The Brim World Mastercard has some strong features, like a solid base earn rate, no foreign transaction fees, and some unique insurance policies. However, as a mid-tier card, it’s not always as obvious whether the benefits are worth the cost, compared to what you’d get with other credit cards.

Bonuses & Fees

There is a welcome offer of 1,000 points (worth $10) upon approval if you apply with a referral.

The annual fee of $99 is not waived for the first year. In fact, if you can qualify on the basis of your income, you’d be better off applying for the superior Brim World Elite Mastercard, which has a first year free waiver, and downgrading later.

You can add authorized users at no additional cost.

Earning Rewards

This card offers a tiered rewards structure:

• Up to 30 points per dollar spent on select Brim partners
• 1.5 points per dollar spent on the first $25,000 spent per year
• 1 point per dollar spent thereafter

Brim’s partners range from large brands to small local businesses. You can check which vendors are eligible for bonus rewards in the Brim app. You can read more about Brim’s individual partnerships program on their website.

If you shop a lot at partner stores, you can take advantage of special offers in the Brim app. In particular, look for Milestone Bonuses from specific vendors in the Brim Marketplace.

Even if you don’t shop much at Brim’s partners, you’ll still get a strong rate on all other purchases, worth 1.5% cash back.

Redeeming Rewards

Brim Rewards can be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent per point at any time as a statement credit. Given how easy it is to redeem points, it’s safe to say they’re equivalent to cash back.

Redeem your points by clicking the “Redeem” button next to your transactions in the Brim Portal in the app.

Perks & Benefits

Brim has made a name for themselves by charging no foreign transaction fees on all of their credit cards. That’s a welcome reprieve in a Canadian marketplace where such a perk is disappointingly hard to find.

Also, as a World Mastercard, you’ll automatically get a LoungeKey membership (although without any free visits included), as well as Boingo Wi-Fi.

Insurance Coverage

As the mid-tier card in the Brim line-up, this card offers a solid travel insurance package, but with few standout features.

Instead, Brim offers event ticket protector insurance, a unique policy that’s not seen on any other credit cards. If you can’t attend an event due to one of the covered reasons (such as emergency medical or common carrier accident), you’ll be reimbursed for the cost of your event tickets up to $1,000.

You’ll also get mobile device protection for loss, theft, or damage. That type of coverage is still quite uncommon, although it’s slowly showing up on more credit cards.