Natwest launches reward credit card with easyJet from Luton Airport
NatWest has teamed up with travel company ebookers and low-cost airline easyJet to launch a new travel reward programme for its credit cards. The YourPoints programme will replace the bank’s 19-year old relationship with Airmiles from June.
A spokesman for NatWest said the reason for the change was that the Airmiles scheme is now ‘out of date’. He said: ‘The airline and travel industry has changed beyond recognition since the Airmiles partnership was established in 1988. Many customers now require more flexibility. They also choose to fly with low-cost airlines and use travel websites to take advantage of special offers.’
The bank’s new YourPoints will allow customers to choose any flight, to any destination, at any time, alongside a wide range of other travel options. There are no restrictions or blackout days, and airport taxes can be paid for in YourPoints too. NatWest customers will also be able to buy easyJet flights with YourPoints, the first loyalty programme that allows customers to do this.
Initially, YourPoints is only available to existing NatWest customers who collected Airmiles with their credit cards. The new programme comes into effect from the date customers receive their June credit card statement. At this point customers will cease to collect Airmiles on their credit or charge card and will start to collect YourPoints, however their Airmiles balance will be unaffected.
The programme has been devised to reward loyal customers who regularly use their card and will be free to customers who spend more than £1000 a month. Other customers who want to join the programme will pay £3 per month.