Question
Hi,
Every week in CLT I see the people trying to sign people up for the US Airways MasterCard. Most of them know my face by now since I'm there once a week at least, and a few weeks ago while chatting with one of them (not about getting a card, but just general chat) I mentioned that I already had the BoA VISA that I use for business purchases, but they said that BoA is ending its contract with US Airways later this year. So, I could still use the card but that it wouldn't have any affiliation with US Airways (no bonus miles, etc.). I told her that was strange because they are promoting the MasterCard in the airport, but the FA's are always trying to sign people up for the VISA card during flights.
Does anyone know the true story behind this? Is the BoA VISA ending it's affiliation with US Airways this year? If that's the case, then I'll open a MasterCard account.
Regards,
Mike
Answer
When America West acquired US, the new US announced that Juniper Bank, a subsidiary of Barclays, would be the official credit card issuer for US. In January 2006, Juniper began issuing US MasterCards. US gave BOA through the end of 2007 to issue US Visa cards. BOA sued US. I don't know if the parties have reached any settlement. Maybe someone else has an update.