First year value
$460
Get this card if you:
- want accelerated points on Cathay Pacific purchases
- value comprehensive travel insurance
- want exclusive travel rewards like priority check-in
Scores by category
Welcome Bonus 3.0
Travel 2.9
Rewards 2.4
At a glance
The Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard® is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent flyers of Cathay Pacific and its partner airlines, offering elevated Asia Miles earn rates on Cathay Pacific flights, foreign currency purchases, and transactions with select partners. Cardholders benefit from perks such as complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi, access to airport lounges, and comprehensive insurance coverage, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Highlights
$460
First year value
40,000 Asia Miles
Welcome bonus
$180
Annual fee
Interest Rates
19.99% - 26.99%
Purchase APR
22.99% - 28.99%
Cash advance APR
Eligibility
Good
Recommended credit score
$80,000
Required annual personal income
$150,000
Required annual household income
Quick overview of Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard
The Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard is a travel rewards card for discerning travellers who frequently jet between Asia and Canada. It’s the only credit card in Canada that directly offers Asia Miles, which may be enough to convince you to add it to your wallet.
It also boasts several additional perks, such as robust insurance, airport lounge access, decent points-earning potential and flexible redemption options.
Who’s Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard for?
It should be no surprise who this card is for — the hint is in the name. If you travel frequently to Asia, the Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard is for you. It comes packed with features like lounge access, priority online check-in and an extra baggage allowance. Another attractive feature is bonus rewards for foreign currency spend.
New Canadians may also be drawn to the Cathay World Elite Mastercard, which offers a secured version of the card that is guaranteed to be approved, even without a credit history in Canada. There aren't many secured travel cards on the market anywhere in North America, so the fact that Neo offers this option for Canadian travellers is a major selling point.
Pros and cons
Pros
-
Rewards Program: Earn up to 40,000 Asia Miles, plus miles on everyday spending and foreign purchases.
-
Travel Benefits: Includes priority check-in, extra baggage, and access to Cathay Pacific lounges.
-
World Elite Perks: Comprehensive insurance coverage and global airport lounge access.
-
Approval Process: Quick approval and instant use of a virtual card.
Cons
-
Income Requirement: High minimum income requirements ($80,000 for individuals, $150,000 for households).
-
Geographic Restriction: Not available to residents of Quebec.
Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard welcome bonus
-
Get up to 40,000 Asia Miles when you sign up.
20,000 Asia Miles upon sign-up
20,000 additional Asia Miles after spending $5,000 in 90 days
How to earn Asia Miles with the Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard
The easiest and quickest way to earn Asia Miles with the Cathay World Elite Mastercard is to simply sign up. All new users will be given 15,000 Asia Miles once the card is activated. You’ll then earn an additional 15,000 Asia Miles if you spend $3,000 within three months from the application start date.
After that, you’ll earn each time you use your card. While the everyday purchasing spend will only net you 1 mile per $1 spent, you can maximize your miles by spending with Neo retailers. Depending on the retailer, you’ll average 5 miles per $1 spent up to a maximum of 15 miles per dollar.
Finally, you can earn a decent 2 miles per $1 spent on Cathay Pacific flights and purchases made in foreign currency.
How to redeem Asia Miles
To redeem your miles, create an account and log into cathaypacific.com. There, you can redeem miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, tickets, events, gift cards and more.
With Cathay Pacific's membership in the Oneworld alliance, you have the flexibility to earn and redeem miles with a network of carriers, including American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas. Whether you're dreaming of a round-the-world adventure or a series of exciting trips, rest assured that the Oneworld award chart is your trusted guide, ensuring you get the most out of your travel rewards.
Cathay Pacific transfer partners
Here is a list of Cathay Pacific/Asia Miles transfer partners:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Fiji Airways
- Finnair
- Iberia
- JAL
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air New Zealand
- Austrian Airlines
- Bangkok Airlines
- Gulf Air
- Hong Kong Express
- LATAM
- Lufthansa
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Swiss
Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard key benefits
- A generous Asia Miles welcome bonus
- Access to airport lounges, including Cathay Pacific’s business class lounge and Dragon Pass
Cathay Secured Mastercard option
Neo and Cathay Pacific also offer a secured credit card to applicants seeking to establish a positive credit history. The Cathay Secured Mastercard requires a modest $50 security deposit to open, with the deposited amount equal to the credit line with the card. Need more credit? Simply deposit more funds.
Even better, the secured version of the Cathay Pacific Mastercard from Neo earns the same great rewards as the World Elite Mastercard version, meaning you don’t need to sacrifice rewards while building credit.
Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard insurance coverage
- Auto rental collision and damage: Covers rentals cars valued up to $65,000 for up to 48 consecutive days
- Emergency medical insurance: Get covered for up to $1 million for trips of up to 14 days, for those who are 60 years of age or younger
- Extended warranty: This doubles the manufacturer’s warranty, up to an additional year
- Flight delay: Get up to $500 if your flight is delayed
- Hotel/motel burglary insurance: Get covered for up to $1,000
- Lost/delayed baggage: Get up to $1,000 for delays of six hours or longer
- Purchase protection: Protection for up to 90 days from date of purchase
- Trip interruption: Coverage for up to $5,000 per trip
- Trip cancellation: Coverage for up to $5,000 per trip
Extra benefits of the Cathay Mastercard
- Free in-flight Wi-Fi on Cathay Pacific flights
- Cathay Pacific benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags
What people have to say about this card
According to one Reddit user, applying for the Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard is a breeze, even after encountering issues with sign up.
“Applied for the NEO Cathay WEMC yesterday. It went into a hold, but within hours I got an email asking me to confirm my ID, apparently the in-application attempt did not work,” the user wrote.
“Anyways, I did that and within an hour, I was approved and had the card details. All very smooth. Made a small purchase last night, already posted, and miles from that already in my Asia Miles account too.”
A user on RedFlagDeals suggested the Cathay Pacific World Elite card would work well as an additional card for those who have the American Express Cobalt card.
“Looks like they would work well in tandem,” they wrote. “Use Cobalt for food, gas, streaming services, transit and non-Cathay Pacific travel. Use the [Cathay Pacific World Elite] for uncategorized spend, Neo partners and Cathay tickets.
How the Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard compares
Cathay World Elite Mastercard vs. RBC Avion Visa Infinite
up to 55,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,313
First Year Value
$213
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†). Expires Jun 03, 2025
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avion Elite
1
Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean!
Get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*. Apply by June 3, 2025.
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avion Elite
1
Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean!
Get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*. Apply by June 3, 2025.
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a flexible travel rewards card that allows you to redeem points for travel on any airline without blackouts. If you’re someone who values that in a travel card, it may be the one for you. It also comes with a lower annual fee than the Cathay World Elite Mastercard and requires a lower annual income.
Where the Cathay card shines is with its travel benefits, which includes stellar lounge access.
Cathay World Elite Mastercard vs. American Express Cobalt
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$630
First Year Value
$480
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$155.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Comparing the Cathay Pacific Mastercard and the American Express Cobalt is like comparing apples and oranges, or cats and dogs. We all have our preferences.
The Cathay Pacific Mastercard is aimed at the traveller, particularly someone who often jets to Asia. It packs lounge access and travel benefits, like free luggage when flying with the airline. Conversely, the Cobalt is aimed at the local socialite. The Cobalt is also more accessible, with no minimum income requirements.
Disclosures:
-
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Cathay World Elite Mastercard vs. American Express Aeroplan Reserve
up to 85,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,770
First Year Value
$70
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points.
Earn 60,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $7,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan®* points* when you spend $2,500 in month 13.*
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points.
Earn 60,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $7,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan®* points* when you spend $2,500 in month 13.*
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
If you’re a discerning traveller, you would likely enjoy both cards. Both offer nice rewards bonuses and come with lounge access and travel insurance. The differentiator might be your preference for points – whether that’s Asia Miles or Aeroplan points – or just the cost of the two.
Disclosures:
-
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Features | Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | American Express Cobalt | American Express Aeroplan Reserve |
---|---|---|---|---|
Annual fee | $180 | $120 | $155.88 | $599 |
Insurance | Travel, extended warranty, rental car and purchase protection | Travel, rental car and mobile device | Travel, rental car, mobile device, purchase protection, buyer’s assurance | Travel, rental car, purchase protection, buyer's assurance |
Benefits | Lounge access | Redeem points on any airline, without blackouts | Earn up to 5 points per dollar spent on food and groceries | Lounge access |
Review | You’re reading it | Read our review | Read our review | Read our review |
Apply | Apply now | Apply now | Apply now | Apply now |
Is the Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard worth it?
The Neo Financial Cathay Pacific World Elite Mastercard is worth it if you fly often to Asia. It offers an admirable welcome bonus, decent earning potential and lounge access. However, it does cost more than other travel rewards cards and requires a high annual income.
Eligibility requirements
To apply for the Cathay World Elite® Mastercard® you’ll need the following:
- Must be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in your province or terrorist
- Personal income requirements of $80,000, $150,000 household income
- Good credit
FAQs

Justin is a writer and editor who has been covering personal finance for over 10 years. He's written for companies such as KOHO, Ratehub, BMO, Zoocasa, and Questrade, among others. Justin also created a course in Content Creation, which he taught at York University for four years. When not writing, Justin can be found at a live concert, on the golf course, riding a motorcycle, or sailing.
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