The America West® FlightFund® Platinum Visa® Card, issued by Bank of America, is designed for those with very good credit who travel frequently on America West® Airlines.
Through the reward program, cardholders earn one mile for every dollar spent on the card and two miles for every dollar spent through America West® and America West Express®. Earned miles can be applied towards free travel on America West® and America West Express®.
Upon approval, 5,000 bonus miles are applied to the account; accumulated miles do not expire as long as there is activity in the FlightFund® miles account within a three-year period. In addition, there is no yearly limit on the number of miles that can be earned (the standard card has a 50,000 yearly limit). Cardholders also receive 1,000 bonus miles with their first purchase and each year upon payment of the annual fee.
In addition to the reward program, cardholders can expect various platinum benefits offered by Bank of America, such as auto rental insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, lost luggage insurance, up to $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance coverage, and two complimentary one time West Club passes - each valid for two individuals per visit (see website for additional benefits offered).
The interest rate applied to purchases is reasonably low for a reward card, although not necessarily ideal for those who plan to carry a continuous revolving balance. The annual fee, while slightly high, is reasonable for a platinum airline reward card. There is, however, a minimum cap of 19.99% for cash advances; so no matter how low the Prime Rate falls (the APR is tied to the Prime Rate), the interest rate will not go below the minimum cap.
Therefore, those who can afford to pay in full each month (to avoid finance charges), will use the card frequently through America West® and America West Express® (to earn additional miles), and will be able to redeem a free ticket within a two-year period (due to the annual fee of $75), will benefit most from what the America West® FlightFund® Platinum Visa® Card has to offer.
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