New Alitalia credit cards by Deutsche Bank: lots of expense little return
WARNING. The future of the Millemiglia program hangs in the balance, so before applying for these cards I would wait in any case to [...]
Alitalia
SkyTeam
WARNING. The future of the Millemiglia program hangs in the balance, so before applying for these cards I would in any case wait to see what happens to the loyalty program with the new ITA
In recent days, Alitalia and Deutsche Bank unveiled their two new cobranded credit cards: the only ones-along with Alitalia's American Express cards-that allow you to accumulate Millemiglia points With everyday expenses.
The new papers
In this article:
The announcement, which came at a time of uncertainty over the future of both the company and the Millemiglia program., surprised me, but in hindsight it has been good for the company: yesterday, in fact, the green light came from the European commission to ITA's revitalization plan.
Two cards are presented: Classic and Plus. Names that are also vaguely reminiscent of the travel classes on planes with the tricolor.
The main difference between these cards and American Express cards is first of all the circuit: the former use Mastercard and are therefore universally accepted, while the latter are tied to the Amex market. Similar but different benefits are then provided. Starting with the miles earned: 1 mile for every €2 spent for the Classic card and 1 mile for every euro spent for the Plus card.
The cards can be linked to any Italian bank account, including BancoPosta accounts. To apply for them, you must be a Millemiglia member; there is no status or accelerated path to elite status in the Alitalia loyalty program.
Alitalia Classic
- 2,000 miles welcome bonus and 2,000 additional welcome bonus miles for requests by June 15, 2021
- 1 mile for every €2 spent
- Quick access to Exclusive Clubs with qualifying miles On Alitalia purchases
- Mastercard Reserved Fast Track at participating airports and extra free baggage
- Dedicated support and insurance services
- Booking.com, dedicated promotions and 500 bonus miles to the first accommodation
The card has an annual fee of €75, so slightly less than the American Express Alitalia Green, But it offers so many fewer benefits and really little more. No benefits comparable to the free companion or at miles back, on the other hand is offered free extra baggage and access to the Mastercard Reserved Fast Track at participating airports: currently only 2 (Venice and Rome Fiumicino) and until December 31, 2021. No travel insurance, but generic insurance coverage whose limits are really low: there is a maximum reimbursement of €1500 with a deductible of €300 per claim for a maximum of 2 events per year.
For whom it is suitable
Sure Mastercard is accepted almost everywhere, but at 75€ it is a card that I don't think anyone who is serious about focusing on a reward travel strategy needs. It may only make sense to have a "replacement" card in your wallet to use to pay at a point where Amex cards are not accepted, and only for strategies that aim to Get an Alitalia award ticket.
Last but not least, the welcome bonus is insignificant 2000+2000 Millemiglia points are done with very few euros, e.g. Making the right use of Payback coupons.
Alitalia Plus
- 3,000 miles welcome bonus e 3,000 additional welcome bonus miles for requests by June 15, 2021
- 1 mile for every euro spent
- Quick access to Exclusive Clubs with qualifying miles On Alitalia purchases
- 15% discount on Alitalia tickets Upon reaching €1,500 spent on Alitalia in one year.
- Mastercard Reserved Fast Track at participating airports and extra free baggage
- Wide range of support and insurance services
- Booking.com, dedicated promotions and 1,000 bonus miles to the first accommodation
The annual fee for this card is €150 per year, which is equal to a American Express Gold Alitalia, but definitely less "powerful" and with only one real advantage for holders: the 15% discount on spending with Alitalia tickets. Also insurance is less articulated and capacious, although it always covers the holder and not only when he or she is traveling. With this card it is not possible to obtain a free companion but extra free baggage and access to the Mastercard Reserved Fast Track at participating airports until December 21, 2021.
Again, the welcome bonus is not a factor in convincing people to apply for the card.
For whom it is suitable
The same argument always applies: Mastercard is a guarantee so it can serve as a backup card in case of need. The only real benefit is the 15% discount for Alitalia ticketing. If you will fly a lot (but where?) with the new Alitalia, it could mean significant savings but at the cost of fewer qualifying miles and no guaranteed or discounted status as is the case with the Amex Oro Alitalia.
In conclusion
The innovation is interesting because it fits into the Italian reward travel market, but the approach is timid. These benefits can hardly convince a cardholder to give up an Alitalia Amex card. Now we just have to wait for the evolution and possible responses also from other players interested in acquiring new customers.
