If you’ve already read my previous article on the launch of the Maybank World Elite Mastercard, you probably have enough information to decide whether this card is worth your while.
One of the few standout features of this card is its 16 annual complimentary lounge passes for the principal cardholder, which may just be the deciding factor for keeping the card beyond its first-year annual fee waiver.
Understanding the 16X Lounge Access
The Maybank World Elite Mastercard grants 16 complimentary lounge visits per year. The full list of lounges can be found here.
However, in its first year, cardholders receive only 6 passes—4 for the Plaza Premium Lounge network and 2 for the Travel Club Lounges.
Notably, the 4 Plaza Premium passes include access to the more exclusive Plaza Premium First lounge at KLIA Terminal 1. This lounge is a significant step up from the often-overcrowded Plaza Premium Lounge next door and even offers a better experience than the UOB Private Lounge.
With the busy December travel season approaching, having access to Plaza Premium First could be a major perk, although you should still manage expectations as it will likely get crowded during peak travel times.
At the time of writing, the following credit cards also offer access to Plaza Premium First at KLIA:
Maybank World Elite Mastercard
Alliance Privilege Visa Signature
Maybank American Express Platinum Charge Card
Be sure to check out my full review of the Plaza Premium First at KLIA Terminal 1.
It's also worthwhile to mention that while you get a full 16X lounge access passes from 2025 onwards, these access passes are split into two halves.
Essentially:
From January to June, you'll have a total of 6X PPL + 2X TCL
From July to December, you'll have a total of 6X PPL + 2X TCL
Hence, if you did not utilize the lounge access passes in the first half of the year, you won't be able to use them in the second half of the year, which seems like a fair trade, given that there are not conditions imposed for lounge access.
Is 16X Lounge Access Worth the Annual Fee?
Let’s face it, many Malaysians are hesitant to pay annual fees for credit cards. Even a small RM25 SST charge is enough to drive complaints from online forumers!
However, if the value justifies the cost, an annual fee can be worth it—like how the UOB PRVI Miles Elite once offered 60,000 UNIRMs for RM600, making it a great deal for savvy travelers. But with UOB’s recent devaluation, I would argue that cardholders should opt to cancel or avoid paying the fee.
For the Maybank World Elite Mastercard, the decision is trickier. With the card’s poor MPR rates, it’s not an ideal choice for earning airline miles through regular spending. The much-touted “Buy 1, Get 1” Business Class ticket with Qatar Airways also falls flat, requiring a massive RM250,000 in annual spending to unlock the benefit.
This leaves the 16X lounge access as the primary reason to retain the card beyond the first year, especially if you’re considering paying the RM800 annual fee. A single visit to Plaza Premium First costs RM286, and a visit to Travel Club Lounges is priced around USD 35 (RM150).
If you fully utilize all 16 passes, you’re looking at a total value of over RM4,000. Of course, not everyone will use all the passes, but for frequent travelers or business professionals, this benefit alone could justify keeping the card.
On the other hand, if you hold a CIMB Travel World Elite Mastercard, you can use its 12 Plaza Premium First passes for your family members—thanks to the card’s supplementary access feature, something the Maybank World Elite Mastercard doesn’t offer.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting you get the Maybank World Elite Mastercard solely for the lounge access, but if you do, be sure to reevaluate whether it’s worth keeping after the first year.
Final Thoughts
The Maybank World Elite Mastercard is not a standout in terms of earning airline miles or exclusive perks.
However, its generous lounge access might be enough to keep the card in your wallet, especially if you’re a frequent traveler who values comfort at the airport. Ultimately, whether you retain the card after the first year depends on how much you use the lounge access and if you find value in the other benefits.
For a very select few, the card’s lounge privileges alone could justify the annual fee, but it’s crucial to weigh your own travel habits before making that decision.
Be sure to check out my Ultimate Airport Lounge Guide to compare the best credit cards for airport lounge access in Malaysia.
