Which has the lower annual fee, BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard or Rewards World Elite?

The Rewards World Elite has a $120 annual fee, while the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard charges $150/year.

Which card is better for groceries, BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard or Rewards World Elite?

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard earns 0.7x on groceries, while the Rewards World Elite earns 3.5x. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard vs Rewards World Elite — Which Is Better? | Churnr

Header Quick Take Value Earn Rates Merchants Wallet Bonus FX Benefits Eligibility Perks Downgrade Verdict

Rewards World Elite wins by $1,003/yr — strongest in groceries

Rewards World Elite earns $385 more on groceries
Rewards World Elite earns $101 more on bills & utilities
$300 welcome bonus advantage

Groceries: +$385Bills & Utilities: +$101Dining & Restaurants: +$69

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Rewards World Elite: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

$109

/first year

0.3% effective$9/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$310

Annual rewards earned+$289

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$150

Winner

$1,112

/first year

2.7% effective$93/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$693

Annual rewards earned+$962

Welcome bonus+$300

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$120

Best for your spendingRewards World Elite—$1,112Year 1 value

+$1,003 more than BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

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The Bottom Line

Rewards World Elite wins by $1,003/yr — strongest in groceries

Rewards World Elite earns $385 more on groceries
Rewards World Elite earns $101 more on bills & utilities
$300 welcome bonus advantage

Groceries: +$385Bills & Utilities: +$101Dining & Restaurants: +$69

Showing Year 1 analysis

Rewards World Elite wins in both Year 1 and Year 2+ — consistent long-term value.

Data Sources

Issuer terms & conditions (verified Mar 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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