Virgin Red is uniquely positioned as a loyalty program. Unlike other programs that cater to specific segments of the travel market, Virgin Red offers an integrated loyalty scheme encompassing flights, accommodations, and cruises. While some programs may endeavor to offer comparable benefits through reciprocal arrangements between airlines and hotel loyalty programs, such opportunities are generally reserved for elite members.
When the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard was announced, I was curious to see how they would incorporate each aspect of the Virgin universe into the card. Although there’s currently a waiting list for the card until it launches, we now have more details about it.
Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard
Annual Fee
The Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard will have a $99 annual fee.
Sign Up Benefits
When launched, the Virgin Red card will offer a boarding bonus of 40,000 Virgin Points to new cardholders who spend $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Bonus Categories
Here’s where the Virgin Red Mastercard starts to differ from other co-brand cards.
Cardholders will earn three points per dollar on purchases with:
- Virgin Atlantic
- Virgin Hotels
- Virgin Voyages
In addition, the card will give two points per dollar at:
- Dining
- Grocery stores
- Select streaming services
- EV charging
Anything else charged to the card will earn 1 Virgin Point per dollar spent.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Virgin Red Mastercard won’t charge any foreign transaction fees.
Awards For Spending
There are spending thresholds of $15,000 and another at $30,000. Upon reaching these spending milestones, cardholders can select from a list of six Virgin perks as a reward. Additionally, it’s worth noting that cardholders have the option to choose the same award twice if they so desire.
- Flying Club reward voucher for a companion seat or a cabin upgrade on Virgin Atlantic.
- One free hotel night stay at a participating Virgin Hotel.
- One suite upgrade at a participating Virgin Hotel.
- Up to $300 bar tab with Virgin Voyages.
- Blue Extras Perk Package with Virgin Voyages – includes laundry service, exclusive cocktail party, and daily coffee credits.
Additional Card Benefits
- 5,000 Virgin Point anniversary bonus each year
- 2,500 for adding additional cardholders (up to 4 users)
- 25 Virgin Flying Club Tier Points for each $2,500 in eligible purchases (max 50 Tier Points per month)
- Third night free after booking two nights at a participating Virgin Hotel (once per year)
Travel Coverage
Currently, the website doesn’t mention travel coverage. The landing page for the waiting list has a link for additional perks and restrictions, but it hasn’t yet been activated. The card does offer some coverage for purchases through Mastercard World Elite.
Recap
Virgin Red has introduced its new co-branded Mastercard, which offers a variety of benefits and rewards for cardholders. The card includes a $99 annual fee, a sign-up bonus of 40,000 Virgin Points for new cardholders, and bonus categories that encompass Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Voyages, as well as select dining, grocery store, streaming service, and EV charging purchases. Cardholders can take advantage of perks such as no foreign transaction fees, anniversary bonuses, and the ability to select rewards from a list upon reaching specific spending thresholds. The Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard is an appealing choice for individuals interested in a loyalty program with extensive travel benefits throughout the Virgin universe.
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