The Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit card, issued through Bank of America, is undergoing significant improvements that make earning elite status more accessible for U.S. cardholders. The changes, which are now live for new applicants and existing members, focus on enhanced rewards and a streamlined transition to Visa.
Key Updates to the Card
The most notable updates include a new 3x miles earning category for dining purchases, in addition to the existing 3x miles on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam bookings, plus 1.5x miles on other spending. The card maintains its $89 annual fee but delivers greater value through increased XP earning opportunities.
- Cardmembers can now earn up to 160 XPs annually by spending $25,000 on the card, significantly accelerating their path to Flying Blue elite status.
- The card will transition from Mastercard to Visa Signature in March 2026, ensuring a seamless experience for existing cardholders.
- A limited-time welcome offer provides 70,000 miles plus 100 XPs after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.
Why This Matters: Understanding Flying Blue Elite Status
The Flying Blue program uses XPs (Experience Points) to determine elite status tiers:
- Silver: 100 XPs
- Gold: 280 XPs (100 + 180)
- Platinum: 580 XPs (100 + 180 + 300)
For those already holding Platinum status, only 300 XPs are needed to requalify. The enhanced XP earning opportunities on the credit card mean that high spenders can now reach or maintain elite status more efficiently.
The Bottom Line
The Air France-KLM credit card updates are a net positive for Flying Blue members. The combination of increased rewards, streamlined transition to Visa, and enhanced XP earning potential makes the card more valuable than ever. For frequent travelers who already spend on credit cards, this is an opportunity to accelerate their elite status journey.
