Rogers Red Mastercard vs Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard

Annual Fees and Requirements

Both the Rogers Red Mastercard and Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard have no annual fees, making them cost-effective options. However, the Rogers Red World Elite requires a personal income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000 to qualify, while the standard Rogers Red Mastercard has no income requirements. For those who do not meet these income thresholds, the standard card is the only option. For everyone else, the World Elite is clearly the superior choice.

We estimate that a Good credit score is the baseline for both cards, so the income requirement is the main thing that decides which of the two you can apply for. Rogers Bank makes the final approval decision.

Rewards Comparison

The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard offers higher cashback on all purchases, particularly for U.S. dollar transactions. If you do not have a qualifying Rogers, Shaw, or Fido service, the World Elite version still provides better rewards than the standard Rogers Red Mastercard. For cardholders with these services, both cards will almost earn the same amount, with the only difference would of that small extra amount earned on US purchases of the World Elite card.

Here is how the earn rates compare. Both cards have annual spending caps, so check Rogers Bank for the current limits.

• With a qualifying Rogers, Fido, Shaw or Comwave service: 2% cash back on both cards.
• Without a qualifying service (non-U.S. dollar purchases): 1% on the Rogers Red Mastercard and 1.5% on the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard.
• U.S. dollar purchases: 2% on the Rogers Red Mastercard and up to 3% on the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard.

Benefits and Insurance

The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard offers significantly better insurance and benefits than the standard version, including emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation, and car rental insurance, which the standard card lacks. Additionally, World Elite cardholders get access to airport lounges through DragonPass, although no complimentary visits are included. The superior benefits make the World Elite version the clear winner for frequent travelers and those seeking robust insurance coverage.

On airport lounges, the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard includes a Mastercard Travel Pass (DragonPass) with discounted access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, but complimentary visits are not included. The standard Rogers Red Mastercard does not include lounge access.

The World Elite coverage includes travel medical insurance, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, car rental damage and theft coverage, 90 days of purchase protection, and a 1-year extended warranty. Both cards also include 5 Roam Like Home days per year with an eligible Rogers mobile plan.

Interest Rates and Foreign Transaction Fees

Both cards have the same interest rates: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances and balance transfers. If you live outside Quebec and Rogers Bank approves you at its alternate rates, those become 25.99% and 27.99%. Both cards also charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee.

Conclusion

For the majority of users, the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard is the better card due to its higher rewards and extensive benefits. The only reason to choose the standard Rogers Red Mastercard is if you do not meet the income qualifications for the World Elite version. Otherwise, the World Elite card is a stronger option in nearly every way.