China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue from First National Bank of Omaha Review

When it comes to international travel, particularly to Asia, China Airlines is a popular choice among frequent flyers. To cater to this loyal customer base, the First National Bank of Omaha offers the China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue. This credit card promises an array of travel benefits, miles accumulation, and a user-friendly fee structure. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into every detail of this card, helping you decide whether it aligns with your financial habits and travel goals.

China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue Key Takeaways

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s highlight some of the key features of the China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue:
– Miles Accumulation: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on China Airlines purchases and 1 mile per $2 spent on other purchases.
– Bonus Miles: Receive 2,500 bonus miles after your first purchase within the first three billing cycles.
– Introductory Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first six billing cycles.
– Annual Fee: $0, making it a cost-effective option.
– Foreign Transaction Fees: None, ideal for international travelers.
– Purchase APR: 28.24% variable, which is on the higher end.
– Fees for Balance Transfers and Cash Advances: Either $10 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater, and either $15 or 5% for cash advances, whichever is greater.
– Credit Score Requirement: Good credit score (670-739) is recommended.
With these key takeaways in mind, let’s explore the card’s pros and cons, benefits, and other pertinent details.

China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Annual Fee

One of the most attractive aspects of this card is the absence of an annual fee. This makes it a cost-effective choice for those who are looking to earn miles without the burden of an annual cost.

2. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For international travelers, foreign transaction fees can quickly add up. The China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue eliminates these fees, allowing you to spend abroad without incurring additional charges.

3. Introductory APR on Balance Transfers

The 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first six billing cycles offers a significant advantage, especially if you have existing high-interest debt that you wish to transfer and pay down without accruing additional interest.

4. Bonus Miles

New cardholders can earn 2,500 bonus miles after making their first purchase within the first three billing cycles. This is a quick and easy way to jumpstart your miles accumulation.

Cons

1. High Purchase APR

The variable purchase APR of 28.24% is relatively high. If you do not pay your balance in full each month, the interest charges can significantly outweigh the benefits of the miles earned.

2. No Introductory APR on Purchases

While the card offers an introductory APR on balance transfers, it does not extend the same benefit to new purchases. If you plan to make large purchases and carry a balance, this could be a drawback.

3. Limited Earnings on Non-China Airlines Purchases

The card offers 1 mile per $2 spent on non-China Airlines purchases, which is less competitive compared to other travel rewards cards that offer higher earning rates on general spending.

China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue Benefits

Miles Accumulation

One of the primary reasons to consider the China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue is its miles accumulation structure. Cardholders earn 1 mile per $1 spent on China Airlines purchases. This is particularly beneficial for frequent flyers of China Airlines, as these miles can quickly add up and be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.
For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1 mile per $2 spent. While this earning rate is not as competitive as some other travel rewards cards, it still allows for miles accumulation on everyday spending.

Bonus Miles

New cardholders are awarded 2,500 bonus miles after making their first purchase within the first three billing cycles. This is a great way to start building your miles balance and can be a nice incentive for those considering this card.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For international travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a significant benefit. Many credit cards charge fees for transactions made abroad, which can add up over time. With the China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue, you can make purchases in foreign currencies without incurring additional costs.

Travel Benefits

As a World Elite Mastercard, this card offers a range of travel benefits, including:
– Mastercard Airport Concierge: Get 15% savings on Airport Meet and Greet services.
– Luxury Hotels & Resorts Portfolio: Enjoy complimentary benefits such as room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out at over 2,000 properties worldwide.
– Priceless Cities: Gain access to exclusive experiences and offers in various cities around the world.
– Global Emergency Services: Access to emergency assistance services, including medical and legal referrals, lost luggage assistance, and more.

Introductory APR on Balance Transfers

The 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first six billing cycles is a notable benefit. If you have existing high-interest credit card debt, transferring it to this card can help you pay it down without accruing additional interest during the introductory period.

Rate and Fee Information

Purchase Intro APR

The China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue does not offer an introductory APR on purchases. This means that any purchases made will be subject to the standard variable APR of 28.24%.

Purchase APR

The standard purchase APR is 28.24% variable. This is relatively high compared to other travel rewards cards, so it is crucial to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Intro Balance Transfer APR

The card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first six billing cycles. After this period, the balance transfer APR reverts to the standard variable rate of 28.24%.

Balance Transfers APR

After the introductory period, the APR for balance transfers is 28.24% variable. Additionally, balance transfers incur a fee of either $10 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater.

APR for Cash Advances

The APR for cash advances is 29.74% variable. Cash advances also incur a fee of either $15 or 5% of the advance amount, whichever is greater.

How to Avoid Paying Interest

To avoid paying interest on purchases, you must pay your entire balance by the due date each month. The due date is at least 21 days after the close of each billing cycle. If you pay your balance in full by the due date, you will not be charged interest on purchases.

Fees

Annual Fee

The card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to earn travel rewards without the burden of an annual cost.

Fees for Balance Transfer

Balance transfers incur a fee of either $10 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater. This fee should be considered when deciding whether to transfer a balance to this card.

Fees for Cash Advances

Cash advances incur a fee of either $15 or 5% of the advance amount, whichever is greater. Additionally, cash advances are subject to a higher APR of 29.74% variable.

Penalty Fees

– Return Payment Fee: Up to $35
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $40

Managing Your Account

Online Account Management

Cardholders can manage their account and pay their bill online through the credit card issuer’s website. This provides a convenient way to track spending, view statements, and make payments.

Customer Service

The First National Bank of Omaha offers customer service support for cardholders. You can contact customer service for assistance with your account, questions about your card, or to report lost or stolen cards.

Conclusion

The China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue from the First National Bank of Omaha is a compelling option for frequent flyers of China Airlines and international travelers. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it offers a cost-effective way to earn miles and enjoy travel benefits. The 2,500 bonus miles after the first purchase within the first three billing cycles provide a great start to your miles accumulation.
However, the card’s high purchase APR of 28.24% variable and the limited earning rate of 1 mile per $2 spent on non-China Airlines purchases may be drawbacks for some users. It is essential to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and maximize the benefits of this card.
Overall, the China Airlines World Elite™ Mastercard® Blue is best suited for those who frequently fly with China Airlines and are looking for a no-annual-fee card with valuable travel benefits. If you fit this profile, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.