Turkish Airlines loyalists now have a new way to earn miles with the launch of the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature credit card.
Issued by First Electronic Bank, the card carries a $99 annual fee and comes with the following benefits:
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Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within 90 days of account opening.
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Earn 3 miles on Turkish Airlines flights and purchases.
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Earn 2 miles on dining, groceries, entertainment and lodging.
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Earn 1 mile on all other qualifying purchases.
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No foreign transaction fees.
Approved applicants will be given immediate access to their card to use for online purchases or to add to a mobile wallet before the physical card arrives. The first 5,000 approved cardholders will receive a limited-edition metal card.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Turkish Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance. That allows members of the airlines’ Miles&Smiles loyalty program access to award redemptions on over two dozen carriers.
Should you get the Turkish Airlines credit card?
Airline credit cards often waive the annual fee for the first year, but that’s not the case with the $99 annual fee on the new Turkish Airlines card. While the ability to earn 2x miles on purchases in some popular categories is good, you’re still stuck earning miles in the Turkish Airlines Smiles&Miles loyalty program, which has limited redemption options compared with transferable bank points.
If you want access to Turkish Airlines miles, a better option would be a card that earns Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Points or Bilt Rewards. Those points can be transferred to Turkish Airlines, in addition to other airlines and hotels, which provides a lot more flexibility.
For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee and earns 2 miles per $1 spent on all qualifying purchases. Those miles can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to over a dozen airline transfer partners. New cardholders can also grab a generous sign-up bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The new Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles credit card carries the Visa Signature logo, which means it provides benefits like extended warranty coverage, travel and emergency assistance, concierge access and more.
Source: nerdwallet.com