Mastercard® Titanium Card™ review

When you read through the Titanium Card’s promotional materials, you’ll find comparisons to elite card superstars, such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Citi Prestige card. But don’t be fooled by the glittery references; the comparisons are misleading. A closer look at the Titanium Card’s benefits shows that Mastercard’s least expensive “luxury card” has more in common with cheaper, mid-tier rewards cards than super premium cards with three-figure annual fees.

Stylishly designed with “patented brushed stainless steel front and carbon back,” the Titanium Card looks impressive. But for a card that charges a $195 annual fee (and $95 for each authorized user added to the account), its rewards program is underwhelming.

The Titanium Card’s biggest selling point appears to be its benefits program, which includes a number of unique perks that may appeal to high-end cardholders who yearn for more extensive customer service — such an airport meet-and-greet service for those needing help zipping through a busy airport and a luxurious baggage delivery service. The Titanium Card also offers the kind of high quality 24/7 concierge service you typically find on more expensive cards. But if you don’t plan to use those kinds of luxury benefits, then the card probably isn’t worth the annual fee.

Here’s what else you should know about Mastercard’s Titanium Card:

An underwhelming rewards program

If you’re comparing cards based solely on rewards, this probably isn’t the card for you. The Titanium Card offers just one point for every dollar you spend — well below what many competitors offer. Most premium rewards cards, for example, offer bonus points on a selection of spending categories, such as restaurant tabs or travel, as well as one point for everything else.

The Titanium Card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus either, which is rare for a premium rewards card. Most premium cards lure new cardholders with rich bonuses worth several hundred dollars in free flights, gift cards or hotel stays. The Titanium Card’s low rewards rate and lack of a sign-up bonus make it more challenging to collect a large number of points in your first year, which is a real drawback in an age when supersized sign-up bonuses abound.

Above average rewards value

The Titanium Card makes up for its low rewards rate somewhat by doubling the value of Titanium rewards points when you redeem them for airfare. Rather than value points at the industry average of a penny each, Mastercard values them at two cents each — well above what the Titanium Card’s competitors offer. But even with a higher rewards value, the Titanium Card’s rewards program is still relatively modest. Cardholders who redeem all their points for statement credits will effectively earn 1 point for every purchase, which adds up to about $10 worth of rewards for every thousand dollars you spend.

Not competitive with similarly priced cards

The Titanium Card’s higher rewards value is significant; but a number of cards with lower fees also offer a 2 point or 2 percent rewards rate, including the Citi Double Cash® Card, which offers 1 percent cash back when you make a purchase and 1 percent as you pay for your purchases and doesn’t charge an annual fee at all, and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase and charges just $95 a year.

Meanwhile, cards with higher fees typically offer a much higher rewards rate on top dollar purchases, such as travel. For example, the American Express® Gold Card offers three points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, while the AmEx Platinum card offers five points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (starting January 1, 2021, earn 5x points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year).

Limited redemption

Unlike many of its competitors, the Titanium Card also bars cardholders from transferring points to other programs, which is a huge setback for frequent travelers. Many cardholders like the option of transferring points to hotel or airline partners because it gives them the opportunity to top off another loyalty account — thus earning enough points to make a purchase — or travel more widely with rewards than they might otherwise.

The Titanium Card does allow cardholders to pay for travel with partial points, though, which is a nice benefit — especially if you don’t charge enough to earn a lot of points.

Upgraded customer service

Perhaps the biggest reason to consider the Titanium Card is its unique list of benefits, including a suite of customer service benefits that are a cut above much of the Titanium Card’s competition. If you’ve long craved a more extensive level of customer service than the typical card offers, then the Titanium Card, or one of its luxury siblings, such as the Gold or Black card, may be worth a closer look.

Like other luxury cards offered by Mastercard, the Titanium Card not only offers premium concierge service to help you book hard-to-get reservations or create a personalized travel itinerary, it also offers special attention when you fly. For example, it will send a representative to help you navigate the airport more quickly or will help forward your luggage through a special delivery service so you don’t have to haul it yourself.

Premium benefits

The Titanium Card also offers above average travel insurance, which can be valuable if you travel frequently. For example, in addition to standard card benefits, such as rental car insurance, it offers trip delay or cancellation protection and delayed baggage insurance.

Why get the Mastercard Titanium Card?

• You want a higher level of customer service, but don’t want to pay more than $200 a year.
• You value luxury perks, such as access to exclusive experiences, or special luggage delivery.
• You want a simple card that offers the same rewards rate for every purchase.

How to use the Mastercard Titanium Card:

• Maximize your rewards earnings by redeeming your points for travel or a statement credit.
• Use your card regularly to earn enough points to win a free trip or a significant amount of cash back.
• Get to know the card’s list of ancillary benefits and be sure to take advantage of them.

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