1 Year Free Leaders Club Membership with World MasterCard Credit Cards

Receive free Leaders Club membership for 1 year with your MasterCard World or MasterCard World Elite credit card.

For example, if you have the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard or got the 100K Citi Executive AAdvantage card you have a World Elite MasterCard (or at least a World MasterCard) and qualify. Thanks to Linda, a TravelSort Client, for this tip!

What is Leaders Club?

Leaders Club is the loyalty program of The Leading Hotels of the World group, which is a group of primarily boutique properties based largely in Europe, but also with properties in North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, and a handful in Africa as well. Australia is barely represented, with just 2 properties.

How Do I Get a 1 Year Complimentary Leaders Club Membership?

You need to book a Leading Hotels of the World stay (or have TravelSort book it) through a LHW call center, and mention promotion code MSTR.

Isn't This the Same as Virtuoso or AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts?

Leaders Club is similar in design to Virtuoso and AMEX FHR, but there are several differences:

Different Hotels: some properties are members of Leaders Club, but not Virtuoso or AMEX FHR. The reverse is also true: there are properties that are members of Virtuoso but not of Leaders Club or AMEX FHR. There are 400 Leading Hotels of the World, vs. 600 AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts, vs. nearly 1000 Virtuoso hotels and resorts.
Continental Breakfast Only: In all cases, the breakfast benefit is continental breakfast only. For Virtuoso and AMEX FHR, the breakfast benefit is sometimes a full breakfast, sometimes continental breakfast–it depends on the property. For Four Seasons Preferred Partner, the benefit is always a full breakfast, including breakfast buffet if offered by the property.
Upgrade on Arrival Only: While upgrade is usually on arrival for Virtuoso and AMEX FHR too, there are some Virtuoso properties that offer an upgrade at time of booking.
Earn 1 Complimentary Night After 5 Stays: This is the main perk that might prompt you to book with Leaders Club, if you know you'll be staying at other LHW hotels and resorts. Just note that it is after 5 stays, *not* after 5 nights (unless all your stays are 1 night stays).
No Resort Credit: You typically receive a credit worth $100 towards food and beverages, spa services, or either, when booking with Virtuoso or AMEX FHR, but not with Leaders Club.

Can Leaders Club Promotions and Benefits Be Combined with Virtuoso or AMEX FHR Benefits?

No: you have to choose whether you want Leaders Club promotions and benefits or Virtuoso benefits or AMEX FHR benefits. They are mutually exclusive and cannot be combined, for properties that are members of all three consortia.

When Is It Worth It to Book with Leaders Club vs. Virtuoso or AMEX FHR?

There are two main scenarios when it makes sense to book with Leaders Club:

1. The hotel is only a member of Leaders Club, and not a Virtuoso or AMEX FHR member; or

2. Your usual stay is 1 night, you'll have many Leaders Club stays over the year, and you have the opportunity to use your free night at an expensive Leaders Club member hotel, such as Le Bristol in Paris.

If you'll only have a few stays during your membership year, possibly not even the 5 that would qualify you for a free night, it generally makes more sense to book with Virtuoso or AMEX FHR, because of the property specific amenity that is typically worth ~$100 per stay.

Can TravelSort or My Travel Advisor Make Leaders Club Bookings for Me?

Yes; TravelSort or your travel advisor can make Leaders Club bookings for you, and will appreciate being able to make them for you as they do offer a small commission.

If I'm Already a Leaders Club Member Can I Get My Membership Cost Refunded?

Per the terms, no: “Current Leaders Club members are not eligible to receive this offer. Current Leaders Club memberships cannot be refunded or pro-rated.” That said, one of my clients did get her 1 year $150 membership fee refunded, so it could be worth a try. As always, your mileage may vary.

Have you used your Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard or other World Elite MasterCard to gain complimentary Leaders Club membership for 1 year?

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Disclaimer: Note that some cards in this post offer credit to me if you’re approved using my links. The opinions, analyses, and evaluations are mine. This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase, Barclays, American Express, Citibank, US Bank, Bank of America, or any other company. They have not reviewed, approved or endorsed any of my articles.

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