When determining whether to open an account with a cobranded airline credit card, it is important to analyze many factors when deciding which of the hundreds of cards on the market today is right for you. When used effectively, cobranded credit cards can be an extremely efficient way to rack up miles while also pushing forward your elite status, all in elevating your inflight experience. For fans of the global Star Alliance , the options for cobranded credit cards in the United States are virtually endless.
The first cards that would come to mind are the many cobranded cards offered by US legacy carrier and alliance member United Airlines, which has several cards on offer via a partnership with Chase Bank . Get all the latest aviation news from Simple Flying! However, the options for Star Alliance credit cards go far beyond what is offered by United, with many international carriers also offering cards in the US market. These cards make it easier than ever to earn foreign airline miles on your everyday purchases, with multiple bonus categories on many of these cards.
Let's take a deeper look at 5 Star Alliance credit cards offered in the United States by foreign airlines. 1 The ANA card Offered via: VISA Annual Fee: $70 Welcome Bonus miles: $5,000 Initial spending requirement: $0.01 Accrual schedule: 1 mile is awarded per $1 spent on any eligible purchase This Visa card offered by Japanese full-service network carrier ANA allows those with little credit history in the United States to open a cobranded credit card account that allows them to slowly build their credit history.
Originally targeted at employees of Japanese companies who had been transferred to the United States, the card was originally built to support recent immigrants from the Asian nation. As a result, it is unsurprising that the benefits offered by this card are relatively limited, although there are no initial spending requirements for the $5,000 initial bonus miles, which are immediately awarded after a customer's first purchase. Some benefits come along with the card, however, such as a fast track to elite status, inflight discounts on ANA purchases, priority check-in, and additional bonus miles for certain purchases, according to the airline's website .
Co-branded credit cards that come with a free checked bag benefit 2 Aeroplan card Offered via: Chase Bank Annual Fee: $95 Welcome Bonus miles: 70,000 Initial spending requirement: $3,000 in three months Accrual schedule: 3 miles per $1 spent on dining purchases (including eligible delivery services) 3 miles per $1 spent on groceries 3 miles per $1 spent on Air Canada or partner airline purchases 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases The Aeroplan credit card routinely ranks as one of the best-selling foreign credit cards on offer in the United States, likely as a result of its low annual fee and generous accrual schedule. Going beyond what is offered by most standard US airline credit cards, the Aeroplan card features multiple bonus spending categories, as outlined by Chase Bank . Furthermore, the 70,000 bonus miles are more than generous and, with a low initial spending requirement, can easily justify the annual fee.
Other benefits offered by the Air Canada a card include free checked bags. The Star Alliance carrier is expanding the list of perks for members of its loyalty program, including those without elite status. 3 Avianca Lifemiles credit card Offered via: American Express Annual Fee: $99 annual fee Welcome Bonus miles: 40,000 Initial spending requirement: $3,000 in the first 90 days Accrual schedule: 2 miles per $1 spent on Avianca purchases 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible dining purchases 2 miles per $1 spent on groceries 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases The Avianca Lifemiles credit card made waves earlier this year , as it offers cardholders all the benefits of silver status during their first year, which include access to inflight lounges, complimentary upgrades, and much more across the entire Star Alliance network.
For a card with an annual fee of just $99, elite status benefits are pretty much unheard of. Furthermore, the card's accrual schedule and welcome bonuses are all pretty much in line with what one should expect for a card of this kind. 4 Miles & More World Elite Mastercard Offered via: Barclays Annual Fee: $89 Welcome Bonus miles: 80,000 Initial spending requirement: $3,000 in 90 days Accrual schedule: 2 miles per $1 spent on Lufthansa and partner airline purchases 1 mile per $1 spent on all the purchases The Lufthansa Miles & More World Elite Mastercard offers quite a lot of benefits to US-based customers.
In addition to a hefty welcome bonus, which is accompanied by a somewhat lacking accrual schedule, the card offers unique benefits like two one-time lounge access passes, which are rather reminiscent of those offered to United Explorer card members . Furthermore, the card also offers an annual companion ticket, which can allow for hundreds in savings if used effectively, according to Barclays . Besides Lufthansa Group carriers, several notable European airlines also utilize the extensive frequent flyer program.
5 Miles & Smiles US Premier Visa Signature credit card Offered via: Imprint Annual Fee: $99 annual fee Welcome Bonus miles: 40,000 Initial spending requirement: $3,000 in 90 days Accrual schedule: 3 miles per $1 spent on Turkish Airlines purchases 2 miles per $1 spent on dining 2 miles per $1 spent on groceries 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases This unique credit card has become popular in the United States due to its low annual fee and generous accrual schedule, albeit with a middle-of-the-road signup bonus. Those who sign up for this card soon could receive a limited edition metal card, according to the airline . While available to US residents, the credit card lacks real airline benefits.
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