Question 1

How many XPs can I earn annually with the enhanced card?

Accepted Answer

You can earn up to 160 XPs annually: 20 XPs on your card anniversary, 80 XPs for spending $15,000, and an additional 60 XPs for spending $25,000. This is a massive improvement from the previous 20 XPs maximum.

Question 2

When does the card transition from Mastercard to Visa?

Accepted Answer

The transition happens in March 2026. Existing cardholders will automatically receive new Visa Signature cards with new card numbers. The transition should be seamless with no action required from cardholders.

Question 3

What Flying Blue status can I achieve with just the welcome bonus?

Accepted Answer

The 100 XP welcome bonus (60 upon approval + 40 after minimum spend) is enough to achieve Silver status, which requires 100 XPs. This provides priority check-in, boarding, free seat selection, and extra baggage allowance.

Question 4

Can I reach Gold status in my first year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the welcome bonus (100 XPs) plus spending $25,000 to earn 160 XPs, you'd have 260 XPs in your first year. Since Gold requires 280 XPs total (100 for Silver + 180 for Gold), you'd need just 20 more XPs from flying or other activities.

Question 5

What are the new earning categories?

Accepted Answer

The card now earns 3x miles on Air France/KLM/SkyTeam bookings, 3x miles on dining (new category), and 1.5x miles on all other purchases. The dining category is a significant addition for everyday spending.

Question 6

Will the Visa version work at Costco?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once the card transitions to Visa Signature in March 2026, it will be accepted at Costco, which only accepts Visa credit cards. This opens up new earning opportunities at 1.5x miles per dollar spent at Costco.

Question 7

How does Flying Blue status qualification work?

Accepted Answer

Flying Blue uses a tiered system where your XP balance resets after each status achievement. You need 100 XPs for Silver, then an additional 180 XPs for Gold, then 300 more for Platinum. If you already have status, you need the "additional" amount to maintain it.

Question 8

What are Bank of America's approval guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Bank of America generally follows a 2/3/4 rule: maximum 2 cards in 2 months, 3 in 12 months, and 4 in 24 months. They also typically won't approve applicants with 3+ new accounts from any issuer in the past 12 months (7 if you have a deposit account with them).

Question 9

Is this card worth it compared to transferable point cards?

Accepted Answer

For pure earning, cards like Capital One Venture (2x everything) may be better. However, if you want Flying Blue elite status, the XP earning makes this card valuable. The combination of 160 annual XPs plus direct miles earning without transfer fees can justify the lower base rate.

Question 10

What happens to my existing Mastercard benefits?

Accepted Answer

When the card transitions to Visa Signature, you'll lose Mastercard-specific benefits but gain Visa Signature benefits. The core card benefits (earning rates, XPs, annual fee) remain the same. The main practical change is Costco acceptance and different travel/purchase protections.

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Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine