American Express and Delta have introduced the SkyPoints Credit Card, a rewards card that offers a new currency — SkyPoints — that can be redeemed for discounts on Delta flights.
Cardmembers can redeem as 3,000 SkyPoints for 10 percent off and up to 20,000 points for 75 percent off the first $500 of the ticket price. The SkyPoints program will also supplement the Delta SkyMiles program by enabling Cardmembers to transfer SkyPoints to their SkyMiles account and continue to earn miles.
The card comes at a time when some flyers are concerned about the availability of award seats. By using the SkyPoints card, members are simply buying a regular ticket, so capacity controls and blackout dates don’t apply. In addition, it gives a first glimpse at what many banks associated with various frequent flyer programs might offer to combat the popularity of cards such as those issued by CapitalOne, some of which also allow air fare discounts.
Cardmembers earn SkyPoints on nearly every purchase and double SkyPoints for every eligible dollar spent at supermarkets, gas stations, drugstores, home improvement and hardware stores, the U.S. Postal Service, for wireless phone bill payments and on Delta and Song purchases.
Card holders can redeem SkyPoints for a discount on the first $500 off any Delta or Song ticket:
When card holders use their SkyPoints Credit Card to purchase a Delta ticket, the payment will appear on their statement. They must then contact American Express to redeem the discount.
Cardmembers can transfer SkyPoints to their Delta SkyMiles account, with a minimum transfer of 1,000 points and no transfer fee.
The SkyPoints Credit Card has no annual fee for the first year, with a $49 annual fee for subsequent years. Cardmembers receive a 2,500 SkyPoints welcome bonus with their first purchase and another 2,500 upon first year renewal. For more information and SkyPoints program terms and conditions, visit http://www.americanexpress.com/skypoints or call 1-800-223-2670.
An interesting and bold move by Delta and American Express.
