In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product Overview
    • Fees and charges
    • Application Requirements

Santander World Elite Mastercard review

  • Chris Lilly's headshot
Santander World Elite Mastercard
4.4
★★★★★
Finder score
Representative example:
When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 18.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 49.8% APR (variable).
Earn rate
1p per £1 spent
0% interest on purchases
18 months
Foreign transaction charge
0%

Our verdict

Frequent fliers will enjoy this premium card with impressive perks.

Only available to existing Santander Select or Private Banking customers, and going head-to-head with the slightly-more-expensive HSBC World Elite, this card offers interest-free periods on both balance transfers and purchases, as well as significant rewards and travel perks.

Cardholders can travel in style with free LoungeKey membership – one of the most popular programmes going – allowing unlimited access to airport lounges in over 120 countries. Plus when you use your card overseas, you won't have to worry about pesky non-sterling transaction fees.

Other benefits include ongoing cashback, 24/7 Mastercard Concierge and World Elite Privileges discounts and offers.

The obvious downside here is the fairly hefty monthly account fee, but if you take advantage of the 3 additional cards available, you could get more out of the rewards and benefits schemes – potentially making that fee worth swallowing.

Pros

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn cashback on purchases
  • 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers
  • No balance transfer fee within introductory period
  • Mastercard Concierge.
  • Free LoungeKey airport lounge membership, with complimentary access for additional cardholders.
  • No extra fees for up to three additional cardholders.

Cons

  • £15 monthly account fee
  • Must be a Santander Select or Private banking customer.
  • High annual income requirement to open Select or Private bank accounts.

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product Overview
    • Fees and charges
    • Application Requirements

The Santander World Elite Mastercard has some generous benefits that make it an ideal travel companion, but they come at a price.

Details

Product Overview

Issuer Santander
Network Mastercard
Representative APR 49.8%
Annual/monthly fees £15 per month
Balance transfers 0% for 18 months reverting to 18.9%
Balance transfer fee 0% for 18 months reverting to 3% (min. £5)
Purchases 0% for 18 months reverting to 18.9%
Purchases interest-free period Up to 56 days
Cash advances 29.9%
Minimum credit limit £500
Maximum credit limit Subject to status
Additional cards available 3
Incentive
0.5% on £1 to £3000 of monthly spend. Maximum of £15 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Lounge access Membership to LoungeKey, complimentary access to over 1400 airport lounges worldwide.
Additional Rewards Info Access to Mastercard Airport Security Fast Track. Access to Priceless.com from Mastercard. Global Data Roaming access in over 150 countries with Flexiroam.
Potential costs 4.1 ★★★★★
Doing its job 4.8 ★★★★★
Extras 3.8 ★★★★★
Overall Finder Score 4.4 ★★★★★

Fees and charges

Minimum monthly payment 1% or £5 (whichever is greater) or the total of any interest, default fees and charges, monthly fee plus 1% of the outstanding balance plus any arrears.
Annual/monthly fees £15 per month
Balance transfer fee 0% for 18 months reverting to 3% (min. £5)
Foreign usage charge (EU) 0%
Foreign usage charge (rest of world) 0%
Cash advance fee 3% (min. £3)
Late payment fee £12
Duplicate statement fee £0
Exceeding limit fee £12
Additional card fee £0
Dormancy fee £0

Application Requirements

Minimum Age 18
Minimum income £10,500
Residency UK Resident
Availability Available to existing customers

The Santander World Elite Mastercard is issued on the Mastercard network, so it's accepted at more than 50 million merchant locations across more than 210 countries and territories.

How does it compare?

Santander's card

1 - 1 of 1
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Finder score Max. intro bonus Earn-rate with brand Default earn-rate Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Link Incentive Representative example
Santander World Elite Mastercard
4.4
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
0.5% cashback
0.5% cashback
£15 per month
49.8% APR (variable)
0.5% on £1 to £3000 of monthly spend. Maximum of £15 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 18.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 49.8% APR (variable).
loading

Other popular reward cards

Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
1 - 20 of 35
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Finder score Max. intro bonus Earn-rate with brand Default earn-rate Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Link Incentive Representative example
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard
4.1
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1 point per £1 spent
1 point per £1 spent
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
M&S Bank Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard
3.9
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1 point per £1 spent
1 point per £5 spent
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
John Lewis Partnership Credit Card
3.9
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1.25 points per £1 spent
1 point per £4 spent
£0
28.9% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
Earn 2.5% back as points towards gift vouchers on eligible spend at John Lewis and Waitrose in the first 60 days from account opening. Earn 5 points for every £4 spent on eligible purchases at John Lewis and Waitrose and 1 point for every £4 spent elsewhere. 1 point = 1p (min 500pts)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 28.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 28.9% APR (variable).
British Airways American Express® Credit Card
4.0
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
5,000 points
1 point per £1 spent
1 point per £1 spent
£0
30.7% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
New Cardmembers collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 30.7% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 30.7% APR (variable).
American Express® Rewards Credit Card
3.9
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
10,000 points
1 point per £1 spent
1 point per £1 spent
£0
30.7% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every £1 spent thereafter. Earn up to 90,000 bonus points per year through refer a friend, 4,000 points awarded for every friend approved. 1 point = 0.45p (min 1,000 points) to shop, other rewards have differing conversions.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 30.7% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 30.7% APR (variable).
Yonder 'No Fee' Credit Card
4.0
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
5 points per £1 spent
1 point per £1 spent
£0
32.9% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 32.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 32.9% APR (variable).
Nectar Credit Card
3.8
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
20,000 points
3 points per £1 spent
2 points per £1 spent
Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £30 per annum
37.5% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
New welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in your first 3 months. Earn a minimum of 3 Nectar points for virtually every £1 spent at Nectar partners, and 2 Nectar points for virtually every £1 spent elsewhere.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 30.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £30 per annum, your representative rate is 37.5% APR (variable).
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
4.0
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
20,000 points
6 points per £1 spent
2 points per £1 spent
£95 per annum
54.5% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
Earn 20,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy ® points when you spend £3,000 in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. 18+, subject to status. Terms apply.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 30.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £95 per annum, your representative rate is 54.5% APR (variable).
Yonder Credit Card
4.5
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
10,000 points
25 points per £1 spent
5 points per £1 spent
1 month for £0, £15 per month thereafter
66.7% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
First month free for new members, £15 p/m thereafter. Plus, 10,000 bonus points. Earn 5 points per £1 spent and up to 25 points per £1 at selected partners. Membership includes worldwide travel insurance, no FX fees and use your points towards any flight.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.94% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 66.7% APR (variable).
American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
4.0
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
20,000 points
3 points per £1 spent
1 point per £1 spent
Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £195 per annum
88.3% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
New Cardmembers earn 20,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend £3,000 in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Terms Apply. 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 30.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £195 per annum, your representative rate is 88.3% APR (variable).
British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card
4.0
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
30,000 points
3 points per £1 spent
1.5 points per £1 spent
£300 per annum
139.2% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
New Cardmembers collect 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 30.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £300 per annum, your representative rate is 139.2% APR (variable).
The Platinum Card® by American Express
4.0
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
50,000 points
2 points per £1 spent
1 point per £1 spent
£650 per annum
701.4% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points, when you spend £6,000 in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. 18+, subject to status. Terms Apply.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 30.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £650 per annum, your representative rate is 701.4% APR (variable).
Tesco Bank Low APR Clubcard Credit Card
5.0
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1.25 points per £1 spent
1 point per £8 spent
£0
10.9% APR (variable)
5 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants, entertainment or Avios points.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 10.941% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 10.9% APR (variable).
The Co-operative Bank Members' Credit Card Visa
3.5
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1 point per £2 spent
1 point per £3.33 spent
£0
18.2% APR (variable)
1p earned for every £2 spent in The Co-operative Food stores (excluding in-store concessions) and 1p earned for every £3.33 spent anywhere else. Cashback will be added to your share of the Group profits and this will be paid to you twice a year.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 18.2% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 18.2% APR (variable).
M&S Bank Rewards Credit Card Mastercard
4.1
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1 point per £1 spent
1 point per £5 spent
£0
23.9% APR (variable)
1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).
HSBC Premier Credit Card
3.5
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1 point per £1 spent
1 point per £1 spent
£0
23.9% APR (variable)
A selection of rewards from a range of partners. Earn 1 point for every £1 spent within the UK and earn 2 points for every £1 spent outside the UK. Points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers and frequent flyer miles. 1 point = 1p (no min)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).
Tesco Bank Balance Transfer Card
4.1
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1.25 points per £1 spent
1 point per £8 spent
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
1 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants or entertainment.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Tesco Bank Clubcard Low Fee Balance Transfer Mastercard
4.1
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1 point per £4 spent
1 point per £8 spent
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
5 points per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 point per £8 spent outside Tesco and 1 point per £4 spent on Tesco fuel (excluding Esso) plus 1 point for every 1 litre bought. 100 points = £1 in vouchers
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Virgin Money Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card
3.9
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1.5 points per £1 spent
1 point per £1.33 spent
£0
26.9% APR (variable)
Earn 3,000 bonus points with your first card purchase made within 90 days of account opening. Earn 0.75 Flying Club miles for every £1 spend and 1.5.miles for every £1 spend with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. Spend £20K a year on your card and choose an extra benefit - an upgrade to Premium, or a Companion ticket. Points value varies dependent on reward (min 3000pts)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 26.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 26.9% APR (variable).
NatWest Travel Reward Credit Card Visa
4.3
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
1 point per £1 spent
1 point per £10 spent
£0
27.9% APR (variable)
Earn 1% in Rewards on eligible travel spending and up to 15% on monthly offers from chosen partner retailers. Earn 0.1% everywhere else. Rewards can be converted into money and transferred to a current account, exchanged for e-codes with some retailers worth more than the cash or converted into money and donated to one of the RBS Group chosen charities.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 27.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 27.9% APR (variable).
loading

Approval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Moneyfacts.

Repayment options

You can make manual repayments through Santander's app by logging in to your online banking or over the phone (0800 912 3123). Alternatively, you may wish to set up a direct debit.

A direct debit protects you from forgetting to make a repayment and either damaging your credit score, getting hit with a penalty fee (£12) or losing any promotional rates as a result.

You can arrange a direct debit for repayments when you apply for the credit card. The table below shows the options available.

Choose from the following direct debit options for your monthly repayments:

Minimum amount Fixed amount Fixed percentage Full amount

How to apply

If you're an existing Santander customer and you've compared cards and settled on the Santander World Elite Mastercard, completing the secure online application form takes about 15 minutes. Before you apply, check that you meet the eligibility requirements and have the information and documents you'll need to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Frequently asked questions

What credit limit will I get with the Santander World Elite Mastercard?

If Santander offers you this deal, it will specify a personalised credit limit based on Santander's assessment of your situation. The minimum limit offered on this card is £500, and Santander does not specify a maximum. Once you've had the card for a while and shown Santander you're reliable, you may wish to apply for a credit limit increase.

Can I withdraw cash using the Santander World Elite Mastercard?

Although it's possible, withdrawing cash from a credit card account is generally not a good idea, as "cash-like transactions" (such as withdrawing cash at an ATM, getting cashback at the till, spending at a casino or buying currency) often incur steep fees and/or higher rates of interest.

The cash advance fee on the Santander World Elite Mastercard is 3% (min. £3). For example, if you withdraw £50, you'll incur a fee of £3.00. Withdraw £250 and you'll incur a fee of £7.50.

The interest rate on this part of your balance will be 29.9% (chargeable from the day of the transaction – the card's usual "up to 56 days interest-free" grace period won't apply).

How much does it cost to use the Santander World Elite Mastercard abroad?

Non-sterling transactions are subject to a 0% charge. For example, if you spend 200 euros (£167.49), it'll cost you around £0.00 in fees.

What is the minimum payment on the Santander World Elite Mastercard?

Each month, you must pay at least 1% of your balance at that point or £5.00 – whichever of the 2 figures is greater. So if you had, say, £450.00 outstanding, you'd pay £5.00, and if you had £2,000.00 outstanding, you'd pay £20.00.

Paying only the minimum required amount each month is generally not advisable as it makes it much harder to get debt-free before that introductory 0% period expires.

Can I request an additional Santander World Elite Mastercard?

Yes, in fact, you can request up to 3 more. There's no fee for additional cards. Plus, with additional cards, you could earn cashback at a faster rate. Bear in mind that card debt accrued by additional cardholders is the sole responsibility of the account holder – not the additional cardholder.

Finder credit card scores

★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor

Our experts score rewards credit cards to determine their value against similar products on the market. We look at a number of important factors, like welcome bonuses, introductory and ongoing earn-rates, any caps or restrictions on the points you can earn, plus the potential costs involved with running the card both in the short and longer term.

You can read more about our scoring criteria on our credit card methodology page.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Go to site