National Bank World Elite Mastercard Review: Is It Worth It?
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a travel rewards card tied to National Bank’s À la carte Rewards Plan. Cardholders earn points that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, financial products, statement credits and more.
This card is strongest for people who spend regularly on groceries and dining, travel at least occasionally, and can use the annual travel reimbursement. It is less compelling if you want a simple welcome offer, airline transfer partners or no foreign transaction fees.
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Points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases.*
Points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments, and À la carte™ travel purchases.*
Point per 1 dollar in other purchases.
Get up to 5x points per $1 spent on everyday expenses, expansive travel insurance and the freedom to redeem points in unique ways, like paying your mortgage or investing. Plus, get unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport. But the minimum income requirements and $150 annual fee may exclude some users. Best for: Montreal travellers who want a flexible rewards program.
Pros
- Annual $150 travel credit.
- Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons
- Steep $80,000 minimum income requirement.
- 5x earn rate capped at $2,500 per month.
- Earn up to 35,000 Points – Earn 10,000 points when enrolling in payment insurance* for at least the first 3 months. Earn 5,000 points if you made $5,000 in net purchases in the first 3 months after enrolment. Earn 10,000 points if you made $20.000 in net purchases during the first 12 months. Bonus current account offer: 10,000 points if you combine your credit card with the opening of a first current account within a maximum of 7 days following the signing of the credit card application form.
- 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 dollar on other purchases.
- Points can be redeemed for travel and merchandise or to pay down a mortgage or credit card balances.
- Up to $150 each year in refund for travel expenses on airport parking fees, seat selection fees, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades and access to airport lounges worldwide
- 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.
- Free and unlimited access along with one (1) guest per cardholder to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau 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.
National Bank World Elite Mastercard full review
BACK TO TOPThe National Bank World Elite Mastercard has a $150 annual fee, but that cost can be easy to offset if you use the card’s annual travel reimbursement.
The card earns 5 points per dollar on eligible groceries and restaurants, up to the monthly cap. It also includes strong travel insurance and access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport.
The tradeoff is complexity. The welcome offer has several conditions, points are most valuable through National Bank’s own travel platform, and the lounge perk is much more useful if you fly internationally from Montréal.
Benefits of the National Bank World Elite Mastercard
Strong earn rate on groceries and restaurants: Earn 5 points per dollar on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until the account reaches $2,500 in gross monthly purchases.
Useful 2x categories: Earn 2 points per dollar on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bill payments and À la carte Travel purchases.
$150 annual travel reimbursement: Get up to $150 back each year for eligible travel expenses, such as airport parking, baggage fees, seat selection, lounge access and airline ticket upgrades.
National Bank Lounge access: Get free and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport, with one guest and up to two children aged 12 or under, when travelling internationally.
Strong insurance package: Coverage includes emergency medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, rental car theft and damage, purchase protection, extended warranty and mobile device insurance.
Flexible redemptions: Points can be used for travel, gift cards, merchandise, financial products, credit card payments and more.
Drawbacks of the National Bank World Elite Mastercard
The welcome offer is complicated: Earning the full bonus requires more than hitting one spending threshold. Some points require payment insurance, and the full offer requires opening an eligible National Bank chequing account.
The 5x cap has limits: The 5x grocery and restaurant rate applies until the first $2,500 in gross monthly purchases charged to the account. After that, eligible grocery and restaurant purchases earn 2x.
Lounge access is limited: The lounge perk is only useful if Montréal-Trudeau is part of your travel plans, and access is for international flights only, excluding Canada and the U.S.
Best value requires À la carte Travel: Points are worth the most when redeemed through National Bank’s travel platform. Other redemptions may be worth less.
No transfer partners: Points cannot be transferred to Aeroplan, Avios or other airline loyalty programs.
Foreign transaction fee: The card charges a 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
Is the National Bank World Elite Mastercard worth it?
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard can be worth it if you use the $150 annual travel reimbursement. Since the card’s annual fee is also $150, that one perk can effectively cover the cost of carrying the card.
The rewards can add more value, especially if you spend heavily on groceries and restaurants. But the card is harder to justify if you do not travel, rarely fly through Montréal or prefer a simpler rewards program.
National Bank customer ratings
Below average in customer satisfaction: The National Bank ranks 5th out of 14 issuers in J.D. Power’s 2025 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
Low Trustpilot rating: The National Bank of Canada scored 1.4 out of 5 possible stars based on over 180 customer reviews, as of this writing.
National Bank World Elite Mastercard eligibility
BACK TO TOPWho 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; or
Have at least $400,000 in investable assets.
Approximate credit score needed for approval
Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores. In general, premium rewards cards are easier to qualify for with good to excellent credit.
Want to learn more? Visit our “What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card?” page.
National Bank World Elite Mastercard rewards
BACK TO TOPEarn up to 35,000 points:
Earn 10,000 points when you enroll in credit card payment insurance for at least the first three months.
Earn 5,000 points when you make $5,000 in net purchases in the first three months.
Earn 10,000 points when you make $20,000 in net purchases in the first 12 months.
Earn 10,000 points when you open a first eligible National Bank current account within 7 days of signing the credit card application and meet the account conditions.
Offer ends June 29, 2026.
5 points per dollar on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until the first $2,500 in gross monthly purchases is charged to the account.
2 points per dollar on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases after the monthly threshold is reached.
2 points per dollar on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bill payments and À la carte Travel purchases.
1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
National Bank À la carte Rewards points have different values depending on how they are redeemed.
You’ll generally get the best value through À la carte Travel, where 10,000 points can equal $100 in travel value. That works out to 1 cent per point.
Other travel redemptions, statement credits, gift cards and merchandise may offer less value.
Rewards calculator: See how many points you can earn
BACK TO TOPNational Bank World Elite Mastercard vs BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
BACK TO TOPWhen shopping for a rewards card, you might notice the term ‘World Elite Mastercard’ applied to several products. This means the card belongs to Mastercard’s World Elite series — the highest of the two World Mastercard tiers — and offers premium perks. But, the exact features and perks can vary greatly depending on the issuer.
Take a look below at how the National Bank World Elite Mastercard stacks up to its BMO counterpart as an example.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases.*
Points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments, and À la carte™ travel purchases.*
Point per 1 dollar in other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeGet up to 5x points per $1 spent on everyday expenses, expansive travel insurance and the freedom to redeem points in unique ways, like paying your mortgage or investing. Plus, get unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport. But the minimum income requirements and $150 annual fee may exclude some users. Best for: Montreal travellers who want a flexible rewards program.
Pros
- Annual $150 travel credit.
- Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons
- Steep $80,000 minimum income requirement.
- 5x earn rate capped at $2,500 per month.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 35,000 Points – Earn 10,000 points when enrolling in payment insurance* for at least the first 3 months. Earn 5,000 points if you made $5,000 in net purchases in the first 3 months after enrolment. Earn 10,000 points if you made $20.000 in net purchases during the first 12 months. Bonus current account offer: 10,000 points if you combine your credit card with the opening of a first current account within a maximum of 7 days following the signing of the credit card application form.
- 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 dollar on other purchases.
- Points can be redeemed for travel and merchandise or to pay down a mortgage or credit card balances.
- Up to $150 each year in refund for travel expenses on airport parking fees, seat selection fees, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades and access to airport lounges worldwide
- 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.
- Free and unlimited access along with one (1) guest per cardholder to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau 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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible dining purchases.
points for every $1 spent on eligible entertainment purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible recurring bill payments.
Point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card offers a healthy return on travel spending, complimentary airport lounge access and robust travel insurance for added peace of mind. But high annual income criteria will put it out of reach for some. Best for: Higher-income earners seeking competitive rewards on travel dollars spent.
Pros
- Up to 5x points per eligible dollar spent.
- Four free airport lounge visits annually.
Cons
- High $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income criteria.
Card details
Card details- Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.¹ Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.∆∆∆
- 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- Now get the highest rewards points for travel of any premium flexible travel card in Canada!†
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
- Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world - all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
- Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
- Points you can use to cover all flight charges & taxes.*
- Fly on any airline, with no blackout dates.*
- Best-in-class travel and medical insurance (unlimited trips per year).*
- BMO Concierge Service.*
- Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
- Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Reasons you might want a different card
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is strong, but it is not the right fit for everyone.
Want simple cash back? Consider the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card.
Want no foreign transaction fees? Consider the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card.
Want transferable points? Consider the American Express Cobalt Card.
Want airline rewards? Consider an Aeroplan card, such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card.
Carry a balance? A low-interest credit card will likely save you more than this card earns.
National Bank World Elite Mastercard facts
BACK TO TOPNATIONAL BANK WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD | |
|---|---|
Card type | |
Fees and interest rates | |
Annual fee | $150. |
Regular/purchase APR | 20.99%. |
Cash advance APR | 22.49%. |
Balance transfer APR | 22.49%. |
Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% of the transaction amount. |
Rewards and benefits | |
Intro offer | Up to 35,000 points. |
Reward earn rates |
|
Other perks |
|
Insurance coverage | |
Travel medical | Up to $5 million per insured person per trip. |
Flight delay | Up to $500 per person if the delay is more than four hours. |
Trip cancellation | Up to $2,500 per person. |
Trip interruption | Up to $5,000 per person. |
Baggage delay | Up to $500 per person if the delay is more than six hours. |
Lost or stolen baggage | Up to $1,000 per person. |
Rental car theft/damage | Up to $65,000, for up to 48 days. |
Extended warranty | Triples manufacturer’s coverage, up to two additional years. |
Medical, general and legal assistance | Included. |
Purchase Protection | 180 days. |
Mobile Device Protection | Up to $1,000 of mobile device protection in case of loss, theft, accidental damage. |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPNerdWallet 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
What is the household income required for the National Bank World Elite Mastercard?
The minimum household income requirement is $150,000. Applicants may also qualify with at least $80,000 in personal annual income.
How much are National Bank À la carte Rewards points worth?
Point value depends on how you redeem. Through À la carte Travel, 10,000 points can equal $100 in travel value, or 1 cent per point. Other redemptions may be worth less.
Does the National Bank World Elite Mastercard include airport lounge access?
Yes. Cardholders get free and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport, with one guest and up to two children aged 12 or under. Access is for international flights, excluding Canada and the U.S.
Is the National Bank World Elite Mastercard worth the annual fee?
It can be. The card’s $150 annual travel reimbursement can offset the $150 annual fee if you use the full credit. The card is less compelling if you do not travel or cannot use its perks.
Nerdy Verdict
Best for: Grocery and restaurant spenders who travel enough to use the card’s $150 annual travel reimbursement.
Not ideal for: People who want simple rewards, airline transfer partners or useful lounge access outside Montréal.
Why we like it: The National Bank World Elite Mastercard has a strong 5x earn rate on eligible groceries and restaurants, plus a $150 annual travel reimbursement that can offset the card’s $150 annual fee. Its travel insurance is also unusually strong for the price.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell
Georgia Rose