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The BMI credit cards seem to be dead

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Today, Saturday 27th, will see the last bmi flight land at Heathrow. All of the ex bmi flights will now be officially operated by BA under BA flight numbers, although some bmi painted planes will continue to operate for a while.

Today is also the last day that flybmi.com will exist. From tomorrow, the new Diamond Club website will go live, but this will enable you to do nothing more than check your DC balance.

And now, the final straw. The end of an era, in fact. BA has said than bmi’s credit cards will continue well into 2013. I had therefore assumed that new applicants would continue to be accepted as well.

Diamond Club cards

Earlier this week, the application form link on the MBNA website went down, but I assumed it was a fault as the card was still being promoted there. Yesterday, though, Head for Points reader Ben called MBNA, and they confirmed that the cards were pulled on Monday. The link on the flybmi.com website is now also dead.

Assuming this is true and not a temporary hiatus, it is the end of an era – and the end of the best sign-up bonus of any UK credit card. I am travelling at the moment, but next week I will try to put together a longer post about my very prolific relationship with the bmi credit card!

RIP, bmi the airline and, it seems, bmi the credit card.

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Category

British Airways and Avios

Comments (13)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Exitcontrol says:
    27 Oct27 October 09:20

    This is a sad day, bringing the fantastic diamond club to all but final close. This card has allowed me to experience travel in a way that I never thought possible! I’m sure many people got more out of the programme and card than I did however I’m more than happy with what it’s allowed me to do.

    Out of interest my card expires q2 2014, does anyone know if they will just let the cards out there expire and then not replace or if there is a defined end date for the existing holders ? (lucky me is on a MasterCard platinum!!)

    • Raffles says:
      27 Oct27 October 16:57

      It is likely that your card will be swapped for a ‘no rewards’ MBNA card until your expiry date comes round. This is what happened, for example, when the Hilton and Marriott carrs changed issuers in recent years.

  • GM says:
    27 Oct27 October 10:31

    I’m looking to replace my BMI card now that the programme is shutting down, what is currently the best card for Avios without an annual fee?

    • Gibraltar Airport Flyer says:
      27 Oct27 October 11:06

      GM if you have a bmi card you can keep using it for probably another 5 months.

    • George the Travel Monkey says:
      27 Oct27 October 11:21

      Amex Preferred Rewards Gold. 20,000 membership points (convertible to Avios) sign up after £2,000 min spend in first 3 months. 1 pt per £1 spend with double points on travel, supermarket and petrol. Plus 2 airport lounge visits.
      No annual fee for the first year.
      https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/content/gold-card/

    • Raffles says:
      27 Oct27 October 17:05

      Agreed. Amex Gold, when you factor in the 22,000 Avios sign-up bonus – assuming you are referred – is the best way to go for the next year. You need to rethink before the free first year of Amex Gold runs out.

  • David says:
    27 Oct27 October 11:09

    I wonder if they can still process a downgrade for people on the paid to the free?

    They certainly can’t justify an £85 fee at renewal time just for the extra 0.5 Avios points (no status bonus, or lounge passes).

  • Raffles says:
    27 Oct27 October 18:42

    It seems, looking at the new site, that the credit card could continue indefinitely. This either means MBNA has a long term unbreakable conract, or BA loves the income it produces! No new sign ups, though.

  • crabolas says:
    27 Oct27 October 20:12

    Although in the T&C’s…..

    “The services eligible for the issue of Destinations Miles , and the applicable reward levels, will be determined by bmi from time to time in its absolute discretion. bmi reserves the right to alter the miles awarded/reward levels without prior notice without liability of any kind on its part.”

    This suggests the better earning rates of the bmi cards could be reduced/withdrawn at any point and without notice.

    • David says:
      28 Oct28 October 01:16

      This has always been the case, and is the same with every reward programme. Additionally, do not that you never own your miles, etc.

  • Mummy55 says:
    27 Oct27 October 21:29

    After your post about the BMI cards on the 16/10/12 I applied and was accepted for a card . This was confirmed by email on 19/10/12. I have now received my pin numbers and am awaiting the cards, do you think I will get the bonus points?
    (20000sign up bonus was on application link I used).

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