MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® vs MBNA Smart Cash® World Mastercard®: Which one is better?

MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard®
3.2

MBNA Smart Cash® World Mastercard®
3.1
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$210
MBNA Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
$90
MBNA Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
First Year Value
$300
$210 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$300
MBNA Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
$90
MBNA Rewards
Annual Fee
$39
First Year Value
$351
$261 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Insurance Included*
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Up to 31 daysCar Rental Accident
$300,000Travel Accident
$1,000,000Extended Warranty
Up to a yearPurchase Protection
Up to 90 daysCar Rental Personal Effects
$1,000Car Rental Personal Effects
$1,000/person, $2,000 occurrence
Insurance Included*
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Up to 31 daysCar Rental Accident
$200,000Travel Accident
$1,000,000Extended Warranty
Up to a yearPurchase Protection
Up to 90 daysCar Rental Personal Effects
$1,000/person, $2,000/occurencePrice Protection
$500/item, $1,000/year
Extra Benefits*
Car Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationallyTrip and legal Assistance
Support for emergency cash transfer, lost document and ticket replacement, lost baggage assistance, pre-trip information and legal assistance while traveling
Extra Benefits*
Car Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationallyTrip and legal Assistance
Support for emergency cash transfer, lost document and ticket replacement, lost baggage assistance, pre-trip information and legal assistance while traveling
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
19.99%
Cash Advance:
24.99%
Balance Transfer:
22.99%
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
19.99%
Cash Advance:
24.99%
Balance Transfer:
22.99%
Annual Fee*
$0
Annual Fee*
$39
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
$50,000
Min Household Income:
$80,000
Welcome Bonus*
Get 5% Cash Back†† on eligible gas and grocery purchases for the first 6 months (until the total gas and grocery purchases in the applicable month reaches $500)
Welcome Bonus*
Get 5% Cash Back†† on eligible gas and grocery purchases for the first 6 months (until the total gas and grocery purchases in the applicable month reaches $500)
Rewards Rate*
- Get 2% Cash Back‡ on eligible gas and grocery purchases (until the total gas and grocery purchases in the applicable month reaches $500)
- Get 0.5% Cash Back‡ for all other eligible purchases
Rewards Rate*
- Get 2% Cash Back‡ on eligible gas and grocery purchases (until the total gas and grocery purchases in the applicable month reaches $500)
- Get 1% Cash Back‡ for all other eligible purchases
Is this card worth it?
The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard is a solid no-fee card for those looking to earn rewards on everyday essentials like gas and groceries. However, with a cap on rewards and a low base earn rate on other purchases, it may not be the best fit for high spenders outside of these categories.
Is this card worth it?
The MBNA Smart Cash World Mastercard offers decent rewards, especially with its 5% introductory rate on gas and groceries. However, the income requirements and spending caps may limit its appeal to higher earners. If you want flexible rewards and strong insurance coverage, it's a solid option with a low annual fee of $39.
Pros
- 5% cash back on gas and groceries: Earn 5% cash back on gas and groceries for the first 6 months (up to $500 spent per month).
- 2% ongoing cash back on gas and groceries: After the introductory period, continue earning 2% cash back on gas and groceries, up to $500 in combined monthly spend.
- Comprehensive insurance: Includes 7 types of insurance, including rental car insurance.
- No annual fee: Enjoy rewards without paying a fee.
Pros
- 5% cash back on gas and groceries for the first 6 months: A solid introductory offer for essential spending categories.
- Up to 2% cash back: Earn 2% on gas and grocery purchases up to $500 monthly.
- Comprehensive insurance: Includes 8 types of insurance, including rental car and price protection.
- Flexible reward redemption: Redeem cash back as a statement credit, deposit to a bank account, or donate to charity.
Cons
- Low cash back on other purchases: Only 0.5% cash back on non-gas and grocery purchases.
- Cap on gas and grocery rewards: The 2% cash back on gas and groceries is limited to $500 in monthly spend.
Cons
- High income requirements: $50,000 personal or $80,000 household income needed.
- Cap on rewards for gas and groceries: 2% cash back is limited to $500 in monthly spending for these categories.
Legal