Best bank offers for credit cards with bonus miles

Which banks award bonus miles on credit cards

According to statistics, the Sberbank credit card with miles is used by the largest number of borrowers who fly with Aeroflot. The mileage program itself provides for conversion into conditional units, where the borrower can subsequently exchange accumulated miles for tickets or airport services.

The leaders of mileage offers in Russia are the following banks:

1. Alfa-Bank Miles credit card features several functional co-branded programs.
2. VTB Miles credit card in partnership with Aeroflot.
3. Gazprombank Miles credit card. Partnership with multiple airlines.
4. Raiffeisenbank offers special mile conditions allowing you to exchange accumulated bonuses for tickets.
5. Citibank. Extended programs with Priority Pass options that provide airport services worldwide.

Partners typically include Russian carriers, but foreign airlines can also be found as partners, for example, on the Alfa-Bank Miles credit card. Among foreign carriers, you may encounter co-branded cards from Lufthansa and Swiss Airlines. Alongside Aeroflot, Russian carriers include Ural Airlines, S7, and UTair.

Some credit institutions allow paying up to 100% of the cost with miles. However, to fully utilize the mileage program, you must meet the minimum requirements of your tariff plan. In addition, some banks set limits on mileage offers. Some banks may set a 12-month validity period, while others set 24 months. If you do not use your mileage balance, all accumulated bonuses expire automatically. This factor must be considered by those who frequently travel abroad or within Russia in order to effectively manage a credit program with bonus miles.

How miles are credited on a credit card

As a rule, a mileage program provides accruals only when you make transactions with your credit card. For instance, if you purchase goods in a store for 100 RUB, the bank awards you 1 mile. Some credit organizations use a different accrual scheme, for example, 1 mile is awarded for every 30 RUB spent, or 1.75 to 2 miles for every 60 RUB spent. You can thoroughly explore how mileage programs work by applying for the best travel credit card.

It is also worth noting that some banks offer welcome miles. For example, Alfa-Bank awards welcome miles ranging from 500 to 1,000 bonus points to those who get a mileage card; the exact amount depends on the tariff plan option activated.

The mile conversion system generally works such that 1 mile equals 1 Russian ruble. This means if you have 3,000 miles in your account, you can pay for tickets equivalent to 3,000 RUB. This calculation system is typical for most banks. However, due to marketing program terms, some banks do not allow spending 100% of accumulated miles. Typically, the lowest payment threshold for airline ticket costs is 30% of accumulated miles, and the highest is 100%, meaning you purchase the ticket practically for free.

Universal cards with bonus miles for travel

Below you will find a table detailing the main and additional terms of mileage programs offered by well-known Russian banks.

Please note that standard mile accrual terms do not provide priority for a specific airline. This means all miles can be spent on any airline carriers, unless otherwise provided by the marketing campaign of the financial institution.

How banks choose their carriers

At the same time, we can highlight banks that partner with specific airline brands. To choose your carrier, such as Aeroflot, bank representatives enter into a partnership agreement. If the card offers services with multiple airline transport companies, banks conclude a special partnership agreement.

However, accumulated bonus miles can be spent on more than just tickets. Banks most often offer to spend bonuses in the following areas:

• Long-distance train tickets or Sapsan high-speed train tickets.
• Hotel bookings worldwide and within Russia.
• Car rentals via car-sharing services.
• Payment for airport VIP lounges.
• Charity.

To apply for a credit card with bonus miles, our financial services comparison platform invites you to review available offers. Follow these steps to apply online for credit cards with bonus miles:

1. Carefully review the platform's offer for the selected banking product.
2. Follow the link to the official website of your chosen bank.
3. Fill out the application form and provide the necessary details to obtain the credit card.
4. Provide your contact information to receive a message regarding loan approval.
5. Submit an application on the official website.
6. Wait for a response in about 2 to 60 minutes.
7. Once the application is approved, choose a delivery method: courier service, bank branch, or Russian Post.

Please note that before submitting an application, you should check the details of earning and spending accumulated bonus miles. Keep in mind that each bank has its own individual terms for marketing programs regarding bonus miles.