Turkish Airlines launches first US co-branded credit card

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Turkish Airlines launches first US co-branded credit card

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Jonathan E. Hendry U.S & Loyalty Journalist | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jul 11, 2024

Turkish Airlines has launched its first US co-branded credit card, aiming to attract more passengers with special perks and benefits. The new card offers US residents the opportunity for award travel within the Star Alliance network, in partnership with United Airlines. The Turkish Airlines card provides high earning rates on travel-related purchases and additional benefits such as 24/7 assistance and discounts.

The Star Alliance carrier, which serves the most countries worldwide, is looking to increase its passenger base from the US with this new offering. The initial applicants will receive a special metal credit card. This initiative aligns with Turkish Airlines' plan to expand its network of 14 gateways in the United States from Istanbul to 20 destinations.

The Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Credit Card was launched in partnership with Imprint and issued by First Electronic Bank. It offers customers a signup bonus of 40,000 miles after spending $3,000 within 90 days of opening an account. According to the airline, this could potentially equal a free flight from the US to Istanbul. A spokesperson for Imprint commented on the launch:

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"Our partnership with Turkish Airlines allows us to bring our track record of meeting customers’ needs in an ever-changing industry to the similarly evolving airline sector. The Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature® Credit Card is designed to empower travelers to optimize their travel experience, offering a range of benefits that enhance their journeys, which will drive customer loyalty for this renowned airline."

The card comes with an annual fee of $99 but no foreign transaction fees.

In addition to its generous signup bonus, the card offers several ongoing perks for US cardholders. It provides the highest earning rate on purchases with Turkish Airlines and bonus points for other travel-related purchases. The full earning rates are as follows:

- 3x Miles for Turkish Airlines purchases

- 2x Miles on dining, lodging, groceries, and entertainment

- 1x Mile on everything else

Additional benefits include complimentary 24/7 assistance with booking travel, event tickets, dinner reservations through Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection and Concierge services, savings on car rentals via Visa Signature Rental Car Privileges, discounts at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, and three months of free Shipt membership followed by nine months at 50% off.

Interested parties can check their eligibility without affecting their credit scores since only successful applicants will undergo a hard credit report pull. Successful applicants receive their new card details immediately and can add them to digital wallets.

Miles earned through the Miles&Smiles program can be used for award tickets, lounge access, baggage fees, and award upgrades across Star Alliance carriers including United Airlines in the US.