Introducing The Mastercard World Legend: Dining, Entertainment And Travel

Forbes

4 days ago

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Mastercard is stepping up its travel and lifestyle game.
The company just announced the premiere of the World Legend Mastercard and the Mastercard Collection, a growing set of benefits aimed at making travel, dining and entertainment feel a little more first-class.
Imagine standing in a long line with a heavy backpack and a rolling carry-on, just trying to make it through security so you can finally relax in the lounge. With Mastercard's new perks, launched on July 16, that stress might be a thing of the past.
For frequent travelers, the real headline is an improved airport experience. This is part of Mastercard's push to make travel less stressful and more comfortable, well before you board the plane.
Members of the Mastercard Collection—including eligible World, World Elite and the new World Legend cardholders—will now enjoy access to: over 1,350 Mastercard airport lounges in more than 600 cities across nearly 150 countries.
190 fast-track security lanes at 190 airports in over 30 airports.
Mastercard-branded dining areas in select airports—coming soon.
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But the perks don't stop at the terminal. Mastercard is also expanding its offerings around food and entertainment.
Cardholders can now tap into a range of elevated perks that go beyond just making purchases. Think priority reservations at sought-after restaurants and early access to tickets for concerts, festivals and sports games.
The idea is that your card shouldn't just cover the bill—it should open doors.
For example, cardholders can now access presale and preferred tickets to events like Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Last Encores concert, VIP passes to the ARC Music Festival in Chicago and Maroon 5's LOVE IS LIKE Tour.
Although Mastercard hasn't released specific details yet, it's clear the company designed World Legend with today's lifestyle-centered consumer in mind.
As Mastercard's most exclusive card tier to date, World Legend is a strategic leap into premium territory, offering elevated perks across travel, dining and entertainment. Aimed squarely at upscale consumers looking for experiences, the tier is set to launch in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2025. It's a card tier worth watching once partner banks begin detailing issuer-specific features.
This move isn't just about adding flashy perks. It's about staying competitive in the premium credit card space. Mastercard is betting that more people, especially younger high earners, are spending on experiences over possessions.
'Time well-spent with people who matter most is truly priceless,' shares Mastercard's chief consumer product officer Bunita Sawhney. '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.'
Giving cardholders smoother travel days and better access to events is a way to keep those users loyal and active, while also offering Mastercard's partner banks new ways to attract big spenders and high-value customers.
If you already carry a World or World Elite Mastercard, these new perks are worth checking out, especially if you travel often or love a live event. And if you're in the market for a premium card, these upgrades make Mastercard a more tempting contender.
After all, the best credit card on the market no longer just earns you points—it unlocks moments that feel extraordinary.