Getting to Know the LATAM Visa® Secured Card

The LATAM Visa® Secured Card from U.S. Bank is a secured credit card that offers holders rewards. Secured credit cards are a great way for those looking to improve their credit score. They’re also ideal for those with no credit history to establish a credit track record with on-time payments.

What makes the LATAM Visa® Secured Card so unique is that cardholders can earn while they build their credit. Members earn 1 point for every eligible dollar they spend on their card, with on cap on the number of points earnable. New members also benefit from 5,000 bonus points when they first make a purchase using their LATAM Visa® Secured Card, as well as a 10% discount on their first LATAM ticket purchase each year (up to a $500 value).

How It Works

Cardholders can expect the following from the LATAM Visa® Secured Card:

How to Earn Rewards:

• Fly with LATAM: Cardholders earn 1 point for every dollar spent with LATAM or one of its subsidiaries across Latin America.
• Fly with LATAM Partners: Cardholders can also earn points when they book tickets with Oneworld alliance airlines.
• Everyday purchases: LATAM Visa® Secured Card holders also earn 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases made using their LATAM Visa® Secured Card.
• Bookings with Oneworld Partners: Card members can also earn points when they book their hotels, rental cars, or vacations with LATAM or Oneworld partners and use their LATAM Visa®, Secured Card.
• Points Expiration: LATAM Multiplus points expire after 36 months of inactivity on the account.

How to Redeem Miles:

• Travel: Multiplus points are redeemable for travel with LATAM or one of its Oneworld partner airlines to over 1,000 destinations worldwide.
• Hotels: Points is also applicable for booking a hotel stay with one of LATAM’s hotel partners.
• Seat Upgrades: Cardholders can also use their bonus points to purchase first-class and business seat upgrades on LATAM services.
• Lounge Access: LATAM Multiplus Miles and points are redeemable for purchasing access to LATAM and Oneworld lounges worldwide.
• Blackout Dates: LATAM and Oneworld rewards flights are subject to blackout dates and restrictions.

Today’s Bonus Offer

Earn 5,000 bonus points when you make a purchase using your LATAM Visa® Secured Card. Many secured cards offer no rewards at all. The possibility of 5,000 points simply for making a purchase, therefore, is an excellent perk.

The Plane Facts

Can you expect a smooth flight from the card, or will there be turbulence?

• Annual Fee: The card features an annual fee of $25, which is waived for the first year of membership. The prospect of no annual fee for the first year, plus a low annual fee after that is enticing.

Airline and Airport Perks:

• None, really: The LATAM Secured Card is very light on the in-flight and airport perks, though for a secured card this is understandable.

Cardholder Protections:

• Comprehensive Fraud Protection: Cardholders have 100% protection from any fraudulent purchases made on their account.
• Emergency Cash and Card Replacement
• Travel Accident Insurance: Cardholders receive a $500,000 travel accident insurance courtesy of VISA.

Additional Benefits:

• LATAM Discount: Cardholders receive a 10% discount on their LATAM flight ticket purchase. This up to $500 value applies each year of card membership.

The Perks That Make the LATAM Visa® Secured Card Worthwhile:

What are some of the pros that set this card ahead of the rest?

• An Initial Bonus: Signup bonuses are great – and this is especially true with a secured credit card. The card features an easy-to-achieve 5,000-point signup bonus for making a purchase using the card.
• Building Credit While Earning Rewards: Very few secured cards offer rewards, as they are mainly designed for building credit. What makes the card so great is that cardholders can earn rewards points while improving their U.S. credit score.
• No annual fee for the first year

Potential Turbulence with the LATAM Visa® Secured Card:

What are some cons that take the wind from under this card’s wings?

• None, really: There really isn’t major anything to hate with the LATAM Secured Card. Where many cards provide nothing more than a credit-boosting platform, LATAM Card provides rewards while you make.

Thoughts Before Takeoff

LATAM is Latin America’s largest airline, with subsidiaries scattered across the continent. The LATAM Visa® Secured Card is an excellent way to travel and explore everything this fascinating part of the globe has to offer while building a solid credit history.

The card offers members 1 Multiplus point for every dollar spent, with no additional points per dollar for purchases made with LATAM. Other cards in the same market space offer much better earning-potential. The card also has an introductory offer, in which cardholders get 5,000 points, which is a major plus compared to other typical secured cards.

The LATAM Visa® Secured Card also benefits from an annual fee of $25, which is waived for the first year. While there are a few secured cards that offer no annual fee, there are even fewer that offer awards to cardholders. The LATAM Visa® Secured Card offers both (for the first year). While the fee applies to year two, $25 is still a very good fee for a secured card.

Overall, the LATAM Visa® Secured Card is a very good choice for those who are looking to rebuild – or establish – their U.S. credit history while earning rewards for traveling to Central and South America.