The Chase British Airways Card Is Getting New Perks

The Chase British Airways Card is one of the best cards in the industry for British Airways loyalists. Fortunately for cardholders, their card has become a little bit better. That’s because the Chase British Airways card is getting some new perks.

This co-branded card from Chase has a $95 annual fee (NOT waived the first year). However, it comes with enough perks to justify this annual fee for both general travelers and British Airways loyalists. For some people, the perks are enough to make it a long-term keeper card.

There are no changes in other perks, the sign-up bonus, or redemption methods with the British Airways Card. Conversely, there are no changes to the card’s annual fee. This is good because the increased value will make the annual fee look more like a bargain. Plus, the new perks might make more people want to apply for the British Airways Card.

Improved Earning Structure

Before August 27, 2019, the Chase British Airways Card already had a great earning structure. It earned 3x Avios on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia Airlines purchases and one for non-bonus spend.

This earning structure is still intact. However, a useful 2x hotels category has been added. With the new addition, the card earns 3x Avios on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia Airlines purchases. It also earns 2x Avios for hotel purchases (booked directly with the hotel) and just one for non-bonus spend.

I like the addition of the 2x bonus category in hotels. Airfare and hotel expenses are two of the biggest for most travelers. Thus, the idea of having categories for both on one credit card is a solid one. More people can and will use their British Airways Card for airfare and hotel spend. Moreover, a plethora of other credit cards have individual hotel and airfare categories. Some examples include the Hilton Aspire and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card.

Statement Credits for Flight Taxes and Fees

The British Airways Card now offers up to $600 in statement credits each year for flight taxes and fees. These credits are divided into three per year up to $200 each. Such division is similar to how American Express divides the Gold and Platinum Card’s credits.

But that does not mean there are any restrictions. Chase has released some more new details about the statement credits on August 28:

• The credits only apply to award fees on flights originating in the United States where British Airways operates a transatlantic flight. British Airways charges much higher fees on transatlantic flights.
• Coach and premium economy awards only get $100 credits instead of $200 credits (which are reserved for first and business class awards)
• The statement credit will post to the cardholder’s credit card account within 45 days of when the booking was ticketed
• Credits only apply to transatlantic international flights redeemed from the cardholder’s Executive Club account. And the transatlantic portion must leave from the United States on an aircraft operated by British Airways
• Bookings may include a connecting flight on a code share partner for the non-transatlantic portion of the itinerary
• Chase reserves the right to reverse the statement credit on the cardholder’s credit card account if the reward flight booking is cancelled
• Iberia or Aer Lingus awards are not eligible

All of these restrictions make the credits seem similar to what American Express would offer on one of their cards. Fortunately, the Chase British Airways Card only has a $95 annual fee instead of a $450 annual fee.

Final Draw

Chase and British Airways have delivered today with some good and some bad news. I am delighted to see that Chase is improving their co-branded card lineup. However, the many restrictions on the statement credits will make them hard to use for many people.

Furthermore, the Chase British Airways Card already provided fantastic value before today’s changes. But the $600 in annual statement credits and the 2x bonus category could add hundreds of dollars in potential value to the card.

Apply Today: Chase British Airways Card