2 Airline Cards Getting the Ax – Are You Affected?
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We have another development in the Alaska Airlines Virgin America merger. Specifically affecting Virgin America cardholders!
On January 4, 2018, all Virgin America credit cards will be closed.
I’ll explain what this means for you. And what will happen to any unused miles you earned!
Goodbye to Virgin America Credit Cards
Link: Virgin America Merger Update
Link: Virgin America Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Starting January 1, 2018, Alaska Airlines will completely eliminate the Virgin America program. Including both Virgin America co-branded credit cards, the Virgin America Visa card and the Virgin America Premium Visa card. Which will both be deactivated on January 4, 2018.
The Virgin America cards will NOT convert to Alaska Airlines cards. But Virgin America is giving folks the option to close the cards themselves by calling 855-871-9842. Or just wait until January 4, 2018, when they’ll automatically be closed.
If you have a balance on your card, you’ll keep receiving monthly statements until it’s paid.
What Happens to My Miles?
When you close any co-branded airline credit card, you do NOT lose the miles you’ve earned with that card. That’s because the miles you earn deposit into your airline account. They do NOT stay on your credit card.
However, if you have a Virgin America credit card, you’ll need to convert any Virgin America miles you still have in 2018 into Alaska Airlines miles to redeem them. Because Virgin America’s loyalty program will no longer be operating!
Bottom Line
The Virgin America credit cards are being deactivated on January 4, 2018. So any benefits you have with the card will disappear on that date. Along with the ability to earn Virgin America miles!
You will NOT lose your miles when the cards are discontinued. But if you have any remaining Virgin America miles, you’ll have to convert them into Alaska Airlines miles to redeem them.
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