Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® from First National Bank of Omaha Review

In an era where credit cards come with a multitude of benefits, rewards, and sometimes confusing terms, the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® from First National Bank of Omaha stands out as a solid choice for frequent travelers and loyal patrons of the Best Western hotel chain. With a mix of enticing rewards, a $0 annual fee, and a straightforward approach to earning points, this card has captured the attention of many. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Let’s delve deep into the specifics of this credit card to see if it aligns with your financial goals and travel habits.

Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® Key Takeaways

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, here are the key takeaways of the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®:
– Sign-up Bonus: Earn 40,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles after the account is opened.
– Ongoing Rewards: Earn 13x points on Best Western purchases, 2x points on all other purchases.
– Annual Fee: $0, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious travelers.
– APR: Variable APR ranges from 28.24% to 29.74%, which is relatively high compared to other cards.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
– Additional Points: Earn 20,000 points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles.

Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Like any financial product, this credit card has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced view:

Pros:

1. No Annual Fee: One of the standout features of this card is that it doesn’t charge an annual fee. This means you can enjoy the benefits and rewards without the pressure of having to offset a yearly cost.
2. Generous Rewards on Best Western Purchases: Earning 13x points on Best Western purchases is a significant perk for loyal customers of the hotel chain. This can lead to substantial savings on future stays.
3. No Foreign Transaction Fees: For travelers, this is an essential feature. You can use your card abroad without worrying about extra charges on foreign transactions.
4. Sign-up Bonus: The 40,000 points you can earn after spending $1,000 in the first three billing cycles is a great way to kickstart your rewards balance.
5. Additional Points for Spending: Earning 20,000 points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles offers an extra incentive to use the card regularly.

Cons:

1. High APR: The variable APR ranging from 28.24% to 29.74% is quite high. This makes carrying a balance on this card expensive and is not ideal for someone who plans to revolve their credit.
2. No Introductory APR Period: The absence of a 0% introductory APR period on purchases or balance transfers means this card doesn’t offer a break from interest charges for new cardholders.
3. Limited Reward Flexibility: While the rewards rate for Best Western purchases is excellent, the 2x points on all other purchases might not be as competitive as other travel or cashback cards available in the market.
4. Penalty Fees: Late payments can incur up to $40 in fees, and returned payments can cost up to $35. This is something to be mindful of to avoid additional charges.

Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® Benefits

The Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® comes with a suite of benefits that cater to both frequent travelers and everyday spenders. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

1. Rewards Points System

– Sign-up Bonus: As mentioned, new cardholders can earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three billing cycles. This is a substantial offer that can be used towards free nights or other rewards within the Best Western network.
– Ongoing Points: Earn 13x points on every dollar spent at Best Western hotels. This is an industry-leading rate for hotel-branded credit cards, making it highly attractive for those who frequently stay at Best Western properties.
– All Other Purchases: Earn 2x points on all other purchases. While not as high as the rate for Best Western purchases, it still provides a decent return on everyday spending.

2. No Annual Fee

One of the most significant advantages of this card is the $0 annual fee. This makes it a low-risk option for cardholders who want to earn rewards without the pressure of justifying an annual cost.

3. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For international travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a major benefit. You can use your card abroad without incurring extra charges, which can add up quickly with other cards that charge up to 3% per transaction.

4. Travel Perks

– Free Nights: Points earned can be redeemed for free or discounted stays at Best Western hotels, which is a valuable perk for frequent travelers.
– Elite Status: Frequent users of the card may also benefit from automatic elite status within the Best Western Rewards program, which can include additional perks such as room upgrades, late check-outs, and more.

5. Additional Cardholder Benefits

– Free Credit Score: Cardholders can access their FICO credit score for free, which can help in monitoring and maintaining good credit health.
– Customer Service: First National Bank of Omaha provides robust customer service options, including online account management and support over the phone.

6. Spending Incentives

– Additional Points for Spending: Earn an extra 20,000 points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles. This offers an additional incentive to use the card regularly and accumulate points faster.

Conclusion

The Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® from First National Bank of Omaha is a compelling choice for those who frequently stay at Best Western hotels and are looking for a way to maximize their rewards without the burden of an annual fee. The card’s high rewards rate on Best Western purchases and the lack of foreign transaction fees make it particularly attractive for travelers.
However, the card is not without its downsides. The high variable APR and the lack of a 0% introductory APR period are significant drawbacks, particularly for those who may carry a balance from month to month. Additionally, while the 2x points on all other purchases is decent, it may not be competitive with other rewards cards that offer higher rates on everyday spending.
In summary, if you are a loyal Best Western customer who travels frequently and can pay off your balance in full each month, the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® could be a valuable addition to your wallet. However, if you tend to carry a balance or are looking for a more versatile rewards program, you might want to consider other options that better suit your financial habits and goals.