How to Apply for your Santander World Elite Mastercard

The Santander World Elite Mastercard is designed for those looking for premium travel benefits and financial flexibility. The card offers access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide via LoungeKey, as well as Mastercard Airport Security Fast Track, making it a valuable companion for frequent travelers.
Additionally, cardholders benefit from 3GB of free data roaming annually and no foreign transaction fees on purchases made in local currencies abroad.
This card also includes a cashback offer of 0.5% on all purchases, capped at £15 per month, and a 40% discount on Santander Travel Insurance when applied online.
It does, however, come with a monthly fee of £15 and is available exclusively to Santander Select or Private Banking customers.
Benefits of the Santander World Elite Mastercard
The Santander World Elite Mastercard offers a range of premium benefits aimed at frequent travelers and those seeking financial flexibility. While it comes with a £15 monthly fee, the card is packed with features that enhance the travel experience and provide significant value through cashback and exclusive services.
Here are some of the top benefits:
Access to Airport Lounges
Cardholders can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through LoungeKey. This benefit extends to additional cardholders, with the option for guests to join for an additional fee.
LoungeKey access provides a comfortable space to relax before flights, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Mastercard Airport Security Fast Track
The Mastercard Airport Security Fast Track benefit allows cardholders to bypass regular security lines at participating airports.
This can help save time and reduce stress, offering a more streamlined experience through busy airport terminals.
0.5% Cashback on Purchases
The card offers 0.5% cashback on all purchases, up to a maximum of £15 per month. While this may not seem high, it’s a simple way to earn money back on everyday spending.
The cashback is automatically applied to your account each month, making it hassle-free.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
When using the card abroad, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees as long as you pay in the local currency. This is a significant advantage for those who frequently travel internationally, as it can save on exchange fees.
Global Data Roaming by Flexiroam
Cardholders are entitled to 3GB of free global data roaming per year, which is split into three 1GB plans. This feature is available in over 150 countries with Flexroam, with an option to purchase additional data at a discounted rate.
Discounted Santander Travel Insurance
Another notable benefit is the 40% discount on Santander Travel Insurance when you apply online. This can provide peace of mind during trips, covering various potential issues such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.
Prerequisites to Obtain the Santander World Elite Mastercard
To apply for the Santander World Elite Mastercard, there are specific eligibility requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You need to be a permanent UK resident.
- The card is available only to Santander Select or Private Banking customers.
- A credit check is required to assess your financial status.
- Applicants must not already hold a Santander World Elite Mastercard.
These prerequisites ensure the card is tailored to individuals who meet the criteria for premium banking services.
About Santander Bank
Santander UK is a well-established financial institution, part of the global Banco Santander group, which was founded in Spain in 1857. Santander entered the UK market in 2004 with the acquisition of Abbey National, marking a significant expansion into retail banking.
Over the following years, it strengthened its position by acquiring Alliance & Leicester and parts of Bradford & Bingley, making it one of the largest banking institutions in the UK.
Today, Santander UK operates as a full-service retail and commercial bank, offering a range of financial products including mortgages, credit cards, personal loans, and savings accounts.
The bank is known for its commitment to offering simple and accessible financial services, supported by extensive digital banking platforms.
Santander UK is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), ensuring compliance with financial standards and consumer protections.
Who is the Santander World Elite Mastercard for?
The Santander World Elite Mastercard is aimed at high-net-worth individuals and frequent travelers who are existing Santander Select or Private Banking clients. The card is designed for those who require premium services, such as access to over 1,400 airport lounges, global data roaming, and no foreign transaction fees.
It caters to individuals who lead global lifestyles, regularly travel, and prefer a card that offers exclusive travel and financial benefits. Additionally, applicants must be permanent UK residents, aged 18 or over, and meet the bank’s financial eligibility requirements.
Step by Step to Apply for the Santander World Elite Mastercard
To apply for the Santander World Elite Mastercard, you must meet the eligibility criteria and follow the steps outlined below:
- Check Eligibility: Visit the Santander World Elite Mastercard page and use the eligibility checker to see if you qualify without impacting your credit score.
- Ensure You Meet Requirements: You must be a Santander Select or Private Banking customer, a permanent UK resident, aged 18 or older, and not already have this card.
- Start the Application: If eligible, you can proceed with the online application form directly on the Santander website. You will be required to provide personal and financial information, and the bank will conduct a credit check.
- Credit Check: Santander will assess your credit history to determine your credit limit. All applications are subject to approval based on your credit status.
- Activate the Card: Once approved, and you receive the card, activate it following the instructions provided. You will then be able to access the card’s benefits, including LoungeKey and global data roaming.
For managing your account, Santander offers a mobile app for both Android and iOS, where you can track spending, make payments, and manage your card.
Santander World Elite Mastercard Pros and Cons
The Santander World Elite Mastercard offers several advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. Here’s a balanced look at the positives and negatives of the card:
Pros
- LoungeKey Access: You get access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through LoungeKey, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: There are no fees for foreign transactions when purchases are made in local currency, saving frequent travelers on conversion fees.
- Cashback on Purchases: Earn 0.5% cashback on all purchases, capped at £15 per month, providing steady returns on everyday spending.
- Global Data Roaming: 3GB of free data roaming annually through Flexiroam, split into three 1GB packages, which is convenient for international use.
- 0% Interest on Purchases and Balance Transfers: Enjoy 18 months of 0% interest on both purchases and balance transfers with no fee during the introductory period.
- Travel Insurance Discount: Cardholders receive a 40% discount on Santander Travel Insurance, offering additional value.
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The card comes with a £15 monthly fee (£180 annually), which may outweigh the benefits for those who don’t travel frequently.
- High APR: With a representative APR of 49.8% (variable), this card can become expensive if balances are not paid off in full each month.
- Limited Cashback: The cashback rate is capped at 0.5%, and the maximum you can earn is £15 per month, which might be less competitive compared to other cashback cards.
- Strict Eligibility: This card is only available to Santander Select or Private Banking customers, restricting its accessibility.
These factors make the card suitable for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its benefits, while those looking for high rewards on everyday spending may find other cards more attractive.
Fees and Tariffs
The Santander World Elite Mastercard comes with several fees that users should be aware of. Below is a summary of the main costs associated with this card:
- Monthly Fee: The card has a monthly fee of £15, which amounts to £180 annually.
- Representative APR: The card’s representative APR is 49.8% (variable), which includes the monthly fee in the calculation. The purchase interest rate is 18.9% p.a. (variable).
- Cashback Limit: You can earn 0.5% cashback on purchases, but it is capped at £15 per month, which would require spending £3,000 monthly to reach the limit.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: There are no foreign transaction fees when you make purchases in the local currency, making it a good option for frequent travelers.
- Balance Transfers: The card offers 0% interest on balance transfers for 18 months with no balance transfer fee during this period. Afterward, a fee of 3% applies.
Customer Service
Here are the official channels for contacting Santander regarding the World Elite Mastercard:
- Official Website: Santander World Elite Mastercard
- Customer Service Phone Number (UK): 0330 123 0061 (available 24/7).
- For Online Banking Registration or Help: Call 0800 032 3323 or visit the Santander Online Banking Portal.
- International Assistance: +44 1908 216674.
For further inquiries, you can also visit their nearest branch or use Santander’s online chat support via the official website.