Mastercard offers some pretty solid network benefits, such as elite status with several hotel programmes including GHA DISCOVERY, IPrefer, Swiss-Belexecutive and Wyndham Rewards. While these aren’t necessarily the most well-known hotel chains, free status is free status, and if you’re a World Elite Mastercard member, you get catapulted all the way to the top.
We can now add an additional programme to the list: CentaraThe1 (yes, that’s quite a mouthful). This is the loyalty programme of Centara Hotels & Resorts, the Thailand-based hotel chain with more than 90 properties worldwide.
From now till 30 April 2025, Mastercard cardholders can register and enjoy an instant upgrade all the way up to Platinum Elite status, the highest tier in the programme.
CentaraThe1 fast-track for Mastercard customers
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| Offer Details |
Mastercard cardholders can now enjoy a complimentary fast-track to CentaraThe1 elite status, bypassing the usual qualification requirements.
- World Elite Mastercard: CentaraThe1 Platinum Elite
- World Mastercard: CentaraThe1 Gold
- Platinum, Titanium, Standard & Gold Mastercard: CentaraThe1 Silver
As a reminder, the following cards belong to the World Elite tier.
| Card | Annual Fee | Qualification Req. |
 Citi Prestige |
S$545 | Income ≥ S$120K |
 Citi Private Client Debit Card |
N/A | Min. AUM S$1.5M |
 Citi ULTIMA |
S$4,238 | Income ≥ S$500K |
 DCS Imperium |
S$3,584 | Unknown |
 OCBC Premier World Elite Debit Card |
N/A | Min. AUM S$200K |
 UOB Lady’s Solitaire Metal Card |
S$599 | Spend S$45K in 3-month period on UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card |
These generally require high incomes or a privilege banking relationship, but even if you don’t qualify, no one should be getting anything less than CentaraThe1 Gold since World Mastercards are so easy to come by. Even your basic debit cards and credit cards at the S$30,000 income mark belong to the World tier. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Platinum or Gold Mastercard in Singapore!
How do you register?
- Create a CentaraThe1 membership account, which can be done via this link.
- Login to the Mastercard Redemption Portal to obtain your registration code. This can be found on the home page after logging in. Click on the Get Code button to generate your unique registration code
3. Use that code to upgrade your CentaraThe1 membership here
If you have multiple Mastercards linked to the redemption portal, be sure to select the highest tiered one before generating your code!
Upgrades should be processed within 30 business days.
How long is status valid for?
Once registered, status is valid till 31 May 2025. This is a hard deadline that applies no matter when you register, so there’s no point delaying your registration in order to stretch your membership period.
Those who complete a stay of at least two nights at any Centara property before 31 May 2025 will enjoy a further 6-month status extension till 30 November 2025.
Subsequently, you’ll need to requalify via the usual requirements, namely 15 nights for Silver, 30 for Gold and 50 for Platinum.
What perks do members enjoy?
Here’s a summary of the perks enjoyed by the four tiers of CentaraThe1 membership.
While complimentary breakfast is not a perk for any tier, Platinum members get guaranteed 2 p.m check-out, club access or a room upgrade (one category, subject to availability), and complimentary pressing during their stay.
Gold members get 1 p.m check-out and a room upgrade, both of which are subject to availability.
Where are Centara Hotels & Resorts?
Centara has more than 90 properties worldwide. The bulk of their footprint is in Thailand, but it also has properties in Vietnam, Laos, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Japan.
Hotels are grouped into six different brands, with Centara Reserve and Centara Grand forming the premium segment, Centara, Centara Boutique and Centara Life the mid-range, and COSI the budget.
Conclusion
Mastercard cardholders can now register for an instant upgrade up to Centara The1 Platinum elite status, the highest tier in the programme.
While the chain has a limited footprint, it doesn’t hurt to have status on the off chance you happen to stay at one of their hotels anyway. Platinum members get free club lounge access and guaranteed 2 p.m check-out, and with any luck, hotels might be more generous with those upgrades than what the programme mandates.
Anyone has experience with Centara hotels?
(HT: Matthew)
Where does the manhattan card stand in terms of status?