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Airlines, hotels, and other loyalty programs are capitalizing on the demand for valuable travel rewards cards. We've seen increasing numbers of card launches from international carriers recently, such as TAP Portugal, Qatar Airways, and even Avianca LifeMiles returning to the U.S. credit card market. Virgin Red is the latest program to join the fray and Synchrony Bank just opened the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard to new applicants.
Here's an overview of the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard‘s welcome bonus, earning rates, and perks. Plus, we'll share how to apply.
Earn 40K Points With the Virgin Red Rewards Card
Virgin Red — the joint loyalty program of multiple Virgin brands — inked a partnership with Synchrony Bank to bring the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard to life. U.S.-based applicants can now apply for the brand-new credit card, offering Virgin points on travel with Virgin's family of companies and everyday purchases.
As a new applicant for the card, you can earn 40,000 bonus Virgin points when you spend $3,000 on your card in the first 90 days. Based on what AwardWallet users typically redeem Virgin points for, this bonus is worth a little over $1,400. Click here to apply.
The debut of this product is a big deal for two reasons. First, Virgin points are valuable — especially when redeemed for flights on Virgin Atlantic. Second, the Bank of America-issued Virgin Atlantic® World Elite MasterCard® is closed to new applicants. Thus, this new product might be worth applying for if you value Virgin points and missed out on an opportunity to apply for the Virgin Atlantic card of old.
And while Virgin Red and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club aren't technically the same program, you can redeem Virgin points through either program once you link your accounts.
Related: Do Virgin Atlantic's Virgin Points Expire?
Virgin Red Rewards Card Overview
Without further ado, here's an overview of Virgin Red's newest credit card.
Earning rates
If you value Virgin points, the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard offers an opportunity to earn points on both travel and everyday purchases. The card's earning rates break down as follows:
- 3X Virgin Points for every $1 spent on purchases with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Voyages.
- 2X Virgin Points for every $1 spent on dining, at grocery stores, on select streaming services and for EV charging.
- 1X Virgin Point for every $1 spent on anything else anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Cardholders can also bank 25 Flying Club Tier Points for each $2,500 in eligible purchases (maximum 50 Tier Points per month). In other words, the card can help you earn Virgin Atlantic Flying Club elite status.
Perks and benefits
On top of standard Mastercard World Elite perks, those with the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard can enjoy a slew of benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases when traveling overseas.
- Get 2,500 Virgin Points when you add a loved one as an authorized user (up to four users).
- Anniversary bonus of 5,000 Virgin Points each year upon renewal of your card.
- Enjoy a third night free after booking two nights at a participating Virgin Hotel once a year.
- Access to the Mastercard World Elite concierge.
But wait, there's more. The card also features spending-based perks, which unlock at $15,000 and $30,000 worth of spending. After you reach each threshold, you can choose one of the following perks:
- Flying Club reward voucher for a companion seat or a cabin upgrade on Virgin Atlantic.
- One free hotel night stay at a participating Virgin Hotel.
- One suite upgrade at a participating Virgin Hotel.
- Up to $300 bar tab with Virgin Voyages.
- Blue Extras Perk Package with Virgin Voyages – includes laundry service, exclusive cocktail party, daily coffee credits.
You can also choose the same perk twice — once at each threshold.
Annual fee
The annual fee for the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard is $99. It seems reasonable considering the number of perks attached to the card.
Related: The Best Airline Credit Cards With Annual Fees Below $100
Final Thoughts
Virgin Red just introduced a brand-new credit card to U.S. applicants. Starting now, you can apply for the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard.
The card is worth a look for those who value Virgin points and prefer to earn the currency on everyday or travel purchases with the Virgin brands. In addition to offering an annual fee-justifying 5,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $176 based on AwardWallet user redemptions), the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard appears to be a nifty wallet addition.
And there are several more perks and benefits on offer, too. If you want to dive into the Virgin Red ecosystem, there won't be a better way to do it than with the Virgin Red Rewards World Elite Mastercard.
However, if you were solely interested in the card for its welcome bonus, you'll likely come away disappointed. New applicants can earn 40,000 Virgin points after meeting the minimum spending requirements, which is a paltry amount considering how many other cards offer point transfers to Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Red. Suffice it to say, if you want to earn a lot of Virgin points via a sign-up bonus, you'll be better off checking out other top credit card offers.
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