Last month saw the launch of the new Barclays Arrival Premier World Elite Mastercard. The mainstream media were quick to bare their teeth, with the general criticism being that the card didn’t give enough back—particularly a huge sign-up bonus after just spending a few thousand dollars, often standard issue with a semi-elite card such as this.
We think they’re right—and wrong. The card is clearly not for everyone. Sure, the sign-up bonus is an issue for those that travel based on big credit card bonuses—and there’s a $150 annual fee that’s not waived in the first year. The card also doesn’t have many transfer partners yet. Again, it’s not appealing to those who are looking to get something for nothing.
If you match one or more of the following criteria, however, this card unlocks real upgrade value.
[ ] You’re an American Airlines or oneworld traveler, especially one who often uses an AA co-branded credit card, OR
[ ] You like flying First or Business Class on Emirates, OR
[ ] You spend a lot on things that other cards don’t give you 3X miles per dollar spent or more, OR
[ ] You love crazy good upgrade opportunities.
And that crazy good opportunity is this: the new Barclays Arrival Premier World Elite Mastercard unlocks one of the world’s best award redemption programs: Japan Airlines. For some, that changes everything.
There’s only one other credit card program in which you can transfer points to Japan Airlines, and that’s one of FCF’s favorite points programs, Starwood. But the Starwood card's opportunity is about to end.
Yeah, the SPG Amex’s 1.25 points per dollar earned will go away come August for everyday spending
More on that here and next month. In the meantime, if you want to get a glimpse of what might be a finalist in our coming 2018 FCF Credit Card Recommendation report, first understand that I think Japan Airlines’ Mileage Bank is by far superior to most airline loyalty programs. This new Barclays card is the only way to get that world-class currency at a good rate when the SPG 1.25 deal goes bye-bye for everyday dollar spending.
(It almost seems like Barclays saw the change of SPG coming—and knows FCF loves Japan Airlines—given the timing, right? : )
We’ve said it before:
Have a small selection of multi-currency credit cards in your quiver to maximize flexibility. If you’ve been box-ticking, this new Barclays card adds flexibility. It's a switch-hitting all-rounder, ready to go straight into the game.
Barcing up the right tree?
American Express card holders often experience the frustration of not having their card accepted by merchants. This Barclays Mastercard offers a good backup and it allows you to transfer earned miles to the Japan Airlines program, at a rate of 1.17 miles per-dollar-spent for every day purchases.
The Barclays airline program has ten airlines (including Air France, Japan Airlines, and Qantas) total, with varying transfer ratios, netting between 1.17 and 1.42 miles per-dollar-spent. Unless you spend $25,000 yearly, when a bonus kicks in, of 14,705 additional JAL miles.
Card sharps and churners need not apply.
In a way, this Barclays card’s lack of a sign-up bonus and no waiver of the first year annual fee make it honest. Hustlers and card churners won’t be interested in signing and dumping. But seasoned upgraders, and those looking to become seasoned upgraders, should take careful note. It may not be an easy “get” but it’s a worthwhile one.
What’s so great about the Japan Airlines Program?
Plenty. The JAL program is a constant topic of conversation around the FCF watercooler, and as you can see below, it keeps us busy. If you have a bunch of miles in this program, you have a Mount Fuji-sized opportunity. You’ll also note JAL miles is a magic key to unlocking FCF’s Leg Stretch Strategy. The savings is totally amazing!
Furthermore, award booking for the following partner airlines are available through the JAL website: Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and more.
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Chasing Returns?
If you’re on the fence as to what quiver of credit cards is right for you, tune in next month when we look at the topic in ways you won’t find anywhere else.