MasterCard Gold plastic card: service, advantages and disadvantages

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

MasterCard Gold are prestigious premium gold cards that open up a lot of opportunities for their owners. This is an excellent service and ease of use, no matter where in the world the owner is located. MasterCard Gold provides holders with many pleasant bonuses in the form of discounts, an increased withdrawal limit and high-quality service in restaurants and hotels around the world. It is easy to get a gold card at any bank in the country. Consider the conditions for obtaining it and the features of use.

About MasterCard and premium cards

MasterCard is an international payment system that is popular all over the world. There are several types of cards that have their own characteristics and are suitable for certain purposes and users. They differ in the cost of annual maintenance, service package and withdrawal limit. Regardless of which type of card the user has chosen, withMasterCard he gets many benefits:

• you can pay for purchases in 210 countries;
• 24/7 customer service always ready to help;
• convenience of using non-cash money in any currency;
• high level of security for storing funds on a card account;
• long service life of the card - from 2 years with further reissue if necessary.

Each of the payment systems has a series of gold or platinum cards. In Europe and the USA, their owners are we althy and successful people, since registration is carried out only with confirmation of income of a sufficient level. Servicing the card really costs a pretty penny, but at the same time, services are provided that will come in handy for a businessman. In Russia, any citizen can apply for a debit MasterCard Gold. Sometimes they buy this banking product not only for work or travel, but also to emphasize their status. Any premium card is a kind of part of the image of a successful person.

What is so tempting "gold" credit cards? A Gold type product of any payment system guarantees high quality of service and maximum useful services. The user is waiting for pleasant bonuses and discounts, participation in discount programs, an increased limit on withdrawals, free medical insurance in foreign countries. In each bank, the holder of a premium card will be a privileged client.

Types of plastic cards

Payment systemsthere are many, like the products they offer, but the main difference between them is the type of bank card: debit, credit or overdraft. Let's consider each of them separately.

The debit card allows the holder to manage the funds stored in the bank account linked to it. Money can be transferred to it by third parties or by the holder himself. For example, most organizations transfer salaries to a bank account. The employee draws up a debit card, with the help of which he receives the calculation. The service fee is charged once a year. Its size depends on the type of card and the issuing bank. An adult citizen can issue a card upon presentation of a passport. At the same time, it is possible to link an existing bank account to it or create a new one. The owner can manage the funds already on the day of filing an application for opening an account / issuing a card. And getting the latter takes about a week or two.

A credit card allows you to use bank funds by borrowing under certain conditions. Only borrowed money can be stored on it. Getting a credit card is somewhat more difficult than getting a debit card. To do this, it is required to confirm the solvency of the applicant by providing relevant certificates (on income, from the place of work, on pension contributions). This is a very convenient way of lending: you do not need to constantly run to the bank and wait for the execution of an agreement for a particular purchase. Having issued it once, you can use the funds until the end of the limit.

There is also a combined plastic card with an overdraft, which inRussian banking practice is also called credit. However, it is debit, but with the possibility of using borrowed funds. Initially, the user's money is stored on the card. If the holder does not have enough funds when making a purchase, the missing amount will be automatically withdrawn from the bank account. Overdraft has a limit.

MasterCard Gold can be issued in any of the mentioned types. Moreover, the limit on cash withdrawals and the use of loans for it is much higher than for other banking products (Maestro, Standard).

MasterCard products

To appreciate the offers on the MasterCard Gold card, you should familiarize yourself with other products of the payment system. Common among them are:

• Maestro, Electronic - the simplest cards, cheap to maintain (150-300 rubles). At the same time, the surname and name of the owner are written, but not squeezed out on the plastic. Such a card can make any payments, except for Internet transactions. Often they are for beginners.
• Standard is one of the most common MasterCard cards. This is the optimal combination of services provided and the cost of maintenance. Both debit and credit are issued. Internet payments, a system of bonuses and discounts are provided.
• World is a godsend for avid travelers. A special service program provides for an insurance system, bonuses and discounts when paying for various services.
• World Black Edition - provides a special level of comfort. Includes access to a private travel club to help organize your trip toany country. Concierge service available.

Thus, MasterCard Gold is a cross between standard and high-end cards.

MasterCard Gold benefits

With "MasterCard Gold" the user receives many privileges. For example, a credit limit may be more than 300,000 rubles. with a grace period (use of the amount without interest) of 50 days. The annual interest rate has also been reduced. For holders of a "gold" card, it is 23%. The monthly payment for the repayment of the Gold credit card loan will be 5% of the total amount.

When using the holder's debit card, pleasant bonuses are also waiting. Interest is charged for holding funds. It is worth mentioning that the "gold" MasterCard card has a high degree of protection. It supports the 3D Secure system, which ensures the security of online payments. If the card is lost, it is blocked, and the account holder has the right to receive his funds through the "emergency money" service.

In addition, the "gold" MasterCard card has the following benefits:

• the ability to pay for services and goods around the world;
• cash withdrawal from ATMs of any country in the required currency;
• he alth insurance;
• discounts and bonuses when paying for purchases, booking hotels;
• favorable conditions when renting a car.

You can apply for a card in one of the banks in the country. Conditions for obtaining and using it may vary slightly.

"Gold" cards of Sberbank

Sberbank of Russia is trusted by many citizens to store their money. The financial institution, in turn, offers customers participation in bonus programs and discounts, and also provides convenient service. The Bank issues gold cards such as Visa Gold, Gold MasterCard. Of the conditions for obtaining - age from 18 to 70 years, the presence of a passport and residence permit. It is possible to open an additional card for a child over the age of 7.

MasterCard Gold is issued by Sberbank on the following terms:

• annual maintenance cost - 3000 rubles;
• daily withdrawal limit – 300,000 rubles, €9,000, $12,000;
• credit limit 15–600 thousand rubles with an annual rate of 17.9–23%;
• grace period up to 50 days;
• card validity - 3 years;
• commission for withdrawals at Sberbank ATMs - 3%, others - 4%;
• pen alty for loss of card - 3000 rubles

In addition, the user will receive bonuses and discounts under the MasterCard+ and Thank You programs from Sberbank. Among the conveniences in service are "Mobile Bank" and "Sberbank Online", the possibility of paying utility bills and creating auto payments, linking to electronic wallets.

“Golden” MasterCard in other banks

In Russia, there are a huge number of financial institutions that offer the issuance of payment cards. Alfa-Bank, for example, offers special types of insurance and an attractive interest rate on "gold" credit cards - from 17% per annum with a limit of 210,000 rubles.

"VTB 24" provides Gold card holders withfree concierge service, purchase insurance coverage and increased security of funds storage. For credit cards, this bank offers special conditions: the rate is not more than 18% per annum with a limit of 600,000 rubles.

Gold cards at Russian Standard Bank

In Russian Standard Bank, in addition to the usual plastic cards of MasterCard or Visa payment systems, you can also get American Express and Diners Club cards common in the USA, Canada and some European countries. These offers will be of interest to avid travelers and businessmen who often travel abroad.

What does the bank offer to MasterCard Gold users? The card is issued with a contact chip and a magnetic stripe. The holder automatically takes part in the "Discount Club" program, with which you can get a bonus of up to 30%. If Sberbank provides a concierge service only to holders of a Visa gold card, then Zolotoy Standard Bank provides it to all MasterCard holders. With its help, it is easy to organize a trip to any country, and the information service will tell you the nearest restaurants.

MasterCard Gold credit card in Russian Standard has an increased limit - up to 750,000 rubles. But the annual rate is also slightly higher than in Sberbank - up to 28%.

AmEx Gold

An alternative to the "gold" MasterCard can be American Express Gold. The payment system is very popular in the US and Europe. Increasingly, they acquire it in Russia and the CIS countries. Citizens aged 25 to 65 years old can apply for it, providedpassport and additional document at the discretion of the bank. Annual maintenance of the card will cost the holder 4,000 rubles.

The user is offered the following package of services:

• travel accident insurance (up to $250,000) covering the cardholder, his wife (husband) and children under the age of 23;
• opportunity in an emergency to get free advice from a lawyer, doctor and other specialists;
• 90-day theft and damage insurance for purchases (reimbursed $1,000 each or $50,000 per year);
• insurance for loss of luggage (up to $1000), flight cancellation or delay, other road inconveniences (up to $250);
• participation in the Membership Rewards program;
• access to a travel agency that will support the holder worldwide;
• perks when booking a hotel;
• discounts up to 30% and special offers when making purchases and paying for services;
• free statement of the use of funds for the year;
• 24/7 free service (technical support, Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, SMS notifications.

An American Express credit card holder has a grace period of up to 55 days and an interest rate of 19.9%.

Diners Club Premium Card

The products of this payment system are designed for travel lovers and avid restaurant goers. Diners Club (DCI) cards are a high level of service. A member of the club is a welcome guest in all prestigious institutions of the world. Benefits of the DCI card include low fraud rates, no single transaction limits, privileges from top hotels, entertainment venues and food chains, and life insurance.

You can withdraw funds at any ATM with the MasterCard Maestro (Cirrus) logo by paying a 3.9% fee (minimum 200 rubles). However, using Diners Club in Russia is inconvenient and expensive: it is easier to purchase a card from the more common payment system Visa or MasterCard. With great success, they take it with them on trips, because all prestigious establishments are waiting for the holder with outstretched arms.

On a DCI credit card, you can use a loan in the amount of up to 750,000 rubles. with an annual rate of 29%. A grace period of 55 days is provided, however, it is valid only for purchases.

Visa, MasterCard, AmEx or DCI?

Having considered the offers of different payment systems, it is easy to make sure that all of them are interesting and beneficial to the user in their own way. In order not to miscalculate the choice, you should clearly define the purpose of the design. For example, premium American Express or Diners Club cards are the best for traveling. They have extended insurance programs and privileges when issuing tickets, visiting hotels, restaurants and entertainment complexes. It should be taken into account that it will be more profitable to use them in the dollar currency area.

If the card is planned to be used in Russia and the CIS countries, thenit is more rational to use Visa or MasterCard systems, since almost all banks work with them. Finding the necessary terminal is also not difficult. Gold cards offer services for travelers, including he alth insurance, hotel and airline bookings. MasterCard Gold discounts reach up to 30%, they are supplemented by bonuses of the issuing bank.

“Golden” cards of the MasterCard system are an excellent option to get maximum comfort from using non-cash money. The owner will be satisfied with profitable offers, bonus programs and permanent discounts. For business and family travel, life and he alth insurance, a convenient hotel and ticket booking service, and a privileged attitude in all international establishments are provided. With "MasterCard Gold" you can not only emphasize your status, but also make life more comfortable both at home and abroad.