{"id":272340,"date":"2026-09-11T12:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T12:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=272340\/"},"modified":"2026-09-09T21:32:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T21:32:38","slug":"emirates-credit-cards-compared-why-one-might-make-sense-to-unlock-first-class-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/emirates-credit-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Emirates Credit Cards Compared: Why One Might Make Sense To Unlock First Class Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/use-emirates-skywards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Emirates Airlines<\/a> is a true behemoth in the airline industry. With some of the most sought-after experiences imaginable (hello, in-flight shower), it's tempting to gravitate to one of the brand's credit cards to earn Emirates Skywards miles for that next award trip.<\/p>\n<p>Barclays currently issues two Emirates Skywards Mastercard products in the U.S. While the cards share the same earning rates, they differ significantly in annual fees, benefits, and the level of Emirates elite status they offer.<\/p>\n<p>If you're considering an Emirates credit card, choosing between the two comes down to several factors, including your elite status goals.<\/p>\n<p>Let's take a closer look at both cards and see which one travelers should choose, if any.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Overview_of_the_Emirates_Credit_Cards_From_Barclays\">Overview of the Emirates Credit Cards From Barclays<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Both Emirates credit cards are personal cards, with annual fees of $99 and $499, respectively. Each offers Emirates Skywards elite status for the first year of card membership, plus a path to retain that status through annual card spending.<\/p>\n<p>Emirates elite status has become particularly valuable for award travelers &#8212; even if you don't fly Emirates often. That's because Emirates now requires at least Silver status to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/airlines\/emirates-restricts-first-class-awards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">redeem miles for Emirates first class<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_205876\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-205876 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Emirates-A380-Coming-in-to-land-tim-dennert-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Emirates A380 Coming in to land.\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Emirates-A380-Coming-in-to-land-tim-dennert-unsplash.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Emirates-A380-Coming-in-to-land-tim-dennert-unsplash-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Emirates-A380-Coming-in-to-land-tim-dennert-unsplash-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Emirates-A380-Coming-in-to-land-tim-dennert-unsplash-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Emirates-A380-Coming-in-to-land-tim-dennert-unsplash-325x260.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: tim-dennert-unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Emirates_Skywards_Rewards_World_Elite_Mastercard_Silver_Status_and_More\">Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>: Silver Status and More<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a data-ccid=\"150\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/EmiratesSkywardsRewardsWorldEliteMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> is Emirates' entry-level credit card. It has a $99 annual fee and offers introductory Emirates Silver status for the first year, along with a spending bonus in select categories.<\/p>\n<p>There's also a sign-up bonus for the card. Earn 40,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days..<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Key_benefits\">Key benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Emirates Skywards Silver status for your first year<\/li>\n<li>Maintain Emirates Silver elite status with $20,000 per year in card spending<\/li>\n<li>Earn 1 Tier Mile for every 4 Skywards miles earned with the card, up to 15,000 Tier Miles per card cycle year<\/li>\n<li>Skywards Miles earned with the card don't expire as long as your card account remains open and active<\/li>\n<li>25% discount on buying or gifting Skywards Miles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Earning_rates\">Earning rates<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>3 miles per $1 on eligible Emirates purchases<\/li>\n<li>2 miles per $1 on eligible travel purchases<\/li>\n<li>1 mile per $1 on all other purchases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"150\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/94\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cardart-emiratesskywardsrewardsworldelitemastercard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"150\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/EmiratesSkywardsRewardsWorldEliteMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 40,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 40,000 bonus Skywards Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$99<\/b><\/div>\n                    \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/EmiratesMC\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-9-4a4970f3d#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Emirates_Skywards_Premium_World_Elite_Mastercard_Gold_Status_and_Anniversary_Miles\">Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>: Gold Status and Anniversary Miles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a data-ccid=\"225\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/link\/EmiratesSkyWardsPremium\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> is Emirates' premium credit card. It has a hefty $499 annual fee and offers introductory Emirates Gold status for the first year, as well as the same earning rates as the <a data-ccid=\"150\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/EmiratesSkywardsRewardsWorldEliteMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>New cardholders can earn the following welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus Skywards miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Key_benefits-2\">Key benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Emirates Skywards Gold status for the first year<\/li>\n<li>Maintain Emirates Gold status by spending $40,000 in net purchases annually<\/li>\n<li>10,000 anniversary bonus miles after spending $30,000 in a card membership year<\/li>\n<li>Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit once every four years<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/travel\/priority-pass-lounges-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Priority Pass Select<\/a> membership<\/li>\n<li>Skywards miles earned with the card don't expire as long as your card account remains open and active<\/li>\n<li>25% discount on buying or gifting Skywards miles<\/li>\n<li>Earn 1 Tier Mile for every 4 Skywards miles earned with the card, up to 15,000 Tier Miles per card cycle year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Earning_rates-2\">Earning rates<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>3 miles per $1 on eligible Emirates purchases<\/li>\n<li>2 miles per $1 on eligible travel purchases<\/li>\n<li>1 mile per $1 on all other purchases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"225\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"510\/323\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CardArt-EmiratesSkywardsPremiumWorldEliteMasterCard-1.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard\u00ae' data-ccid=\"225\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/link\/EmiratesSkyWardsPremium?var2=exit~fcw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 70,000 bonus Skywards miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 70,000 bonus Skywards miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$499<\/b><\/div>\n                    \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/EmiratesPremium\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-9-4a4970f3d#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Which_Emirates_Card_Is_Best\">Which Emirates Card Is Best?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Emirates co-branded credit card lineup is an interesting one, to say the least. While the <a data-ccid=\"150\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/EmiratesSkywardsRewardsWorldEliteMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> has a solid amount of benefits for a $99-annual-fee credit card, the <a data-ccid=\"225\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/link\/EmiratesSkyWardsPremium\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> offers more, including higher status, but with the same earning rates.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few factors to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Frequent Emirates travelers:\u00a0<\/strong>Frankly, you should only apply for either card if you're a frequent Emirates flyer. That's because one of their biggest benefits is easy access to Emirates elite status. Silver status offers perks including business-class lounge access in Dubai, complimentary seat selection, additional baggage allowance, and priority check-in and boarding. Gold status adds business-class lounge access across Emirates' network, not just in Dubai, as well as a higher baggage allowance. If you won't use these status benefits, it probably doesn't make sense to apply for either card.<\/li>\n<li><strong>First-class flyers: <\/strong>Arguably, the most valuable benefit of these cards is Emirates status, but not in the way you might think. To redeem miles for an Emirates First Class award, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/airlines\/emirates-restricts-first-class-awards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">you're required to have at least Silver status<\/a>. Just remember that children 8 and under aren't eligible to travel on Emirates First Class award tickets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lounge access:<\/strong> Interestingly, those flying out of Dubai can enjoy business-class lounge access with either card, thanks to the elite status each provides. If you frequently fly from an airport with an Emirates outstation lounge, such as London-Heathrow (LHR), it may make sense to consider the premium card for its Gold status.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After a slew of devaluations reducing the transfer ratio from <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/transfer-citi-points-emirates\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/emirates-partnership\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/amex-membership-rewards\/emirates-transfer-devaluation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex<\/a>, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/capital-one-rewards\/emirates-transfer-rate-devaluation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a> is currently the only major award program with a 1:1 transfer ratio with Emirates.<\/p>\n<div class=\"transfer-times\"><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-head tt-from\">From<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-to\">To<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-ratio\">Transfer Ratio<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-mintransfer\">Min.Transfer<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-avg\">Average Time<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex (Membership Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:800<div class=\"tt-bonus\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/amex-membership-rewards\/emirates-transfer-devaluation\/\">Amex-Emirates transfer rate dropped to 5:4 on September 16, 2025<\/a>.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">100:75<div class=\"tt-bonus\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/capital-one-rewards\/emirates-transfer-rate-devaluation\/\">Transfer ratio devalued effective January 13, 2026<\/a>.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citibank (ThankYou Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:800<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/hotels\/marriott-bonvoy\/marriott-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott (Bonvoy)<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">3:1<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">3,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-days\">3 days<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">4,000:2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/brex-rewards-guide\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brex Cash<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">3:2<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">500<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>HSBC Rewards<div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Hyatt (World of Hyatt)<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,250:500<div class=\"tt-bonus\">Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">5,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">10,000:2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Jumeirah (Jumeirah One)<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">2:1<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>That means a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt credit card<\/a> might be best if an Emirates credit card doesn't fit your long-term goals, but you still want the ability to generate Emirates Skywards miles.<\/p>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-cardless\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CardArt-BiltBlueCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Bilt Blue Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Bilt Blue Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Bilt Blue Card' data-ccid=\"260\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/BiltBlueCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$0<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"260\" href=\"https:\/\/legal.cardless.com\/schumer\/bilt\/rates_and_fees.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--0\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.<\/li>\r\n<li>1X points on everyday spend<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CardArt-BiltObsidianCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Bilt Obsidian Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Bilt Obsidian Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> $200 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Bilt Obsidian Card' data-ccid=\"259\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/BiltObsidianCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$95<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"259\" href=\"https:\/\/legal.cardless.com\/schumer\/bilt\/rates_and_fees.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--0\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on your choice of grocery (up to $25K\/year) or dining. Your 3X category choice remains in effect for the entire calendar year.<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on travel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X points on everyday spend<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CardArt-BiltPalladiumCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Bilt Palladium Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Bilt Palladium Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Bilt Palladium Card' data-ccid=\"212\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/BiltPalladiumCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$495<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"212\" href=\"https:\/\/legal.cardless.com\/rates_and_fees\/bilt\/rates_and_fees.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--0\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on everyday spend<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Emirates offers a great in-flight experience, but its two credit card products are puzzling for the U.S. market. While frequent Emirates travelers may be able to get significant value from the cards and their included elite status, the everyday spender should probably look elsewhere for their travel credit card needs.<\/p>\n<p>Still, if lounge access, the ability to book Emirates First Class awards, and no mileage expiration are attractive to you, one of these two cards may be a fit for your wallet.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ftoc\"><div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Overview_of_the_Emirates_Credit_Cards_From_Barclays\">Overview of the Emirates Credit Cards From Barclays<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Emirates_Skywards_Rewards_World_Elite_Mastercard_Silver_Status_and_More\">Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>: Silver Status and More<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Key_benefits\">Key benefits<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Earning_rates\">Earning rates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Emirates_Skywards_Premium_World_Elite_Mastercard_Gold_Status_and_Anniversary_Miles\">Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>: Gold Status and Anniversary Miles<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Key_benefits-2\">Key benefits<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Earning_rates-2\">Earning rates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Which_Emirates_Card_Is_Best\">Which Emirates Card Is Best?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emirates is a premier airline flying the skies every day, and with two credit cards to choose from, which one is best? This post explores the differences and curiosities of these credit card products.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":97,"featured_media":207938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12055],"tags":[12762],"coauthors":[36469],"class_list":["post-272340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-credit-cards","tag-emirates-skywards"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/97"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=272340"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272340\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":277311,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272340\/revisions\/277311"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/207938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=272340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=272340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=272340"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=272340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}