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After a bit of a dry spell with credit cards during 2020, I’m back on track to earning even more miles and points for travel. My husband and I just finished the minimum spending on our two new cards from earlier this summer. So, I started exploring my options for my next credit card.
Which Credit Card, and Why?
I applied for the Bank of America Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard (non-affiliate link). The sign-up bonus is currently 50,000 Flying Blue miles after spending $2000 in the first 90 days. The card has an $89 annual fee that is off-set by a $100 statement credit. It earns 3X miles on Air France, KLM and SkyTeam member airlines purchases and 1.5X miles on all other purchases. The card has no foreign transaction fees.
This card its not widely discussed on travel blogs. It’s definitely not the most lucrative sign-up bonus out there (see the hottest offers here). I wouldn’t recommend it to beginners, since there are better ways to get even more Flying Blue miles. To get Flying Blue miles, you can transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou points, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One miles and several hotel programs.
But I am maxed out on Chase cards right now, I’m ineligible for the Citi Premier card bonus and I have that pesky Amex pop-up message. This Air France card is an easy way for me to get miles quickly to help secure flights home for our Europe trip next summer. We are flying Air France from DFW to Paris, and award availability looks good for the way back (knock on wood). Worst case, I can use the miles for a 2023 trip we are planning to book next summer.
Did I Get Approved?
Yes! I got an instant approval. Whew! See this post on bank approval restrictions. I plan to complete the required spending in the first few weeks so that I can get those miles as soon as possible.
Have you used Flying Blue miles to book a trip?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I have booked some flights using AF miles. They can be handy. I’ve had issues transferring points from Citi and Marriott into AF in the past so having them already there can be a good thing if you have a specific purpose for them.
Do AF miles still expire? Seems like a few years ago they did but maybe I’m thinking of another airline…
@Tammie Yes, they do expire after two years if you don’t have activity. I will keep the card for at least a year, so worst case I’ll have them for 3 years. We’re planning a trip to Russia for 2023. 🙂