Eurobonus Credit Card: For travelers looking to explore Scandinavia and Europe, the Eurobonus frequent flyer program can be extremely valuable. Eurobonus is the loyalty program of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and allows members to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and other rewards. The program also offers co-branded credit cards that make it even easier to rack up points quickly.
In this complete guide to Eurobonus, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- How to earn Eurobonus points from flying, credit cards, hotels, car rentals and more
- Sweet spots for redeeming points on SAS and partner flights
- Details on the Eurobonus American Express and Diners Club cards
- Strategies for maximizing earnings and redemptions
- Pros and cons of the program
Join us as we explore how to maximize Eurobonus and its credit cards to unlock huge value from traveling across Europe.
Earning Eurobonus Points Using Eurobonus Credit Card
There are several ways to earn Eurobonus points, both by flying and through everyday spending. Here are the main ways to rack up points:
Earning points by flying SAS and partner airlines
The primary way members earn Eurobonus points is by flying on SAS and partner airlines including:
- SAS: Earn points based on the cost of tickets in booking class. Higher-fare classes earn more.
- Star Alliance partners: Earn points on United, Lufthansa, Air Canada and more.
- Other partners: Some points earnings on Air Greenland, Air Baltic, and more.
Business class fares on SAS tend to be very generous, with 125% of the distance flown earned as Eurobonus points. Promotional bonuses can help boost earnings further.
Earning points through everyday spending
Eurobonus members can earn points through everyday spending if they have one of the Eurobonus co-branded credit cards. The American Express and Diners Club cards allow you to earn 1 Eurobonus point per 1 Euro spent.
You can also earn points by shopping through the Eurobonus Shopping portal, with bonus points at over 700 online retailers.
Earning points through partners like hotels and car rentals
Eurobonus has partnered with hotels, car rental agencies, and other travel providers to allow members to earn points on travel spending. Partners include:
- Major hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, Nordic Choice
- Car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar
- Rail providers like SJ, DSB, and VR
Making bookings through the Eurobonus site scores the most points.
Redeeming Eurobonus Points
When it comes to redemptions, Eurobonus points can be used for free flights on SAS and partners as well as other rewards. Here are the best options for redeeming points:
Booking award flights
Members can use Eurobonus points to book reward flights with SAS and partner airlines. Award prices are grouped into three zones:
- Zone 1: Intra-Europe flights under 3 hours
- Zone 2: Intra-Europe flights over 3 hours
- Zone 3: Intercontinental flights
Example round-trip awards include:
- Copenhagen to London (Zone 1): 25,000 points
- Copenhagen to Paris (Zone 2): 40,000 points
- Copenhagen to New York (Zone 3): 105,000 points
Award availability is generally decent, especially if booking well in advance. Eurobonus allows one-way awards and stopovers for 5,000 extra points.
Upgrading tickets with points
Members can use points to upgrade already booked revenue tickets from economy to business class. Upgrade costs vary by route and booking fare but can represent a good value.
This is a great option if no business-class award seats are available. Upgrades are clear at the time of ticketing if upgrade points are in the account.
Non-flight redemptions
Eurobonus points can be redeemed for a variety of other rewards besides flights:
- Hotel stays at over 170,000 properties
- Car rentals with top providers
- Shopping and dining e-gift cards
- Magazines and newspapers
- Charity Donations
However, flight redemptions tend to offer better overall value.
Eurobonus American Express Credit Card
One of the best ways to boost Eurobonus earnings quickly is by getting the co-branded Eurobonus American Express Card. Here are the key details on this card:
Card details and benefits
The Eurobonus American Express Card carries a 120 Euro annual fee that is waived the first year. Card benefits include:
- 1 Eurobonus point per 1 Euro spent
- 10,000 point sign-up bonus after first use
- Priority Pass airport lounge access
- Travel insurance and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
Earning points with a credit card
As mentioned above, you’ll earn 1 Eurobonus point for every 1 Euro spent on the card. All spending counts including groceries, dining, travel, bills, etc.
Based on average spending, you could earn 10,000+ Eurobonus points per year just from everyday charges. That’s enough for a free one-way flight within Europe.
Credit card membership levels
Based on your annual spending with the Eurobonus Amex, you’ll progress through three membership levels:
- Basic: 0 – 15,000 Euro annual spend
- Silver: 15,000 – 25,000 Euro annual spend
- Gold: Over 25,000 Euro annual spend
Higher levels offer perks like bonus points, discounted award flights, and free cabin upgrades.
Eurobonus Diners Club Credit Card
Besides Amex, there is also a Eurobonus Diners Club co-branded credit card available. Here are the key details on this card:
Card details and benefits
The Diners Club version has similar benefits and a 120 Euro annual fee waived the first year. Perks include:
- 1 Eurobonus point per 1 Euro spent
- 5,000 point sign-up bonus
- Travel insurance and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fee
One unique perk is 10,000 bonus points each year on your account anniversary.
Earning points
The earning rate on this card matches the Eurobonus American Express at 1 Eurobonus point per 1 Euro in spending.
Membership levels
The Diners Club card has four membership tiers based on annual spending:
- Classic: 0 – 7,500 Euro annual spend
- Silver: 7,500 – 15,000 Euro
- Gold: 15,000 – 25,000 Euro
- Diamond: Over 25,000 Euro
Higher tiers come with bonus point perks, discounted awards, and more.
Tips for Maximizing Points
To get the most value from the Eurobonus program and its credit cards, here are some key tips for earning and redeeming efficiently:
Strategies for earning more points faster
- Take advantage of promotions and flash sales for bonus points
- Credit card signup bonuses can net up to 25,000 points
- Fly paid business class fares on SAS when possible
- Book hotels, rental cars, and activities via the Eurobonus site
- Meet credit card annual spend thresholds for membership perks
Best ways to redeem points
- Use points for SAS Anytime awards to get last seat availability
- Book longer flights in business class for better redemption values
- Consider upgrading economy fares to business class with points
- Transfer points to hotel and airline partners for added value
- Take advantage of Stopovers and Open Jaws to get two destinations for the price of one
Pros and Cons of the Program
Before applying for a Eurobonus credit card, here are some of the key advantages and potential drawbacks to consider:
Advantages of Eurobonus
- Very strong earnings for SAS business class flights
- Excellent award availability on SAS flights
- Valuable credit card signup bonuses
- Good fit for Europe-focused travelers
- Reasonable award pricing with off-peak discounts
Potential drawbacks
- Earnings and redemptions are most valuable when flying SAS
- Fuel surcharges on most partner award flights
- Everyday earning rates are worse than some other card programs
- Complex award chart with three zones
For Europe-focused flyers who travel often with SAS, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. However, occasional SAS flyers may find better flexible point program options.
FAQs
What is the best Eurobonus credit card?
Both the American Express and Diners Club versions offer strong benefits. Amex has a slight edge for its Membership Rewards transfer option, lounge access, and higher-end membership perks. But the Diners 10,000-point retention bonus is also nice.
How can I earn Eurobonus points without flying?
Everyday credit card spending, online shopping through the Eurobonus portal, hotel and car rental partner bookings, and promotions are the main non-flight ways to earn points.
What’s the easiest way to earn status?
The paid membership Levels offer the fastest way to earn Gold or Diamond status. But you can also qualify through enough flights + Eurobonus credit card spending.
Can I transfer Eurobonus points to other loyalty programs?
Eurobonus points can be transferred 1:1 to SAS’s Star Alliance partners United and Air Canada. Though fuel surcharges may still apply on partner awards.
Are Eurobonus points worth it for U.S.-based travelers?
For U.S. flyers, Eurobonus points are generally most valuable when flying round-trip to Europe in SAS business class. But consider fuel surcharges on using points for Star Alliance partners.
Conclusion
The Eurobonus program can offer tremendous value through its generous flight points earnings and solid credit card options. SAS business class awards in particular are very rewarding.
Frequent SAS travelers who want to unlock premium flights to Europe should strongly consider applying for the Eurobonus American Express or Diners Club card. 25,000+ points from the signup bonus plus ongoing earnings from spending can net you multiple free flights a year.
Just be sure to crunch the numbers compared to other programs before applying. But for dedicated SAS passengers, the perks of Eurobonus membership are too good to pass up!
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