Two card issuers this spring have launched credit cards backed by air-mile rewards, one in the Middle East and the other in India.
In the Middle East, Citibank Inc. launched two variants of its PremierMiles credit card in the United Arab Emirates in response to an increased demand for travel-related services in the region, according to a statement.
“The Citi PremierMiles cards allow for miles redemption with over 300 airlines and hotels worldwide,” an official tells PaymentsSource. “In the local market, we have partnered with local brands such as Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Hilton and Rotana.”
Citi launched the two MasterCard-branded cards, called Citi PremierMiles Elite and Citi PremierMiles, and is making them available in World and Platinum levels respectively, according to the official. The cards carry no annual fees.
“Cardholders will enjoy credit limits up to 250,000 dirhams (US$68,054 or 50,532 euros) and up to 15% discounts on tickets booked with Qatar Airways and Gulf Air, in addition to many complimentary benefits,” the official adds.
On the other side of the Arabian Sea, Deutsche Bank announced the launch of the Deutsche Bank World Miles Credit Card in India this week.
“We have launched the credit card to cater to regular domestic and international travelers,” a bank official tells PaymentsSource. “Cardholders will be enrolled in our travel-focused loyalty program called WorldMiles, enabling them to earn and redeem miles across any airline in the world.”
The issuer launched the Visa-branded card in association with loyalty program operator Loyalty Rewardz Pvt. Ltd. and Ezeego Pvt. Ltd., an online travel-booking Web site, according to the official. It comes in two variants, World Miles Signature and World Miles Platinum, the official adds. The cards come with a first year fee of 5,000 and 7,000 rupees respectively. Thereafter, the annual fee is 1,500 and 2,500 rupees respectively.
“World Miles Signature credit card offers three spend miles for every 100 rupees billed, while the World Miles Platinum credit card offers two spend miles for every 100 rupees billed on the card,” he adds. “These cards can be redeemed for airline tickets with any airline in the world.”
