Underrated Reasons Why You Need an Aer Lingus Visa Signature Credit Card

If you’re a frequent or business-class traveler on Aer Lingus, it’s definitely worth considering the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card, which offers excellent opportunities to accumulate valuable Avios points. Also, the added benefits make it easy to offset the $95 annual fee. If you’re looking to apply, you'll want to consider all the perks offered by the card to maximize your value.

The well-known perks

Check out a few of the popular benefits you can pocket as a cardholder of the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card:

• Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

• Earn Avios on purchases: Aer Lingus offers rewards in Avios, which is a reward currency that can be spent with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and LEVEL. You can earn:

  • Earn 5 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first 12 months from account opening, thereafter earn 3 Avios.

  • Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel within your first 12 months from account opening, thereafter earn 2 Avios.

  • Plus earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Avios earned by using this card are automatically transferred to the Aer Lingus AerClub program at the end of each cycle, so make sure you’re signed up as a member of AerClub before you apply for the card.

The underrated reasons

The Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card is issued by Chase and comes with a range of additional benefits. You can take advantage of these underrated perks when you use your Aer Lingus card for purchases.

Transfer Avios to Aer Lingus partners

As an AerClub member, you can transfer your Avios to the British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus frequent flyer programs. Although Aer Lingus isn't a member of Oneworld alliance, both British Airways and Iberia are, which opens up valuable redemption options with these partner airlines:

• American Airlines.

• British Airways.

• Cathay Pacific.

• Finnair.

• Iberia.

• Japan Airlines.

• Malaysia.

• Qantas.

• Qatar Airways.

• Royal Air Maroc.

• Royal Jordanian.

• S7 Airlines.

• SriLankan Airlines.

» Learn more: Alaska Airlines members can now redeem miles on Aer Lingus

Companion ticket

Once a year you can take advantage of a free economy companion ticket without paying taxes or fees. Charge $30,000 in purchases in a single calendar year to receive a companion voucher, which is good for one year on flights between the U.S. and Ireland.

Priority boarding

Priority boarding is always a plus when you need extra time to stow your carry-on and settle in for a long flight. Simply flash your Aer Lingus credit card at the gate to receive priority boarding for you and your authorized users on Aer Lingus flights departing from and returning to the U.S. from Ireland.

No foreign transaction fees

When you travel outside the U.S., you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees when using your card for purchases.

Lost luggage reimbursement

This perk covers up to $3,000 if you or your immediate family members’ checked or carry-on bags are damaged or lost by the carrier.

Auto rental collision damage waiver

This card provides theft and collision coverage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad as secondary coverage to your personal insurance.

Baggage delay insurance

It can be stressful if your bag doesn't arrive at your destination, and using a credit card with insurance can help. If your baggage is delayed for over six hours, you'll be reimbursed up to $100 a day per account, for up to three days, for purchases of essentials like toiletries and clothing.

Extended warranty protection

There’s no need to purchase a one-year extended warranty when you use your Aer Lingus card. This benefit extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

Purchase protection

When you use your card to make a new purchase, you'll be covered up to 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The bottom line

The Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card is a great option for Aer Lingus enthusiasts. If you take advantage of earning both the welcome bonus and the companion ticket, this niche card will provide you with added value, and your points can go a long way for travel between the U.S. and Europe.

How to maximize your rewards

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