AirTran A+ Visa Card - What's The Catch?

[PSUGuy]

Just got an offer for a CC from AT, no fee, benefits for purchases and, get this, a FREE RT ticket with the first purchase of any amount, even a pack of gum, so it sez. I can't find a flaw in the fine print, anyone have this and use it? What's the catch?

Bill From PA

 

[keishashadow]

they charge you interest if you don't pay your balance every month and while many consider AT's habits of switching flights to be an opportunity to rebook a better/more expensive flight, it gets irritating if you aren't flexible imo.

it's my primary card (barclays), within last year they said they had to switch my 'signature' card to an annual fee type, but they then gave two-$50 credits toward flight booked within the year. Im a fan of signature cards as to how the info is reported to credit bureaus (your total availability isn't posted which with the high limits they usually grant can sometimes cause debt/income ratio issues depending on who's evaluating credit)

it used to take months for the CC usage credits to post into airtran account, now they post shortly after statement cuts off & the CC credits are good for 2 years.

must say it's been easier to use the rewards now too:

*seems to be more availability even on popular routes/times I had issues securing in the past.

*you can check availability online for a month at a time

*more seats seem to segue into the reward category earlier vs seats being released a month or so out.

*i love being able to upgrade to business class

 

[Inkmahm]

No catch. You get the credits to use for a free flight OR for upgrades. We always use ours for upgrades to business class. I've been using the Airtran card as my primary VISA card lately.

 

[Michael623]

No catch. I got the card made a couple of small purchases and the freebie was there. My flight is next month and then I plan to cancel the card right after.

 

[PSUGuy]

Thanks for the info, everyone. My leg down is out already, the return could come out any day, I'm tempted to get this card, use it, then buy one RT ticket and get the other free. Better get on it.

Bill From PA

 

[TaraPA]

I got the same offer & was also tossing it around for the freebie. Glad to see the positive remarks here, looks like I'll be signing up! I use the Disney VISA as my primary CC but a free flight credit seals the deal for me!

 

[bop28]

Did the offer come by mail, or did you hear about it online somewhere?

 

[PSUGuy]

Did the offer come by mail, or did you hear about it online somewhere?

Offer via mail.

Bill From PA

 

[PSUGuy]

As a follow-up, I called this morning to apply, found out there's a $49 per year fee (didn't see this in the fine print), that's a deal breaker. The fare from ABE to MCO and back will probably come to $215 each at worst, $180 at best, wifey's not an A+ member so only I got the offer, it's just not worth the hoops to get this for one free RT ticket. The agent on the phone couldn't answer my question as to whether I could definately get an ABE/MCO RT, so we'll pass on this.

Bill From PA