Here’s a fun twist that more airlines and credit card issuers may want to implement.
United Airlines and Chase introduced “Better Together” — a new welcome offer incentivizing people to hold both a United Business Card and a personal United credit card. They’ll receive 5,000 bonus miles each anniversary year they keep cards open. (The anniversary year is defined as the year your Business Card membership starts.)
Examples of United cobranded personal cards are:
So if you hold, say, the United Gateway Card (which has no annual fee), then the 5,000 bonus points go a decent way toward offsetting the United Business Card‘s $99 annual fee (which is waived the first year).
The United Business Card also offers pair of one-time United Club passes each anniversary year. Considering United sells Club admission for $59, the business card is actually a pretty deal — especially if you can get another 5,000 points on top of that every year.
If you love United Airlines and are willing to burn a couple of 5/24 spots, you might love this promotion.
An Incentive to Keep (or Get) More Airline Credit Cards?
It’s not uncommon for airline loyalty program enthusiasts to hold both personal/consumer and business credit cards for their favorite carrier(s). Some Delta flyers have, say, a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card and its consumer counterpart in order to haul in bonus MQM and get a couple of Companion Certificates.
But would you consider getting a Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Business Card for $99 a year (starting the second year of membership) and the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card if meant 5,000 bonus SkyMiles each year? Would an incentive like that entice you to not cancel an airline credit card with an annual fee?
Given Delta’s persistent downgrading of the SkyMiles program, I don’t know that it’d make that much difference to me. But I know some people who’d probably love 5,000 bonus miles for holding a $99/year Delta credit card and a no-annual-fee Blue card.
Better Together? Or Better Apart?
First of all, that heading is a great excuse to enjoy some Rick Astley (especially on a Friday!).
But seriously: is the Better Together concept something that appeals to you and your credit card strategy? Please tell us why or why not in the Comments section below.
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Yesterday’s garbage and Delta cards – Better Together in a dumpster.
Don’t hold back, Dave. You can tell us how you really feel. 🙂