Emirates has launched a credit card in the UK that allows customers to collect points for its frequent flyer programme.
The Emirates Skywards Credit Card Account and the Emirates Skywards Elite Credit Card Account, which has a £150 fee, will allow customers to build up Skywards Miles. They are with MBNA and have APRs of 17.9 per cent and 18.9 per cent respectively.
Both accounts come with an American Express card and a Visa card.
The standard account provides higher earning rates from Emirates, 10 per cent off holidays booked through Emirates Tours and bonus Skywards Miles for the first purchase made during the first 90 days of opening an account.
Holders of the Elite card are entitled to additional benefits - ranging from a complementary companion reward, to discounts on flight and air miles purchases.
Brian LaBelle, Emirates Skywards senior vice-president, said: "We are always looking for exciting ways to add value and further improve our products, and we are confident that we are offering our passengers something special. These compelling benefits will provide exceptional value for our frequent flyers.
"Furthermore, with the Emirates Skywards advantage of being able earn rewards not only for themselves but also to share rewards with their friends and family, we know our new cards will be highly encouraging to Emirates Skywards Members residing in the UK, bringing everyone closer together.”
With the Elite card, customers will receive a £150 discount off first class or business class tickets after their first spend on the account – equivalent to the annual card fee.
Elite cardholders will also be able to enjoy business class check-in at UK airports, even when flying economy.
Earlier this month, Emirates announced it will deploy an A380 on its Dubai to Los Angeles route from December (see online news, June 13).
Graham Smith
