Barclaycard US is expanding its credit card portfolio, with a new co-branded credit card in the works with Breeze Airways. The two brands entered into a long-term agreement last week, with Barclays issuing the budget carrier’s first-ever credit card offerings. The credit card program will launch in early 2024 and will be issued in conjunction with the Visa payment network.
Breeze Airways & Barclays Ink Partnership Agreement
Breeze Airways might not ring a bell for many, but things may. The low-cost carrier is celebrating its second anniversary of operations after it started flying in May 2021. The airline currently operates 147 nonstop routes between 35 cities in 21 states across the United States as of 2023. Like other budget airlines, Breeze relies on secondary cities, like Palm Beach, FL, San Bernadino, CA, Fayetteville, AR, and others. This practice helps keep fares low, as smaller airports charge lower surcharges.
But if Breeze is relatively unknown, that won’t be for long. Part of this improved visibility is the airline’s impressive performance. Last year, it was ranked as the No. 2 “Best US Domestic Airline” by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The other part of that improved visibility is a new co-branded credit card relationship with Barclays US.
Barclays and Breeze have signed a long-term agreement that will see Barclays be the official credit card partner of the airline. The partnership will also spawn at least one co-branded airline credit card powered by the Visa payment network. The upcoming Breeze Airways Visa credit card is set to launch in early 2024. The new credit card will launch alongside the airline’s first “official” loyalty program.
“Seriously Nice Service”
The new partnership was heralded in a press release accompanying the news:
“As Breeze Airways celebrates its second year of flight operations, we are offering the most desirable elements in air travel: fast, efficient, comfortable, and affordable flights from underserved markets – provided by people who are passionate about delivering ‘Seriously Nice’ service,” said Tom Doxey, president, Breeze Airways. “Barclays has a proven track record with major travel brands, and this partnership is driven by our shared goal of advancing purposeful innovation. Together, we will provide an unparalleled range of experiences for our cardmembers.”
Barclays is a leading co-branded credit card issuer and financial services partner in the United States, with over 20 partnership programs representing some of America’s best-known and best-loved brands.
“Barclays and Breeze Airways are committed to innovating in the co-branded credit card space through a highly creative value proposition and frictionless digital experience,” said Peter Gasparro, chief development officer of Barclays US Consumer Bank. “Barclays’ partner-first approach to credit card programs will help Breeze Airways reach new heights by enhancing the brand’s core benefits while connecting with our customers through Barclays’ rich data capabilities and personalization tools to deliver seamless digital experiences.”
“We think about loyalty very differently than traditional airlines,” said Doxey. “It’s not about tethering people to our brand but about our brand tethering itself to our guests and providing true value in all aspects of their lives – not just when traveling.”
About Breeze Airways
Founded in 2018 by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 and categorizes itself as a “Nice Low-Cost Carrier” or “NLCC.” Breeze Airways currently flies short-distance and transcontinental US flights on a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The carrier has ordered 80 A220s, with options for 40 more.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Airline Credit Cards
Featured image by Breeze Airways
Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.
