Across the world and in ever more aspects of life, consumers are increasingly prioritizing meaningful and premium experiences — whether it’s crafting a bespoke fragrance with a Parisian perfumer or visiting organic producers with a top chef and seeing their dinner ingredients harvested in real time. And as expectations shift, the payment ecosystem must shift with them.
Zooming in on payments, 73% of credit card customers say they are motivated by access to exclusive experiences— meaning premium card programs must reflect that shift and align with the values of today’s experience driven consumers. An illustrative example is the Mastercard Collection, which combines exceptional access to dining, entertainment, and travel with stunning card designs — not least those crafted in metal. These cards embody craftsmanship, innovation, and responsible design, creating a seamless connection between what cardholders feel in hand and what they unlock in the world. In other words, the card elevates both the payment moment and the experience itself. It “goes beyond just being a card” and becomes an integral part of the journey.
Even as our world becomes more digital by the day, the launch of the World Legend Mastercard — positioned as Mastercard’s “most prestigious consumer card to date” — underscores the continued importance of the physical card as part of the premium ecosystem. And the data backs it up: In the U.S., debit and credit cards together account for nearly 70% of all pointofsale transactions — far outpacing mobile wallets at just 15%.
The dominance of physical cards at the checkout is a clear indicator that consumers still want something tangible — something they can hold, feel, and trust. And when such cards are paired with premium experiential programs like the Mastercard Collection, a metal card becomes far more than a payment tool. It becomes a constant reminder of exclusive access, curated experiences, and global connectivity.
The Mastercard Collection delivers unforgettable moments — and the metal card brings those moments to life in a way cardholders can see, feel, and believe. This combination enables issuers to drive deeper engagement, lasting loyalty, and longterm value.
In today’s market, design has become a powerful differentiating factor in how consumers perceive their bank. Seventytwo percent of people care about card design, and nearly half of younger consumers (ages 18–37) rank it as especially important. Pairing innovative, sustainably crafted metal cards with premium benefits strengthens the link between design, performance, and experience. It allows issuers to create a premium product that elevates the entire cardholder journey, from unboxing to everyday use.
A metal card signals quality, longevity, and intention—reinforcing the elevated experiences that programs like Mastercard World Elite and World Legend are designed to deliver. And it aligns perfectly with the expectations of growing cohorts of experiencedriven consumers around the world.
