Etihad has been worming around the industry, snapping up bits of airlines, setting up strategic partnerships… and is now seemingly joining the ranks of those who offer credit cards in the United Kingdom with the release of the Etihad Guest Credit Card
The card is issued by MBNA (who also issue Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa Miles and More, American Airlines and United Airlines co-branded credit cards in the UK as well as a plethora of other credit cards).
The account is issued as a two cards/one bill style account – an American Express co-branded card and a Visa Card.
The key points:
- Signup bonus: 5000 Miles
- Earn via American Express: 1.5 Miles/£1
- Earn via Visa 0.75 Miles/£1
- Fee: Nil.
There are some extra benefits (and if you’ve got a trip with Etihad starting, these could actually be of use)
- Free upgrade to Etihad Guest Silver status after one return flight within your first year of card membership
- Double miles on Business Class flights taken with 90 days of account opening
- Triple miles on First Class flights taken within 90 days of account opening
- 0% intreset on all Etihad transactions for 12 months of account opening
That’s not a bad set of beanies if you time everything right.
To get the sign-up bonus, you’ll need to spend £250 within 90 days.
The sign-up address is http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/global/en/guestrecognition/visitor/etihadguest/PartnerDetails/Pages/mbna-ey-guest-credit-card.aspx
Head for Points as usual has a brilliant analysis on the card – with suggestions for alternatives if you are considering this card.
For those of you who signed up for a MBNA card recently, you might want to hold off applying, as this could impact your credit score. Additionally, those of you with cards within the MBNA family may have to shift credit limits around if you want this card.
IMPORTANT: I’ve provided a direct link to the MBNA Etihad Airways Credit Card a http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/global/en/guestrecognition/visitor/etihadguest/PartnerDetails/Pages/mbna-ey-guest-credit-card.aspx
There is no affiliate kickback on this and this link is provided for your information only. I do NOT benefit from the link above.
Please note, the information above does not constitute financial advice and you should always do your own research on top to ensure it’s right for your specific circumstances, and may impact on your credit score. So don’t blame me if you overspend on a card and they come hounding after you. If in doubt – seek appropriate financial advice.
Those who are considering applying should bear in mind you’ll need to be resident in the UK to get one, and probably have reasonable banking references.
