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Side-by-side

Mastercard Titanium Card vs Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Mastercard Titanium Card comes from Barclays (Luxury Card) at $299/yr; the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa from Upgrade 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 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureMastercard Titanium CardUpgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
Annual fee$299$0
Sign-up bonusNo public welcome bonus$200 statement bonus
Bonus value (est.)$0$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$0 in 2 mo
IssuerBarclays (Luxury Card)Upgrade
Card categorytravelcash-back
Best earning category (Airfare_hotels_luxurycardtravel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Priority Pass Select ($469 value)
  • 2x airfare and hotels via LuxuryCardTravel
  • 24/7 Concierge
  • No foreign transaction fees
    Read the full review
    Mastercard Titanium Card
    $299/yr · No public welcome bonus
    Read the full review
    Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
    $0/yr · $200 statement bonus

    Editorial take: Mastercard Titanium Card

    The entry tier of the Barclays Luxury Card lineup. The $299 AF buys Priority Pass Select and a real metal card, but earning is weak (1x base, 2x on Luxury Card Travel bookings) and the cash-back redemption rate is only 1 cent per point. Better only as a status-and-lounge play for people who do not want to carry a Sapphire Reserve or Venture X.

    Editorial take: Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Mastercard Titanium Card or Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
    The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa has the bigger bonus, $200 statement bonus, worth roughly $200, versus No public welcome bonus (~$0) on the Mastercard Titanium Card.
    Is the Mastercard Titanium Card's $299 annual fee worth it compared to the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
    At $299/yr, the Mastercard Titanium Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Mastercard Titanium Card and Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Barclays (Luxury Card) and Upgrade) 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 Titanium Card or the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Mastercard Titanium Card: $0 spend in 0 months. Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa: $0 in 2 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.