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Best Western announced the launch of two new co-brand credit cards. The latest cards are issued in partnership with Mercury Financial. They target two market segments, with one having no annual fee and the other having an $89 annual fee.
Here's your first look at the Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card and the Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card.
Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
The entry-level Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has no annual fee. And at this price point, the card's benefits are pretty attractive — even more so if you regularly stay at Best Western properties.
- Earn 4X points on Best Western stays and qualifying purchases.
- Earn 2X points on all other purchases.
- Receive a 10,000-point anniversary bonus when you make $5,000 in net purchases your cardmember year.
- Complimentary Best Western Gold Elite Status.
- Visa Signature benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees
The Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has a sign-up bonus, but it's presented in a somewhat convoluted way. With this card, you can earn “up to 40,000 bonus points” after you meet the minimum spending requirements.
When you click through the pre-approval link for the card, you'll see your targeted sign-up bonus. Thankfully, you can see your bonus before applying (at no harm to your credit score), but Best Western could have displayed your offer in a clearer manner.
Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card
The more-premium Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card has a higher $89 annual fee and several additional bells and whistles. Here's a look at the benefits available to you as a cardholder:
- Earn 10X points on Best Western stays and qualifying purchases.
- Earn 4X at grocery stores and gas station purchases.
- Earn 2X on all other purchases.
- Receive a free night award every cardmember anniversary.
- Receive a free night award on every card anniversary when you spend a minimum of $10,000 net annually.
- Complimentary Best Western Platinum Elite Status.
- Visa Signature benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Similar to its lower-annual-fee stablemate, welcome offer on the Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card will vary depending on undisclosed factors. However, we do know that offers range from 20,000 to 80,000 bonus points after meeting the minimum spending requirements. To check out your specific offer, click this link.
Our Take
If you are a Best Western fan, then these cards are a great option to (hopefully) seriously increase your points earning and status with the brand. Of the two, the Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card is a more attractive proposition with its enhanced earning structure, higher level of complimentary status, and a chance to earn up to two free nights per year.
While these cards will not set the points and miles world on fire, they can still prove very useful if you stay at Best Western properties a few times per year. However, be sure to confirm your sign-up bonus before you apply. And if possible, try to apply if the bonus points are at or near the maximum threshold for either card. That way, you don't earn fewer points than you should.
Will you be applying for any of the new cards? Let us know in the comments below.
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