If you’d been holding off on applying for the Comenity Bank Virgin America cards, your time has run out. 🙁
Without notice, Comenity Bank has stopped accepting applications for both the premium and no-annual-fee versions of these cards.
This was expected at some point due to the Alaska Airlines – Virgin America merger.
I’ll share the details!
Virgin America Cards Discontinued
Link: My Review of the Comenity Bank Virgin America Cards
I wrote last month that the Virgin America cards would likely be discontinued soon. But Comenity Bank never gave an official end date.
Today, they removed sign-up links for the card without notice. A banner on the Virgin America site says they’re no longer accepting new applications for the cards.
I know lots of folks who picked up one of these cards after it was announced that Virgin America points would transfer to Alaska Airlines at a 1 : 1.3 ratio.
It’s too bad they didn’t give folks a heads-up (like Barclaycard did before discontinuing the US Airways card) before they stopped accepting new applicants. But it’s a good reminder that nothing in the miles and points world lasts forever.
In the meantime, you could consider the Bank of America Alaska Airlines cards (personal and small business) if you need more Alaska Airlines miles. Because you can currently use Alaska Airlines miles to book Virgin America award flights.
What If You Already Have the Card?
Current Virgin America cardholders should sit tight for the time being. The banner on the Virgin America site suggests there will be communication coming soon about account changes.
Worst case, they’ll cancel these cards outright. That could have a slight impact on your credit score because your available credit will decrease.
But, as is often the case when airlines or hotels merge, I’m hopeful there’ll be some incentive or a conversion to a new product that will encourage current cardholders to keep and use the card.
I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything more!
Bottom Line
Comenity Bank stopped accepting applications for the Virgin America credit cards, without notice, late today.
I’m a little disappointed they didn’t give folks advance warning. But this isn’t unexpected, because the Alaska Airlines – Virgin America merger is moving forward, and the Virgin America brand is slowly dissolving.
If you’re already a cardholder, don’t do anything yet! There may be an incentive for you to keep the card or switch it to a different product in the future.
Did you manage to sign-up for one of these cards before today’s change? Please share your experience in the comments!