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Side-by-side

Mastercard Gold Card vs Verizon Visa Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Mastercard Gold Card comes from Barclays (Luxury Card) at $1199/yr; the Verizon Visa Card from Synchrony at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Verizon Visa Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureMastercard Gold CardVerizon Visa Card
Annual fee$1199$0
Sign-up bonusNo public welcome offerUp to $100 statement credit (split: $50 after first purchase + $100 after $1,500 spend)
Bonus value (est.)$0$100
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$1,500 in 3 mo
IssuerBarclays (Luxury Card)Synchrony
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Luxury_card_travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $300 airline credit
  • $200 dining credit
  • $120 Global Entry credit
  • 2cpp cash back or airfare
    Read the full review
    Mastercard Gold Card
    $1199/yr · No public welcome offer
    Read the full review
    Verizon Visa Card
    $0/yr · Up to $100 statement credit (split: $50 after first purchase + $100 after $1,500 spend)

    Editorial take: Mastercard Gold Card

    The top tier of Barclays' Luxury Card lineup at $1,199. The $300 airline + $200 dining + $120 Global Entry credits chip away at the AF (about $620 of stated value before lounge access), and the 2cpp redemption on cash back is unusual. Still a status play more than a smart-points play; Amex Platinum or Sapphire Reserve win on credits-to-fee math for most travelers. Authorized-user fee is steep at $349 each.

    Editorial take: Verizon Visa Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Mastercard Gold Card or Verizon Visa Card?
    The Verizon Visa Card has the bigger bonus, Up to $100 statement credit (split: $50 after first purchase + $100 after $1,500 spend), worth roughly $100, versus No public welcome offer (~$0) on the Mastercard Gold Card.
    Is the Mastercard Gold Card's $1199 annual fee worth it compared to the Verizon Visa Card?
    Premium cards like the Mastercard Gold Card ($1199/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $1199+ of those credits, the math works. The Verizon Visa Card at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Mastercard Gold Card and Verizon Visa Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Barclays (Luxury Card) and Synchrony) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Mastercard Gold Card or the Verizon Visa Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Mastercard Gold Card: $0 spend in 0 months. Verizon Visa Card: $1,500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.