Positive Changes to the MBNA Best Western MasterCard

After writing about how the Capital One IHG credit cards being discontinued, it was looking very bleak. However, the MBNA Best Western MasterCard has introduced so very positive changes to its credit card features. But first of all, let’s recap the highlights of the credit card:

• No annual fee
• Earn 20,000 sign up bonus points after your first purchase
• Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Best Western properties
• Earn 1.5 point for every $1 on all purchases
• Awarded Gold Status upon first use of your credit card
• Awarded Diamond Status when you spend $10,000 in a calendar year

The first significant change is the addition of the 5 points for every $1 spent at Best Western properties. I was actually hoping to see 3 points per $1 spent, so this blew by my recommendation. I value Best Western points at 0.8 cents a piece, so this comes out to a 4% return on Best Western purchases, which is amazing value.

Also, we will now be award Gold Status after our first usage. They actually skipped conditions to reach Platinum status and went straight to receiving Diamond status after spending $10,000 in 1 year. In the past, we can receive 1 tier elite status upgrade after spending $6,000 within 1 year. It is debatable on which one is better, but it is definitely much easier to receive Gold status, so this benefits smaller spenders.

I am really happy to see some movement on this credit card, not so much because of the positive changes, but the fact that there is a higher chance that this credit card may continue to be issued, unlike the Capital One IHG credit cards.

I am very much routing for this credit card. I will be looking to apply for this credit card soon. I was really hoping to see an increased sign up bonus first. In the past, we have seen 40,000, 50,000 and 60,000 sign up bonuses. So hopefully we’ll see one of the 3 again soon.