It seems MBNA is making more and more friends with the launch of the Emirates Credit Cards.
The launch range is split into two, a free version and a paid version. Both are issued with 2 Cards – 1 bill style cards (like the recent American Airlines and Etihad Cards)
Let’s compare and contrast:
The Free Cards:
- 5,000 bonus Skywards Miles* when you make a card purchase within 90 days of your account opening
- 1 Skywards Mile for every £1 you spend on the Emirates Skywards American Express Credit Card
- 1 Skywards Mile for every £2 you spend on the Emirates Skywards Visa Credit Card
- 2 Skywards Miles per £1 spent direct with Emirates on your Emirates Skywards American Express Credit Card only
- 2 Skywards Miles per £2 spent direct with Emirates on your Emirates Skywards Visa Credit Card only.
- 0% on all Emirates transactions for 12 months from the date your account is opened
- 17.9% APR variable on card purchases
- Signup at https://apply.mbna.co.uk/UKNeoCCapp/entry?sc=1UALEMIIGS001CC&mc=UAGEMI001N2
The Paid Cards
- 10,000 bonus Skywards Miles when you make a card purchase within 90 days of your account opening
- 2 Skywards Miles for every £1 you spend on the Emirates Skywards Elite American Express® Credit Card
- 2 Skywards Miles for every £2 you spend on the Emirates Skywards Elite Visa Credit Card
- 4 Skywards Miles per £1 spent direct with Emirates on your Emirates Skywards Elite American Express® Credit Card only
- 4 Skywards Miles per £2 spent direct with Emirates on your Emirates Skywards Elite Visa Credit Card only
- Complimentary return Emirates Skywards Companion Reward ticket when you spend £15,000 on card purchases within a 12 month period
- 0% on all Emirates transactions for 12 months from the date your account is opened
- 18.9% APR (55.1% including the £150 fee) variable on card purchases
- Signup at https://apply.mbna.co.uk/UKNeoCCapp/entry?sc=1UALEMIIGS001CI&mc=UAGEMI001N7
Drilling into the nitty-gritty, the complimentary ticket requires the purchase of a flex ticket for the paid ticket and finding a flex reward ticket. Which could be a challenge. All taxes and fees are due on the award ticket too.
The Elite Card will also receive a £150 discount off first class or business class tickets after their first spend on the account – but this offer cannot be stacked with the companion ticket.
Head for Points has an excellent analysis as usual, and if you’re an Emirates flyer in the UK, it could be useful… but there are better options out there if you’re after Emirates miles.
As this is also an MBNA issued card, you may not be able to get it, or have to rebalance your credit if you hold an MBNA account already.
IMPORTANT: I’ve provided a direct link to the MBNA Emirates Credit Cards, which the source can be found at http://www.emirates.com/english/Skywards/about/partners/banks/mbna.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/credit ratings to obtain the card.