Summary

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

Star Alliance carrier Turkish Airlines has officially launched its first US co-branded credit card. The carrier serving the most countries worldwide is looking to carry more passengers from the US with its new offering, which features a special metal credit card for the initial applicants.

Why launch a card in the United States?

The card offers US residents another opportunity for award travel within the Star Alliance network via its Miles&Smiles frequent flyer program. This is most beneficial for US travelers thanks to the carrier’s partnership with United Airlines, allowing members of either loyalty program to earn and spend miles across both airlines. Turkish Airlines has a significant network of 14 gateways in the United States from Istanbul, which it is looking to increase to 20 destinations.

Related

An Important Market: Which US Airports Does Turkish Airlines Serve?

In June, Turkish Airlines will operate 592 direct flights to 14 US destinations.

The Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Credit Card, which was launched in partnership with Imprint and issued by First Electonic Bank, 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. In a statement, a spokesperson for Imprint highlighted the company’s motivations behind the launch:

“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 new Turkish Airlines US credit card

Photo: Turkish Airlines

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

What benefits come with the Turkish Airlines card?

In addition to its generous signup bonus, the card offers several ongoing perks for US cardholders. The card naturally provides the highest earning rate on purchases with the carrier, with bonus points offered 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

In addition, the card offers the following additional benefits compliments of its Visa due to its inclusion in the Visa Signature card lineup:

  • Complimentary 24/7 assistance with booking travel, event tickets, and dinner reservations with Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
  • Complimentary 24/7 assistance with booking travel, event tickets, dinner reservations, and more with Visa Signature Concierge
  • Savings and additional benefits on car rentals thanks to Visa Signature Rental Car Privileges
  • “Exciting benefits” and discounts at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood
  • 3 months of free Shipt membership, then 9 months of membership at 50% off,

Related

Up To 22 Daily Flights: A Closer Look At Turkish Airlines’ Record US Network

Flights have doubled since 2019.

Interested parties can see if they are eligible without affecting their credit scores, as only successful applicants will have a hard credit report pull. Wait times are minimal, however, as successful applicants receive their new card details immediately and can add them to digital wallets.

Turkish Airlines US credit card screen

Photo: Turkish Airlines

In terms of redemptions, Miles&Smiles miles can be used for award tickets, lounge access, baggage fees, and award upgrades across Star Alliance carriers, including United Airlines in the US and those further abroad.

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