Mastercard is elevating its premium credit card offerings with the introduction of “The Mastercard Collection,” a comprehensive suite of new perks designed to deliver memorable experiences to cardholders.
Announced on July 16, 2025, these enhanced benefits will be available across three tiers: World, World Elite, and the brand-new World Legend Mastercard.
The World Legend tier, Mastercard’s newest premium card level, will debut to U.S. cardholders in the third quarter of 2025, with an international rollout planned for later dates. This launch represents Mastercard’s strategic response to evolving consumer preferences that increasingly value experiences over material possessions.
“Time well-spent with people who matter most is truly priceless,” said Bunita Sawhney, Mastercard’s chief consumer product officer. “That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce The Mastercard Collection. Together with issuers around the world, we look forward to granting cardholders and their families access to memory-making experiences wherever they go.”
Key Features of the World Legend Tier:
- Premium Dining Experiences
• Exclusive restaurant reservations
• Behind-the-scenes kitchen tours
• Multi-course tasting menus
• Priority access at select restaurants in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK - Enhanced Entertainment Access
• Concert and sporting event ticket privileges
• Presale opportunities
• Premium seating options - Elevated Travel Benefits
• Branded fast-track security lanes at select international airports
• Access to 1,350+ Mastercard-branded airport lounges across 147 countries
• Exclusive airport dining spaces, with first locations in São Paolo and Mexico City
Shifting consumer priorities
According to Mastercard’s internal research, the vast majority of their cardholders “feel their best when spending their time on their passions,” and two-thirds “are becoming more intentional with how they spend their time, focusing on the relationships that matter most.”
This shift in consumer priorities has driven the company to develop benefits that facilitate meaningful experiences rather than simply offering cash back or points.
This move aligns with broader industry trends. Recent PYMNTS Intelligence research indicates that 40% of consumers already use credit cards specifically for travel expenses, suggesting strategic cardholder behavior for larger expenditures where rewards and benefits add significant value.
For issuers, premium cards with experiential benefits present a significant opportunity. Cardholders with higher-fee cards demonstrate remarkable loyalty and engagement compared to those with entry-level products.
While specific details about additional World Legend tier benefits beyond The Mastercard Collection remain forthcoming, the existing World Elite tier already offers discounts with select merchants (including Lyft, Booking.com, and Instacart), concierge services, and statement credits toward transit purchases in select cities.
As credit card rewards continue to evolve beyond simple cash back and points systems, Mastercard’s focus on curated experiences positions them to appeal to consumers seeking more meaningful ways to use their purchasing power. The World Legend card represents the company’s most premium offering in this growing “experience economy.”
Featured image by Getty
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