MSE News: MBNA to axe Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines credit cards

Former_MSE_Karl

MBNA is set to close at least two of its airline credit cards, meaning cardholders will stop getting the miles they currently earn for Virgin Atlantic or American Airlines.

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'MBNA to axe Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines credit cards'

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Jayp7541

The MSE article says:

I'm an affected cardholder - what about the rewards I've earned?

MBNA is being very tight-lipped over the detail of the card closures - it won't tell us when they're closing exactly.
It has said that customers who have earned miles on their account will still be able to redeem them under "the applicable terms and conditions". Unfortunately we couldn't find these terms and conditions on its website any longer so we're checking with MBNA what this means - in the meantime, you'll need to call MBNA directly on 0345 606 2062 to ask for clarification.



The letter I've had from MBNA states 'There is no change to your flying club membership,the management of your flying club account or any miles you have earned

darren72

I believe this is because the Virgin Atlantic credit is now operated by Virgin Money. The old cards are being cancelled, but customers can sign up to a new card with the new provider if they which to continue.

willow33

I've just been told I'm losing my MBNA AAdvantage (American Airlines) card as they are stopping their link. Such a pain as I use this card for regular minor purchases to keep my AA airmiles alive (as I'm not flying much just now). Does anyone know if AA are going to introduce another UK card which will allow me to do the same? I can't find any info.

Thanks

Roger1

willow33 wrote: »

Does anyone know if AA are going to introduce another UK card which will allow me to do the same?

I'm in a similar position to you.

Sadly, I think it's unlikely. MBNA, the largest UK issuer of airline cards, has had to give up its AmEx licence and is withdrawing its airline cards, even including the recently introduced Visa-only AA card.

Creation issue the FlyBe card amongst its store and hotel cards. I suppose there's a chance, but I'm not counting on it.

You'll need to fly, credit a hotel stay or a car rental, or buy some AA miles from time to time.

Remember that AA miles expire after only 18 months without account activity.

armistice

Just had a letter in the post, my cards are being replaced with MBNA Horizon Visa credit card
0.5% cashback (home and abroad)
No Foreign transaction charges
No cash withdrawal fees (home or abroad)
No annual fee

Bit of a result TBH, as good as Halifax Clarity for travel but with 0.5% cashback on top.

knightfox

this is the only work around that i have seen

https://www.headforpoints.com/2018/05/18/best-replacement-uk-american-airlines-aadvantage-credit-card-2/

Scenario 2: You specifically want a Visa or Mastercard to collect American Airlines miles

This is trickier and less lucrative. You can!!!8217;t get anywhere near the 1.25 miles per £1 that the £70 MBNA AA card offered.

The only half-decent Visa / Mastercard option is via the (0.2 miles per £1, assuming you convert 10,000 IHG points into 2,000 airline miles) or, with the £99 , 0.4 miles per £1.

There is a sign-up bonus on these cards. The free IHG Mastercard comes with 10,000 IHG points, worth 2,000 American Airlines miles. The £99 Premium card comes with 20,000 IHG points, worth 4,000 AA miles.

A4445

I’ve had the same letter, the new card is a really good deal.

borderline

armistice wrote: »

Just had a letter in the post, my cards are being replaced with MBNA Horizon Visa credit card
0.5% cashback (home and abroad)
No Foreign transaction charges
No cash withdrawal fees (home or abroad)
No annual fee

Bit of a result TBH, as good as Halifax Clarity for travel but with 0.5% cashback on top.

I'm not familiar with any other cards and their benefits
I had the American Express just for the Virgin Atlantic air miles

I will keep this new card. No foreign transactions sounds good plus cash back

I will need to get a new card elsewhere since I will only have this Visa
Probably an American Express card non annual fee with rewards