Navigating My Emirates Credit Card Journey
I just went through the rollercoaster of applying for a new credit card, and spoiler alert: The news is rather sunny!
Why I picked up Emirates’ premium credit card
As a self-confessed fan of Emirates’ cozy first class digs, I was intrigued when Emirates Skywards decided to stir the pot by revamping their policy on how one earns miles for first class travel. Essentially, if you want to live the high life in first class, you’ll need elite status with Skywards now.
Thankfully, all is not lost if you’re not an elite member. A few sneaky back doors still exist—you can upgrade from business to first without status or lurk around some partner programs that still give access to first class awards. But reaching Emirates status isn’t exactly scaling Mount Everest. So, I figured—why not give it a whirl?
Enter Barclays, riding in with a couple of Emirates Skywards co-branded credit cards just waiting to rescue wannabe elites like me. After some soul-searching (and number crunching), I went for the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard. Yes, the $499 annual fee stings a bit, but here’s why it made sense:
- A bumper welcome bonus of 70,000 Skywards miles is on the table after scrimping and saving your way through minimum spending. Not too shabby!
- The card throws in Skywards Gold status for year one and Skywards Silver in the godforsaken years to follow—no spending required. Alternatively, you can splash $40,000 annually to keep bawling with Gold status.
- Thanks to Marriott & Emirates’ buddy alliance, having Emirates elite status lands you an extra mile per dollar when you’re splurging at Marriott hotels. Cha-ching for bonus mileage!
- Oh, and let’s not forget those fancy perks like a free Priority Pass membership, even for authorized users.
So, my future plans aren’t set in stone—I might stick with the card, downgrade to the more wallet-friendly $99 option, or just cancel the whole shebang. But for now, the card’s a keeper since that first class redemption is my golden carrot.
My Emirates credit card approval experience
Kicking off this adventure, I stumbled back to Barclays, as it’s been ages since I last tangoed with them. The application was easy enough to navigate, and surprise, surprise—I was approved on the spot, with the option to have my new digits immediately!
Curiosity piqued—I couldn’t help but wonder how quickly my newly minted credit card status would ripple through to Emirates Skywards. Imagine my surprise when, in lightning speed, my account was adorned with Gold status—jackpot!
However, let’s chat about the eligibility maze for the welcome bonus. The fine print courteously mentions that if you currently have or ever had an account with Barclays under this program, you’re likely on their naughty list. Not all that helpful, is it? Barclays’ rules lack a little stickiness, with vague whispers of this 24-month rule for bonuses. Anyone out there with extra insights?
Bottom line
I took the plunge with Emirates’ premium credit card and lucked into an instant approval. Rub a little salt in the wound—in hours, I was basking in the upgraded glow of Gold status with Skywards. Not too shabby, if I may say. Long-term plans? Who can say? I’ll coast along with my 70,000 bonus miles on cloud nine and decide later.
You’ve got to hand it to Emirates’ new travel award tactics—they know how to light a fire under indecisive folks like me to get hopping onto the credit card bandwagon!
If anyone else out there has joined the Emirates credit card club recently, I’m all ears for your battle tales.
By the way, if you’re planning your next adventure, check out this marvelous Val Seny ski resort.