Netherlands-based Booking.com has introduced its first credit card in the US market, titled the Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card.
For this initiative, Booking.com is partnering with Imprint, a company specializing in co-branded credit card programs for global brands. The issuer of the new card is First Electronic Bank, an FDIC-insured industrial bank.
The card offers rewards on travel booked via the platform and on certain everyday expenses. Before applying, users can check their eligibility without affecting their credit scores; a hard inquiry will be conducted upon acceptance. To apply, individuals must have a Booking.com account, which is freely accessible through the company’s website or app.
The introduction of this card aims to boost direct traffic numbers for Booking.com. According to Skift, these numbers were in the mid-60% range over the past four quarters, up from a lower 60% range a year ago.
Traveller Benefits and Rewards
New cardholders will receive USD 150 in travel credits after spending USD 1,500 within 90 days. If they spend over USD 15,000 annually, an additional USD 100 in travel credits is granted. All applicants start as Genius Level Three members, Booking.com’s top loyalty tier, providing benefits like up to 20% off on eligible stays, free breakfast, room upgrades, and priority support.
Additional rewards include 6% back in travel credits for app bookings, 5% back for flights, stays, car rentals, attractions, cruises, and airport taxis via the website, 3% for purchases during a stay booked on the site, and 3% on dining, gas, and groceries. All other purchases earn 2% back as travel credits. These rewards can be used toward future eligible bookings without any minimum redemption threshold.
The Genius Rewards Visa Signature card does not charge foreign transaction fees and includes travel protections such as auto rental coverage, trip cancellation insurance, and travel accident insurance. The new credit card offering could prove advantageous for frequent users of Booking.com services.