Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card: 70,000-Mile Welcome Bonus

If you're a frequent flyer on Lufthansa or its Star Alliance partners, this card could be a solid addition to your wallet. Right now, Barclays is offering a 70,000-mile welcome bonus on the Lufthansa Miles & More World Elite Mastercard. That's a step up from the standard 60,000 miles, though not the highest we've seen (80,000 has been available before, and even 100,000 in 2023). But if you need miles soon, this is a decent deal. Let's break down what you get and what to watch out for.

What's in the Welcome Bonus?

The headline here is 70,000 miles. To get them, you'll need to spend $4,000 on purchases and pay the $89 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a bit higher spend requirement than some other cards, but the bonus value is solid. If you have a big purchase coming up or can meet the spend naturally, it's a nice chunk of miles.

Keep in mind that this offer is only available through the official Barclays page. If you apply elsewhere, you might see a different bonus. And as with any credit card bonus, you won't be eligible if you've had this card before or if Barclays suspects you're just churning for rewards.

Earning Miles and Perks

Beyond the bonus, the card earns 2 miles per dollar on Miles & More partner airline tickets—that includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, and other Star Alliance carriers. All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar. So it's not a powerhouse for everyday spending, but if you fly these airlines often, the 2x on tickets can add up.

You also get two Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers each year. Note: 'Business' here is actually the lowest tier of Lufthansa lounges (Senator and First are higher). Still, it's a nice perk if you value lounge access.

Another standout is the annual companion ticket. After each account anniversary, you get a free companion ticket when you purchase a full-fare ticket. Taxes and fees apply, but it can be a great deal if you travel with a partner.

Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, which is always a plus for international travel.

The Fine Print and Things to Watch

The regular APR is 19.49% to 29.49% variable, which is on the higher side. If you carry a balance, this card isn't ideal. There's a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months, but the balance transfer fee is 5% (min $5), so weigh that carefully.

The $89 annual fee is not waived for the first year (unless you're a Senator or HON Circle member). So factor that into your decision.

Also, note that the welcome bonus is only for new cardholders. If you've had this card before, you won't qualify. And Barclays is known to be sensitive to multiple applications, so make sure your credit profile is solid before applying.

Is It Worth It?

If you're a Lufthansa loyalist or frequently fly Star Alliance, this card offers decent value. The 70,000 miles can get you a round-trip flight to Europe in economy, or a good chunk toward a business class award. The companion ticket and lounge passes add extra value.

But if you're not tied to Lufthansa, there are other cards with more flexible rewards. And since the bonus has been higher in the past, you might want to wait if you're not in a rush. However, if you need miles soon, this is a solid offer.

Bottom Line

• 70,000 miles after $4,000 spend and $89 fee within 90 days
• 2x miles on Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance tickets, 1x elsewhere
• Free companion ticket each year, lounge vouchers, no FX fees
• Watch the $89 annual fee and higher APR if you carry a balance

Common Questions