For the past years’ Standard Bank was the official supplier but was outfoxed by Absa as the new player.
Avios offers frequent flyers (Motsepes, Ramaphosas, Opperheimers and Ackermans et al) preferential rate on all purchases on their credit card be it, in SA or abroad whenever they swipe.
As part of the package it can be used on premium airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and other one world alliance airlines. One can still use Avios to book car hire and hotels.
“The British Airways Credit Card offers the quickest and easiest way to earn Avios, the currency of the British Airways Executive Club Frequent Flyer Programme,” says Arrie Rautenbach, Head, Retail Banking, Absa.
“Other exceptional benefits of the new credit card include, the best Avios earn rate, points that don’t expire as long as customers remain active, flying privileges and status, and world-class customer service.’
“If you are a frequent traveller, then this is the credit card for you. It is your passport to global acceptance, giving you access to World MasterCard Rewards travel benefits and privileges,” says Rautenbach.
And yes, this is not targeted towards students. So you understand the LSM behind this sought-after deal.
New cardholders can collect up to 9 000 bonus Avios– enough for a return reward flight on British Airways (plus a R700 Reward Flight Saver fee*), departing from Johannesburg to destinations such as Durban, Harare, Livingstone or Port Elizabeth.
As a first spend bonus, customers collect 5000 Avios on their first swipe regardless of the amount. Customers spending R24000 within the first three months of taking out the card will earn an additional 4000 Avios.
“World MasterCard Rewards provides access to a range of priceless travel and lifestyle experiences and offers, from culinary adventures to teeing off at renowned golf courses from around the globe, ”says Phillip Panaoni, Division President, South Africa, MasterCard.
“We are delighted to launch this new partnership with Absa,” says Nick Pilbeam, Director of New Markets and Business Development forAvios Group (AGL) Limited.
“We strive to bring our card holders value for money and we are confident that the generous launch offers and opportunities to collect double Avios will be well received.”
To qualify for the British Airways Credit Card, applicants need to have a minimum monthly income of R8 000, a valid ID and proof of residence, and they must be older than 18 years.
With the best Avios earn rate card holders will earn 1 Avios for every R7.50 spent on the card and will benefit from a preferential earn rate of earning 1 Avios for every R5 spent at British Airways, Pick n Pay and BP, until July 31 2014.
Annual Spend tier bonuses:
• R50 000 – lounge day pass and Upgrade voucher for you and a companion (return trip)
• R100 000 – 10% back in Avios on Reward Flight Saver redemption.
• R200 000 – one year unlimited SLOW lounge accesswhen flying with British Airways. Free Companion flight voucher (return trip),Upgrade vouchers for you and a companion (return trip)
Priority Check-in:Dedicatedcheck-incounter to help get customers settled on board sooner.
Lounge access day pass: Complementary lounge access into the SLOW Lounge at OR Tambo (domestic and international), Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports.
Lounge access card: A card that will allow access into the SLOW Lounge at OR Tambo (domestic and international), Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports, valid for 12 months.
10% back on Reward Flight Saver redemption: When spending the Avios that a customer has accumulated, they will be given 10% back of the Avios used.
Companion voucher: A complimentary return flight (excluding taxes, fees and charges) for a companion of the customer’s choice, on the same flight and in the same cabin, when a ticket is booked by the cardholder with British Airways.
Cabin upgrade vouchers:Entitles the cardholder to a complimentary upgrade to Club (business) class when purchasing a British Airways domestic or regional Y, B or H Traveller (economy class) ticket.
The monthly card service fee is R57.
For more info go to:www.avios.com
