
Credit Card News
All Nippon Airways Introduces ANA Card U.S.A. Plus
ANA has unveiled an updated version of its ANA Card U.S.A. credit card, including giving the product a new name.
About the ANA Card U.S.A. Plus:
As of February 25th, the new ANA Card U.S.A. Plus is now available. The updated card earns 2x miles on eligible ANA purchases, including airfare. All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar spent. Plus, when customers make their first purchase with the card, they’ll earn 5,000 bonus miles. Additionally, the card does not charge any foreign transaction fees.
As for other perks, cardholders enjoy priority check-in for ANA-operated international flights (customers can present their card at the Business Class check-in counter). ANA Card U.S.A. Plus customers can earn Bronze status with fewer requirements. Cardholders also get 10% off ANA in-flight purchases as well as 10% off at select duty-free shops at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports.
According to the ANA site, ANA Card U.S.A. Plus is perfect for ANA Mileage Club members who want to establish U.S. credit history. This makes it an intriguing choice for expats. However, a U.S. address is required to apply.
The ANA Card U.S.A. Plus is issued by First National Bank of Omaha.
Previously:
The new ANA Card U.S.A. Plus replaces the former ANA Card U.S.A., which was discontinued as of February 25th. That card carried a slightly lower annual fee of $70. Notably, aside from the 2x on ANA purchases and no foreign transaction fees features (a 3% fee previously applied), many of the benefits from this version of the card are the same as the updated one.
My thoughts:
Obviously this is a specialized card for a limited few people. In particular, the expat angle is interesting to me as I’ve seen firsthand how some moving to the United States from other countries struggle to get approved for credit here despite having good history in their native country. Therefore, if that’s the situation you find yourself in, then perhaps this ANA card could be a good way to start establishing American credit for a relatively low cost (and some benefits if you do fly ANA often).
However, for those who may just be fans of ANA and would consider getting a co-branded card, I don’t think this is a good option. Although some perks such as priority check-in may be nice, most people would likely be better served with a different travel card option. For example, the American Express Platinum card earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines — and those points can be transferred to ANA Mileage Club as the airline is an Amex transfer partner. Of course, if the $695 annual fee for the Platinum card is too steep, the Green Card offers 3x on flights as well as other travel and transit purchases while carrying a $150 annual fee.