Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic and Bank of America have announced the launch of the new Virgin Atlantic World Elite MasterCard credit card and the long-term renewal of their co-brand partnership.
The new Virgin Atlantic World Elite MasterCard credit card rewards cardholders with three miles for every $1.00 spent on Virgin Atlantic purchases, and 1.5 miles for all other purchases.
‘The new credit card programme allows us to give our customers an extraordinary experience, both on the ground and in the air,’ said Chris Rossi, senior vice president, Virgin Atlantic North America. ‘Joining forces with Bank of America and MasterCard ensures our international travellers can use their credit cards easily-whether they’re in London, our other worldwide destinations or their own neighbourhoods.’
Cardholders can earn miles every day that can be redeemed for rewards that include upgrades, Virgin Atlantic flights and partner flights with Delta Air Lines and Virgin America. Specific Flying Club miles earned through the card include:
Three miles per $1.00 spent directly on Virgin Atlantic purchases
1.5 miles per $1.00 spent on all other purchases
Up to 40,000 bonus miles in the first year
20,000 bonus miles after first purchase
Up to 15,000 annual bonus miles after every anniversary
Up to 5,000 bonus miles for adding additional cardholders to existing accounts
Tier points to help achieve or maintain Flying Club Silver or Gold status
Jeff Norwine, affinity banking executive at Bank of America, said, ‘Bank of America is proud to continue its long partnership with Virgin Atlantic. We recognise Virgin Atlantic’s need to deliver an outstanding value proposition to Flying Club members, and this new World Elite MasterCard programme will allow travellers to journey farther and enjoy more of what the world has to offer along the way.’
MasterCard is the exclusive US network for the Virgin Atlantic co-brand portfolio.
Craig Vosburg, group executive of U.S. Market Development for MasterCard, said, ‘Travellers have told us that acceptance matters. This understanding of core traveller needs-combined with MasterCard’s global acceptance footprint-serves as the foundation for a strong value proposition for Virgin Atlantic flyers.’
Those Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members that earn miles will also have access to MasterCard Priceless Cities, which is a programme that brings consumers closer to their passion points by offering access to handpicked experiences and offers in their home cities and around the world, including access to concerts, restaurants, museums and sporting events.
