Northwest WorldPerks to Combine w/ Delta Skymiles
The merger of Delta and Northwest has caused some changes…
Changes are coming for all Northwest WorldPerks Visa cardholders. With the merger of Delta and Northwest, both frequent flyer programs will be integreated into the SkyMiles airline loyalty program, now exclusively provided by American Express (previously managed by U.S. Bank). For Northwest WorldPerks cardholders, American Express says they will be allowed to keep the miles they’ve earned; however, to earn additional miles they will need to apply for a Delta SkyMiles credit card.
AMEX is launching a marketing blitz to tell cardholders what it would mean to be an American Express card holder — exclusive benefits that come with earning reward miles directly through Delta, the world’s largest airline operator. According to David Rabkin, Vice President at American Express, the issuer is offering “rich incentives” to encourage people to switch. For example, sign up for the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and get a 25,000 bonus miles and have the annual fee waived for the first year.
Northwest’s agreement with U.S. Bank requires the bank to issue WorldPerks Visa cards to customers until August 22. U.S. Bank will be offering its own independent card, the U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa card, with unique benefits. John Owens, a U.S. Bank senior vice president, says the new card will be marketed to customers offering greater flexibility and more opportunities to earn points. U.S. Bank FlexPerks Visa cardholders can redeem as few as 20,000 points for airline tickets on more than 150 airlines, including Northwest and Delta, though the new U.S. Bank card won’t be affiliated with those airlines. For that point total, cardholders will be limited to a ticket valued at up to $400.
* Be sure to see our complete list of American Express Credit Cards >
