fixed value of 1 cent per point .

In the portal, you can book travel, or you can redeem points for a statement credit against travel expenses booked directly with vendors.

Note that offsetting the cost of travel not booked through rewards points reduces the value of the points. If you redeem fewer than 55,000 points, you’ll get 0.83 cents per point, and if you redeem more than 55,000 points, you’ll get 0.91 cents per point.

While having to book through a portal isn’t the most flexible redemption option for maximizing value, it is a far better value than the 0.83cpp that National Bank provides on using rewards points for straight cash back.

Your National Bank rewards points never expire as long as you remain a cardholder.

Perks & Benefits

The card provides a $150 annual travel credit , which can be applied to a range of travel expenses:

• Airport parking
• Baggage fees
• Seat selection
• Airport lounge access
• Airline ticket upgrades

These credits renew every year on January 1, but unused credits do not carry over.

Cardholders also have unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport  for themselves plus one additional guest per visit. The lounge is available for passengers departing from the international terminal.

Insurance Coverage

The National Bank ® World Elite ® Mastercard ® provides outstanding insurance coverage.

In particular, the card can be used for insurance on award tickets.  Coverage is valid for trip cancellation, trip interruption, or flight delays, as long as the ticket was paid at least in part on the card.

The card also offers fantastic emergency medical insurance when travelling. Cardholders are covered for up to $5,000,000 in damages, for trips up to 60 days, up to age 75.

• Age 54 and under: trips up to 60 days
• Age 55 to 64: trips up to 31 days
• Age 65 to 75: trips up to 15 days

Likewise, the card’s car rental insurance grants coverage for longer rentals of up to 48 days, which is longer than the industry standard.

Additionally, the card has industry-leading purchase protection.  The extended warranty and purchase protection periods are double what many competitors offer, with up to two additional years for extended warranty and up to 180 days of protection against stolen or damaged merchandise.

As of September 1, 2022, mobile device insurance is now a benefit of the card, as long the purchase and your monthly payments are charged to the card. You’ll get coverage up to $1,000 in the event of breakage, loss, or theft for up to two years after the purchase date.

Historical Offers

Legal disclaimers, credit terms.

Grace period: No interest will be charged on purchases made during the month, provided the client pays the balance in full within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances or balance transfers. Minimum payment: If your account balance is lower than $10 , you must pay the entire balance. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment will correspond to 5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue payment or $10 , whichever amount is higher. If you reside outside of Quebec, your minimum payment represents 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue payment or $10 , whichever amount is higher. Account statement: A statement is sent monthly.

Example of credit charges over a 30-day period  

*Variable interest rate in effect on September 1, 2021  

Balance transfer and cash advance are subject to credit approval by National Bank. Each balance transfer must be at least $250. 

Details of eligible rewards points

Certain restrictions apply. For more information, consult the Rewards plan section or the Plan rules regarding how to earn points. 

The amount of points earned on grocery and restaurant purchases depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, regardless of the purchase category. You will earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until a total of $2,500 in gross monthly purchases is charged to the account. After that, you will earn 2 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The total gross monthly amount is calculated based on your monthly billing period. Grocery purchases include any purchase made at a store that primarily sells food, i.e., grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, greengrocer or specialty food store. Ready-to-eat meal services and meal delivery services are eligible. This definition excludes purchases made at retail stores and big box stores whose core business is the sale of non-food items. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. Restaurant purchases include purchases at a restaurant, fast food restaurant, bar, nightclub or pub. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan ® . 

To earn 2 points per dollar in purchases, you will need to purchase gas or an electrical vehicle charge from a service station or from certain big-box stores. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan ® . 

Recurring bill payments are defined as monthly or regular payments automatically charged by a merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card. Not all merchants offer recurring bill payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Certain payments therefore may not entitle you to earn more points.   

To earn 2 points per dollar in purchases, you must make your eligible purchases via the À la carte Travel TM Agency section of our À la carte Rewards TM site.   

For example, if each month you charge $400 in groceries, $200 in gas, $100 in recurring bill payments and $150 in other purchases to your card, your $850 in purchases will earn you 2,750 points, as follows: 2,000 points for grocery purchases (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, i.e., under $2,500), 400 points for gas purchases, 200 points for recurring bill payments and 150 points for other purchases.

National Bank Lounge conditions

 Exclusively available to World Elite Mastercard cardholders . Visitors must present their physical credit card and boarding pass to access the National Bank Lounge. The National Bank Lounge is only available to clients travelling to international destinations (excluding Canada and U.S. flights). Guests cannot spend more than three (3) hours in the Lounge. For National Bank clients who do not have free Lounge access and for additional guests, admission is around $37 for adults and $26 for children, plus tax. Admission is free for children under three years old. The entry price may change at any time without notice and at the discretion of the Lounge operator.

Travel and health insurance conditions

Clients must submit required documents within the given deadline. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder (“Cardholder”) of National Bank World Elite Mastercard whose account is in good standing can request a refund of travel expenses. An account in good standing refers to an account linked to a credit card which complies with the Agreement governing the use of the credit card and which is not subject to any restrictions. For example, the annual fees related to the credit card must have been paid in full. The maximum amount that can be submitted for reimbursement between January 1 and December 31 of each year is $150.

Eligible expenses include: 

•   airport parking fees
•   baggage fees
•   seat selection fees
•   access to airport lounges worldwide 
•   airline ticket upgrades

The claim must be submitted within 60 days of the purchase date and accompanied by proof of purchase. The travel fees must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card. The maximum reimbursement amount is $150 per account. The refund will be issued within 7 business days following the request approval date and after receiving all required information. An amount not claimed in a year cannot be carried over to the following year. For more information or to obtain the refund form, sign in to rewards.nbc.ca , click the Refund of travel expenses tab and complete the form, you can also contact us at 1-888-296-8881 (toll-free) .  

This coverage applies to purchases and rentals charged in part to the card, except out-of-province medical/hospital insurance for which the travel arrangements need not be charged to the card and lost or delayed luggage insurance where all transportation costs must be charged to the card. This coverage applies to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or dependent children when they (spouse and/or dependent children) travel with the primary cardholder. Extended warranty coverage applies to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, as long as the manufacturer’s warranty is valid in Canada. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. For more information and for details of your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card . 

Mobile devices protection:

Up to $1,000 in the event of breakage, loss or theft for a maximum of 2 years after the purchase date. The device must have been purchased using your National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card, or your phone plan must be paid via recurring payments charged to your National Bank World Elite credit card starting September 1, 2022. For complete terms and conditions, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card . 

As a World Elite product, this credit card has a minimum annual income requirement of $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household). Follow the link below to the National Bank website to learn more about this card and submit an application.

Small correction – mobile phone coverage is only a benefit when all monthly payments charged to card (AND purchased with card)

Keep in mind that delayed baggage is not covered even when taxes for award tickets are charged to the card.

Found it. here is a link https://www.nbc.ca/content/dam/bnc/particuliers/pdf/assurance/Certificate-Travel-Insurance.pdf

Do you have the policy wording booklet on the travel insurance? I can’t find it online and would like to know what is covered and want is not

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National Bank World Elite Mastercard Review 2023

Published: Dec 1, 2023, 10:37am

Fact Checked

With its high income and credit score requirements and moderate annual fee, many Canadians will feel National Bank’s World Elite Card is out of their reach.

However, those that do meet its requirements and travel frequently, will be well rewarded. National Bank has a highly flexible rewards program, allowing cardholders to redeem their points for almost anything—including paying down their mortgages.

This flexibility, combined with the card’s impressive earning potential, makes the National Bank World Elite Mastercard worth switching to if you are in the market for a new travel credit card .

• Welcome bonus of up to 40,000 points
• Wide range of travel coverage options
• Flexible point redemption program
• High income and credit requirements
• $150 annual fee
• Highest earning rewards tier has a $2,500 gross spending cap

Table of Contents

Introduction, quick facts, national bank world elite mastercard rewards, national bank world elite mastercard benefits, how the national bank world elite mastercard stacks up, methodology, is the national bank world elite mastercard right for you.

• New cardholders can earn up to 40,000 points upon enrollment as part of National Bank’s welcome bonus. (a $1,460 value)* *Promotion valid until January 31, 2024. Minimum purchases and insurance product required.
• Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on eligible grocery and dinging purchases until they reach a gross monthly spending limit of $2,500 (they then earn 2 points per dollar on grocery and dining purchases).
• Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bill payments and travel purchases.
• Cardholders earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, statement credits, investments and even paying off your mortgage.
• Cardholders have free and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal-Trudeau Airport.
• Cardholders have access to myriad coverage options, including $5 million in medical travel insurance, purchase protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and more.
• NBC World Elite Mastercard holders have mobile device coverage up to $1,000 in the event of accidental breakage, loss or theft—up to two years from the date the device was purchased.
• The credit card comes with a minimum credit limit of $5,000, subject to credit approval by National Bank.

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The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a card designed for Canadians that enjoy the thrill of flying and have an income to prove it. National Bank’s top tier Mastercard has steep income requirements of $80,000 per person or $150,000 per household like other World Elite credit cards, and has a relatively standard annual fee of $150. But, according to Forbes Advisor Canada’s research, we think this fee is definitely worth it.

Until January 31, 2024, new cardholders can earn up to 40,000 points towards their next flight, merchandise  purchase,  as statement credit towards their credit balance or even to invest in an RRSP if they so choose. The card also has an equally notable earning potential: Purchases towards gas and groceries (we all know how expensive these are nowadays) earn 5 points per dollar spent, up to a $2,500 monthly limit. Other purchases, like travel, gas and electric charges and recurring bills, earn two points per dollar—also pretty respectable.

In addition, the card also comes with multiple types of insurance coverage for all kinds of contingencies, ranging from out-of-province medical insurance to purchase protection up to 180 days following the purchase date of an item charged to the card. Sure, the card is definitely for globetrotters, but its flexibility and impressive annual net earnings of over $700 make it a valuable card for many consumers.

• Cardholders can earn five points per dollar on grocery and dining purchases, until they reach a gross monthly spending cap of $2,500.
• New credit card owners can earn up to 40,000 points on approval from National Bank’s welcome bonus ( must apply by January 31, 2024).
• Travelers can receive $150 annually in travel expense reimbursements.

Earning Rewards

National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard has both an impressive welcome bonus and solid earning potential. First-time cardholders receive 15,000 points just for signing up, 3,000 points for signing up for credit card payment insurance, 1,000 points each month they spend $2,500 or more up to 12,000 points and 10,000 points if they have spent $20,000 or more in the first 14 months of owning the card. While the welcome bonus terms are not exactly easy to wrap your head around, they’re mostly based on purchasing amounts—not uncommon compared to other credit cards.

Aside from the welcome promotion, cardholders earn five points per dollar spent on groceries and dining, up to a monthly gross spending threshold of $2,500 inclusive of all spending categories. Once this threshold is met, all other grocery and dining purchases will earn two points per dollar for the remainder of the month. Cardholders also earn two points per dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bill payments and À la carte Travel purchases. All other purchases earn one point per dollar.

Though inflation is cooling , grocery prices are still high, which cardholders can take advantage of in terms of earning the maximum amount of points per dollar. Few rewards-based credit cards, have groceries and dining purchases earning this many points per dollar spent.

Redeeming Rewards

Redeeming points earned from the card is a bit complex as there are many ways to redeem. Cardholders can redeem their points for travel, hotel stays, giftcards, merchandise purchased through their À la Carte boutique, statement credits, paying down their mortgage, saving on National Bank’s banking packages or even investing in a registered savings account like a TFSA or RRSP. Things get a bit more complex regarding travel purchases, as cardholders can both redeem points through an airline or agency of their choosing, or book through À la carte Travel to save even more. Additionally, if you forget to redeem points for a trip after you’ve purchased tickets, you can still redeem points to reimburse yourself after the fact.

While the bevy of redemption options is helpful and offers credit card owners to be strategic with their spending, some people might not enjoy the number crunching required.

Rewards Potential

According to credit card data collected by Forbes Advisor, we estimate Canadians spend around $27,851.70 per year using their credit card. Under National Bank’s rewards program, the World Elite Mastercard can earn up to $748.92 in net earnings after taking into account the $120 annual fee.

For context, BMO’s Cashback World Elite Mastercard earns around $490.07, and TD’s Platinum Travel Visa Card earns $292.82. Compared to its peers,  the National Bank  World Elite Mastercard  holds up quite well.

• Wide-ranging insurance and coverage options: National Bank World Elite cardholders have access to robust medical insurance coverage, rental vehicle insurance for up to 48 days, baggage insurance for delay or theft and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Flexible redemption program: Unlike other rewards programs, National Bank cardholders can redeem their points for travel, hotel stays, various merchandise, statement credits, paying down their National Bank mortgage or investing in TFSAs or RRSPs through the À La Carte Extras program.
• Purchase peace of mind: Cardholders have their purchases covered from theft or damage for 180 days following the purchase date, and can potentially triple the manufacturer’s warranty on most new items (up to a maximum of two years).

Interest Rates

• Regular APR: 20.99%
• Cash Advance APR: 22.49%
• Balance Transfer APR: 22.49%
• Cash Advance Fee: Undisclosed
• Balance Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.50%
• Annual Fee: $150
• Any Other Fees: $50 supplementary card fee

National Bank World Elite Mastercard vs. National Bank Platinum Mastercard

National Bank’s Platinum Mastercard is the lower-tier credit card for Canadians that can’t necessarily meet the stringent income requirements of the World Elite tier. In contrast to National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard, the Platinum Mastercard has no income requirements and a much smaller annual fee of $70. But, its earning potential is halved as well. The Platinum card only earns two points per dollar spent on groceries and dining, up to a monthly spending limit of $1,000.

The result of less points earned? The card earns half of what its bigger brother does, coming in at just over $300 in net earnings.

To be fair, the card is a decent option for those that can’t meet high income requirements, and does have solid earning potential for a lower-tier card. But, compared to a card that has better earning potential, travel perks and insurance coverage, it’s not worth switching for—if you are eligible for National Bank’s World Elite option.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard vs. MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is a closer comparison to the National Bank  World Elite, though National Bank’s card is more geared towards travelers. Both credit cards have the same income requirements and comparable annual fees. Plus, MBNA’s offering also earns five points per dollar spent on grocery and dining —but with a much higher spending cap of $50,000 per category annually. Both credit cards also have similar welcome bonuses, with MBNA’s promotion offering up to 20,000 in MBNA Rewards Points ($165 cash-back value) compared to National Bank’s 40,000.

Looking at the fine print, while MBNA’s card might earn the same  amount of points on groceries and dining, at five points per dollar,  that’s where the similarity ends: It also gives you five points per dollar on digital media subscriptions and utility purchases, but all ll other purchases only earn one point per dollar spent. That dip in earning potential means MBNA’s offering earns nearly $200 less in net earnings per year.

In addition, National Bank’s World Elite card has  benefits that are more catered to travelers, offering 10  times the trip interruption/delay coverage and over double the medical travel insurance coverage.

Realistically, both cards are good options for high-income Canadians. But, if you are a frequent traveler, we recommend still going with National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard over the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard vs. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

Another very comparable card is RBC’s Westjet World Elite Mastercard. It carries the same income requirements, a closely-matched annual fee and similar travel medical and trip insurance coverage. In this sense, both cards are marketed to frequent flyers. Case in point, RBC’s card offers an annual round-trip voucher anywhere Westjet flies, and National Bank will reimburse cardholders’ travel expenses every year up to $150.

Though both cards have similar target audiences, their earning potential is quite different—and that’s where National Bank’s offering comes out ahead. RBC’s Westjet card offers 2% cash back in Westjet dollars when spending on travel options through Westjet, and 1% cash back in Westjet dollars on all other purchases. In annual net earnings, the card will earn approximately $311.69 per year—substantially less than its National Bank riva at over $700 in potential net annual earnings.

Yes, both cards have similar travel benefits and perks, but the National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a better choice for those wanting more earning potential and more flexibility in how they can redeem their points.

When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team factors in an exhaustive list of data points. With this card, the scoring model used takes into account factors such as, but not limited to, rewards rates and categories, fees, any available welcome bonus, and other benefits and features. Keep in mind, what may be best for some people might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

National Bank’s top-of-the-line Mastercard is a good option for Canadians with high annual incomes that are often 10,000 feet above the ground. Though its eligibility requirements are strict thanks to its World Elite designation, this credit card comes with impressive earning potential, travel coverage and loads of lifestyle perks.

In contrast, consumers that meet the eligibility requirements, but are not frequent travelers won’t get the most out of this card. They would be better served with a card that has similar earning potential but fewer travel-oriented perks, such as the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card. 

Related: Best credit cards in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How hard is it to get a national bank world elite mastercard.

All of the World Elite Mastercards come with high income requirements: Households need to be making $150,000 per year and individuals need to earn $80,000 annually to be eligible. These income requirements will put the card out of reach for the majority of Canadians.

Is the National Bank World Elite Mastercard worth it?

If you are a frequent traveler in search of a credit card that offers respectable earning potential, a large array of travel perks and a decent welcome bonus, National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard could be a good choice for you.

What is the highest level of Mastercard available in Canada?

The highest-tier credit card that Mastercard offers in Canada is the World Elite Mastercard.

Brett Surbey is a corporate paralegal and writer based out of Alberta. His work has appeared in Publishers Weekly, Thrive Insider, and various academic journals. He lives with his wife and two children.

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National Bank World Elite Mastercard Review 2023: Is It Worth It?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

NerdWallet Rating

NerdWallet CA

Good for travelers who spend big on eats.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers 5x À la carte points on restaurants and groceries, as well as free access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport. Learn more about how we evaluate cards .

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is one of eight credit cards offered by the National Bank, as of this writing. Cardholders can enjoy a high earn rate on groceries and restaurants — 5x À la carte points per CAD spent up to a monthly spend of $2,500, after which, the earn rate drops to 2x.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

• Annual Fee $150
• Interest Rates 20.99% / 22.49% 20.99% for purchases, 22.49% for balance transfers and cash advances.
• Rewards Rate 1x-5x Points Earn up to 5 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases.* Earn 2 points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments and À la carte travel purchases.* Earn 1 point per 1 dollar in other purchases.
• Intro Offer N/A
• Earn up to 5 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases*
• Earn 2 points per dollar on gas and electric vehicle charging, recurring bill payments, and à la carte travel.
• Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
• Points can be redeemed for travel and merchandise or to pay down a mortgage or credit card balances.
• Save on vacation packages and airline tickets when redeeming points through the A la carte Travel online agency.
• $150 annual fee. $50 annual fee for an additional card.
• Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
• Purchase protection against theft and breakage for 180 days and triple the manufacturer’s warranty, up to two additional years. Maximum coverage of $60,000 for the entire term of the account.
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption protection, worth up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per person, respectively.
• Emergency medical care outside the province of residence up to $5,000,000 per person. Covers the primary cardholder, a spouse travelling with the primary cardholder on a trip and any accompanying dependent child.
• Departing flight delay insurance (up to $500 per person; minimum 4-hour delay) and delayed/lost/stolen baggage insurance (up to $1,000 per person for loss/damage/theft; up to $500 for delays).
• Car rental insurance (accident, fire, theft, vandalism) up to $65,000.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.49% for balance transfers and cash advances.
• Eligibility: Must have an annual gross income of $80,000, an annual household income of $150,000, at least $400,000 in assets or, for existing clients only, $25,000 in yearly minimum purchases on the card. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
• Full review
• Customer ratings
• Eligibility
• How to apply
• National Bank World Elite Mastercard vs BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard Review
• Rating methodology

National Bank World Elite Mastercard full review

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a mid-priced rewards card that earns À la carte points — the National Bank’s rewards program. À la carte points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise and more. 

Benefits of the National Bank World Elite Mastercard

• Up to two years extended warranty on eligible purchases, which is longer than most reward cards on the market.. 
• High earn rate on groceries and restaurants (5x À la carte points).
• Option to pay your mortgage with your rewards points. 
• Free access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport. 
• $150 annual refund for travel expenses, such as airport parking and baggage fees.  

Drawbacks of the National Bank World Elite Mastercard

• The earn rate on groceries and restaurants drops from 5x to 2x after you spend $2,500 per month, regardless of the category. 
• National Bank Lounge access is only free for international trips, and visits are limited to a maximum of three hours. 

Who should get the National Bank World Elite Mastercard?

Anyone who wants to earn À la carte points and spends big on groceries and restaurants, is going to get the most out of this card. 

Is the National Bank World Elite Mastercard worth it?

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard may be worth it if you earn enough points to offset the annual fee. This may be easier than you think if you spend a lot at grocery stores and restaurants. At 5x the points per CAD, you’d only need to spend $3,000 a year in this category to cover the $150 annual fee (assuming you redeem your points through the À la carte travel agency, which offers the highest point redemption value). Keep in mind that the 5x earn rate drops to 2x after you spend $2,500 in one month. The 5x earn rate resets each month. 

National Bank customer ratings

• Below average in customer satisfaction: The National Bank ranks 12 out of 13 banks in J.D. Power’s 2023 Credit Card Satisfaction Study for Canada.
• Low Trustpilot rating: The National Bank of Canada scored 1.7 out of 5 possible stars based on 34 customer reviews, as of this writing.
• Low Better Business Bureau rating: The National Bank of Canada scored 1 out of 5 possible stars based on 1 customer review, as of this writing. 
• High Better Business Bureau accreditation: The National Bank of Canada has an A+ accreditation through the Better Business Bureau, as of this writing.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard eligibility

Who qualifies for the national bank world elite mastercard.

To qualify for the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, you must be the age of majority in your province or territory and a Canadian resident. You must also meet one of the following requirements:

• Have a gross annual income of at least $80,000 ($150,000 per household).
• Be an existing National Bank customer and make a minimum of $25,000 in transactions with your card annually. 
• Have at least $400,000 in investable assets. 

Approximate credit score needed for approval

Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores , which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for. Want to learn more? Visit our “ What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card? ” page.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard rewards

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard does not currently have a welcome offer. 

• 5x À la carte points on groceries and restaurants (drops to 2x points per CAD after you spend $2,500 each month). 
• 2x À la carte points on gas, recurring payments, electric vehicle charging and À la carte travel. 
• 1x À la carte point on everything else. 

According to the National Bank website, every 10,000 À la carte points equals $100 (one cent per point) when redeemed through the À la carte travel agency. 

Points may have different values when redeemed for other purchases or for reimbursement. 

How to apply for the National Bank World Elite Mastercard

Follow the below steps to apply for the National Bank World Elite Mastercard:

• Navigate to the World Elite Mastercard page on the National Bank website and click the Apply now button. 
• Accept the terms and conditions. 
• Provide your personal contents details and income information.
• Submit requested information about credit card payment insurance and consents. 
• Verify your identity.
• Submit your application. 

National Bank World Elite Mastercard vs BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

When shopping for a rewards card, you might see the term ‘World Elite Mastercard’ being used on multiple cards. This means the card belongs to Mastercard’s World Elite series — the highest of the two World Mastercard tiers, offering premium perks. But depending on the issuer, World Elite features and perks can vary greatly. Take a look below at how the National Bank World Elite Mastercard stacks up to its BMO counterpart as an example.

Reasons you might want a different card

You may want to consider another option if you:

• Want to earn a different type of reward, such as cash back, or prefer a different points program, like airline-specific rewards. 
• Need a card with a low interest rate. 
• Cannot afford the annual fee. 

National Bank World Elite Mastercard facts

Rating methodology.

NerdWallet Canada rates credit cards according to overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology  include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.

Frequently asked questions about National Bank World Elite Mastercard

The following five banks offer World Elite Mastercards, according to the Mastercard website:

• Desjardins.

The minimum household income requirement for the National bank World Elite Mastercard is $150,000 ($80,000 for individuals).

About the Author

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

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