Air France-KLM Flying Blue Credit Card Enhanced: Easier Status Earning with New Benefits

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To the point Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit card enhanced: Earn up to 160 XPs annually, 3x dining, 70K miles welcome bonus. Mastercard to Visa transition March 2026. Status made easier.

Bank of America has significantly enhanced the Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit card, making it much easier to earn elite status while adding valuable new earning categories. The card is also transitioning from Mastercard to Visa Signature in March 2026, with existing cardholders automatically receiving new cards.

These changes represent a major improvement for anyone looking to earn Flying Blue elite status through credit card spending, while maintaining the same $89 annual fee.

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Major Card Enhancements

New Earning Structure

The card now offers improved earning rates across multiple categories:

  • 3x miles on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam bookings
  • 3x miles on dining purchases (NEW)
  • 1.5x miles on all other purchases
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Enhanced Status Earning Opportunities

The biggest improvement comes in the form of significantly more XPs (Experience Points) for card spending:

BenefitPreviousNew
Card Anniversary XPs20 XPs20 XPs
$15,000 Annual Spend BonusN/A80 XPs
$25,000 Annual Spend BonusN/AAdditional 60 XPs
Total Possible Annual XPs20 XPs160 XPs

This means cardholders who spend $25,000 annually can now earn 160 XPs per year, compared to just 20 XPs previously—an 8x improvement in status earning potential.

(9) Air France Business Lounge in Chicago, USA ©Air France – grande taille

Flying Blue Status Requirements

Understanding Flying Blue’s status structure helps illustrate the value of these enhanced XP earning opportunities:

Status LevelXPs RequiredXPs from Current Tier
Silver100 XPs100 XPs from scratch
Gold280 XPs total180 XPs from Silver
Platinum580 XPs total300 XPs from Gold
Ultimate900 XPs (flight-only)Only via Air France-KLM flights

With 160 XPs annually from card spending alone, plus the 100 XP welcome bonus, cardholders can make significant progress toward elite status without extensive flying.

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Mastercard to Visa Transition

In March 2026, the card will transition from the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard to the Air France KLM Visa Signature Card:

  • Automatic conversion: Existing cardholders will receive new Visa cards automatically
  • New card numbers: The transition will include new card numbers for security
  • Costco compatibility: Visa acceptance means the card can now be used at Costco
  • Visa Signature benefits: Access to Visa’s premium card benefits and protections

Additional Card Benefits

  • Anniversary bonus: 5,000 miles after spending at least $50 annually
  • No foreign transaction fees: Ideal for international travel
  • Visa Signature benefits: Travel and purchase protections
  • SkyTeam benefits: Elite status recognition across SkyTeam alliance

Strategic Value Analysis

Status Earning Potential

The enhanced XP earning makes this card particularly valuable for status seekers:

  • Silver status: Achievable with welcome bonus (100 XPs) alone
  • Gold status: Possible with welcome bonus + $25,000 annual spend (260 XPs first year)
  • Platinum maintenance: 160 XPs annually covers over half the 300 XP requirement

Earning Rate Comparison

While the 1.5x base earning rate is modest compared to 2x cards like Capital One Venture, the status earning potential and dining bonus make it competitive for specific use cases:

  • For status seekers: The XP earning justifies the lower base rate
  • For dining spending: 3x rate is competitive with other dining cards
  • For Flying Blue loyalists: Direct earning eliminates transfer fees and delays

Bank of America Application Considerations

Bank of America has specific approval guidelines to consider:

  • 2/3/4 rule: Maximum 2 cards in 2 months, 3 in 12 months, 4 in 24 months
  • 3/12 guideline: Generally won’t approve with 3+ new accounts from any issuer in 12 months
  • Banking relationship bonus: Deposit accounts may increase approval odds and limits

Flying Blue Elite Status Benefits

The enhanced XP earning makes these status benefits more accessible:

Silver Status (100 XPs)

  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Free seat selection
  • Extra baggage allowance

Gold Status (280 XPs total)

  • Lounge access when flying SkyTeam
  • Priority baggage handling
  • Bonus miles earning

Platinum Status (580 XPs total)

  • Air France First Class award availability
  • Enhanced lounge access
  • Priority everything
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Who Should Consider This Card

  • Flying Blue status seekers: 160 XPs annually makes status much more achievable
  • SkyTeam flyers: Status benefits across the entire alliance
  • Heavy diners: 3x earning on dining is competitive
  • Air France First Class aspirants: Platinum status required for award availability
  • Costco shoppers: Visa acceptance opens new earning opportunities

Bottom Line

The enhanced Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit card represents a significant improvement in value proposition. The ability to earn 160 XPs annually through card spending, combined with the 100 XP welcome bonus and new 3x dining category, makes this card much more compelling for anyone interested in Flying Blue elite status.

While the 1.5x base earning rate isn’t industry-leading, the status earning potential and SkyTeam alliance benefits justify the $89 annual fee for the right cardholder. The transition to Visa also opens new spending opportunities, particularly at Costco.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue Credit Card: Frequently Asked Questions

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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