Overview

Who is the Carnival Mastercard Designed For?

The Carnival Mastercard is designed for people who want to earn rewards toward cruises and on-board purchases without paying annual fees or foreign transaction fees. Its 0% APR intro rate on balance transfers also make it a great card for people who have some credit card debt to pay off.

What are the Rates for Carnival Mastercard?

The rate on purchases and balance transfers ranges is either 15.49% APR, 20.49% APR or 25.49% APR, depending on credit. The card has an impressive 15-month 0% APR intro rate on balance transfers made within the first 45 days of opening the account. Cash advances have a 26.74% APR, but late payments don't trigger a penalty rate.

What Are the Fees for the Carnival Mastercard?

The Carnival Mastercard doesn't have annual fee or foreign transaction fees, which is a rare and very welcome combination. As with most credit cards, it does have a 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum), and a 5% cash advance fee ($10 minimum). Penalty fees on late payments and returned payments are $37.

What Is Carnival Mastercard Rewards Program Like?

The rewards rate is nothing to write home about but it is easy to redeem points with this rewards program. There is a 2 points per $1 rate on Carnival purchases, but only 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

On the bright side, there's no blackout dates or fees to worry about when redeeming points for cruise tickets. Just purchase your vacations with participating cruise lines with the card, and then use the points as statement credits. As well as Carnival cruises, members can also redeem their points for purchases with other major cruise companies, such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn.

What about Carnival Mastercard's Signup Bonus?

The card has a 10,000 signup bonus once you make your first purchase. That is the equivalent of a $100 statement credit.

Does the Carnival Mastercard Have Any Other Benefits?

Members can also use their points as credits toward on-board gifts, such as champagne, roses, day trips and spas.

How Is Carnival Mastercard Better Than Other Credit Cards?

The Carnival Mastercard has relatively low rates, no annual fee and has a signup bonus. The fact it doesn't have a foreign transaction fee makes it a great backup travel card for card churners when they are “in-between” prime travel rewards cards.

The long 0% APR intro rate makes this card a decent balance transfer card as well as a rewards card. Just don't forget it has a 3% fee on balance transfers when determining whether the APR savings are worth your time.