---
title: "What is Co-branded card? | Benefit Systems"
description: "A co-branded card is a credit card issued by a bank together with an airline or hotel chain that earns directly in that programme's currency."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Co-branded card?

A co-branded card is a credit card issued by a bank together with an airline or hotel chain that earns directly in that programme’s currency.

Also called: Airline credit card, Hotel credit card, Co-brand credit card.

## How it works #

Points land with the partner immediately and can no longer be redirected, the decisive difference from a card earning transferable points. In exchange these cards carry programme-tied benefits: checked bags, elite credit, annual free nights or lounge access. Their value depends entirely on whether that one programme fits how you actually travel.

## Not to be confused with #

A co-branded card is not the same as a transferable points card, which leaves the choice of destination programme open until you book.

## In German #

The German term is Co-Branding-Karte. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/co-branding-karte)

## Related terms #

- [Transferable points](/en/glossary/transferable-points): Transferable points are points held by a bank or card issuer that can be converted into the currencies of several airline and hotel programmes.
- [Annual fee](/en/glossary/annual-fee): An annual fee is the fixed yearly price of holding a card, charged regardless of how much is spent on it or which benefits are used.
- [Welcome bonus](/en/glossary/welcome-bonus): A welcome bonus is a one-off points credit for opening a new card and meeting a minimum spending requirement within a set period.

## Articles that use this term #

- [At what annual fee does a travel card stop paying for itself?](/en/knowledge/annual-fee-math)
- [How much is a welcome bonus actually worth?](/en/knowledge/welcome-bonus-value)
- [Why transferable bank points beat airline miles](/en/knowledge/transferable-points)
- [What happens to your points when you close the card?](/en/knowledge/points-after-closing)
- [Is a mileage run worth it?](/en/knowledge/mileage-runs)