Seven Reasons to Pick Up the Air France Credit Card Right Now

Air France Credit Card

I’m a huge fan of the Air France credit card, more verbosely known as the Bank of America Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard.  Indeed, I’ve talked about it ad nauseum, and I’m doing so again today.  Why?  Because recently, Bank of America has given travelers more reason to pay attention – see below.  Bigger picture, though, the card’s benefits and Flying Blue program make it worth holding long-term, at least for certain people.  Today, I’m describing why the card deserves another look.

Different Year, Similar Excellent Signup Bonus

Just a few days ago, the Air France card’s elevated welcome offer returned.  In the past, we’ve seen it show up in the spring, but that arrived early this year, by about a month.  More importantly, the 70k bonus is just as high as the previous year but requires just a bit more spend.  Individuals can pick up 70k Flying Blue Miles and 100 XP by spending $3k within 90 days of account opening (it previously only required $2k).  But another angle remains, as well.  Individuals can pick up a $100 statement credit, more than wiping out the first year’s $89 annual fee, by linking to the application via dummy booking.  And those 100 XP are enough for Flying Blue Silver elite status alone.

Solid Earn Rate

Cardholders earn 3x on Air France, KLM, and other SkyTeam airlines (ho-hum) and 1.5x everywhere else (hmm).  Granted, a 1.5x miles card doesn’t move the needle for many.  Given Flying Blue currency transfers from a variety of bank partners, many can easily earn 2x or more Flying Blue miles.  But some individuals don’t have those options, and/or their alternatives are capped.  Personally, I enjoy the ability to earn unlimited Flying Blue miles at a 1.5x rate.  It gets more interesting when one takes into account the return.  What if I told you to think about this product as a 3x Delta SkyMiles everywhere card?  That’s next….

Reliable Value

Like some of you, I primarily fly on award tickets.  While many international redemption options bring huge value to some (more on that later), I opt for boring redemptions that meet my family’s goals.  Currently, we primarily redeem Flying Blue miles on domestic Delta flights.  Often, Flying Blue redemptions are much cheaper than using Delta currency – sometimes half of what the latter requires.

Promo Rewards

Flying Blue routinely offers promo rewards on select routes, up to 25% off normal redemption rates.  They release new rewards on the first weekday of each month.  Currently, individuals can book rewards through the end of August.  Options run the gamut, from intra-European flights to long haul options.  How about flying between Houston and Paris for 15k Flying Blue Miles?  You can check out what’s now available here. 

A Simple, Substantial Anniversary Bonus

Individuals who spend at least $50 in the cardmember year pick up 5k Flying Blue miles at anniversary.  And they promptly arrive.  Depending on one’s redemption, these miles can mitigate some or all of the annual fee (but still try for a retention offer).

The Air France Credit Card Participates in More Rewards Day

Like other Bank of America products, the Air France credit card participates in BoA’s More Rewards Day each year.  On this date annually (last year’s was 9 Nov), cardholders can earn an extra 2x miles on all purchases.  Last year’s offer was capped at $2.5k spend per card account.  While not earth-shattering, 3.5x miles on that spend/a 5k total bonus is simple enough for many out there.

Flying Blue Family

Many bemoan sky-high Flying Blue redemption rates, especially in premium classes.  Even a long list of bank point partners doesn’t help some enough.  Flying Blue Family can help out!  Up to eight Flying Blue members can join the same family to pool miles for redemptions – a maximum of two adults and six children.  Of course, just a couple playing the hobby in two-player mode is enough to make Flying Blue Family worth the effort.

Air France Credit Card – Conclusion

Those are just a few reasons to consider the Air France credit card.  Even during normal signup bonus periods offering 50k miles, some can find enough here to justify applying.  The Flying Blue program is far from perfect – Air France’s website can be buggy, and, again, their redemption rates can get comically high.  But there’s enough here for me to stay engaged.  I’m confident I’m not alone.  Expand your horizons and consider branching out to another mileage currency – Flying Blue may be the right one for you.  If so, the Air France credit card is your most rewarding point of entry.

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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