What the Miles and More Credit Card Is
The Miles and More Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by a bank in partnership with Lufthansa's frequent flyer program. It earns points (called miles) on purchases that you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel rewards through the Miles and More program. The card also typically includes travel-related perks like lounge access, travel insurance, and waived foreign transaction fees.
This card is designed for people who fly Lufthansa or its partner airlines regularly, or who want to accumulate miles toward future travel. Unlike cashback cards, the value of your rewards depends on how you use the miles — redeeming them for premium cabin seats or peak-season flights gives you more value than economy redemptions.
The card comes with an annual fee, which varies depending on the specific version and issuing bank. You pay this fee whether or not you use the card that year.
Key Takeaways
- Miles earned on the card go into your Miles and More account and can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and partner rewards across the Lufthansa Group and other airlines.
- The card earns a set number of miles per dollar spent, with bonus miles on Lufthansa purchases and sometimes higher earning rates in specific categories.
- An annual fee applies regardless of card use, so you should calculate whether the miles you earn and the card benefits justify the cost for your spending.
- Travel insurance, lounge access, and other perks are included with the card, but the coverage and access rules vary by card tier and issuing bank.
- Miles do not expire as long as your Miles and More account remains active, but account inactivity rules and card cancellation can affect your miles.
How Miles Earning Works on This Card
Every purchase you make on the Miles and More Credit Card earns a base rate of miles — typically 1 mile per dollar spent, though this varies by card version and issuing bank. Some cards earn at a higher base rate or offer bonus earning in specific categories like dining, gas, or groceries.
Lufthansa flights and purchases through Lufthansa partners often earn bonus miles on top of the base rate. For example, you might earn 2 or 3 miles per dollar on Lufthansa tickets, or earn accelerated miles when you book hotels or rental cars through the Miles and More travel portal.
Miles post to your Miles and More account within a few days of the purchase posting to your credit card. You can log into your Miles and More account online to watch your balance grow and track your progress toward specific redemptions.
Annual Fees and Whether the Card Makes Sense for You
The Miles and More Credit Card charges an annual fee that typically ranges from $95 to $450 depending on the card tier and issuing bank. Premium versions of the card cost more but include higher earning rates, better travel insurance, and additional perks like annual travel credits or complimentary lounge passes.
To decide if the card is worth the fee, calculate how much you spend annually and multiply that by your earning rate. For example, if you spend $20,000 per year and earn 1 mile per dollar, you earn 20,000 miles. Then check what those miles are worth to you — if you can redeem them for a $300 flight, the card pays for itself if the annual fee is $95 and you use the miles.
Many cardholders justify the fee through a combination of earning miles on everyday spending, bonus miles from sign-up offers, and the value of included perks like lounge access or travel insurance. If you rarely fly or don't travel with Lufthansa, the annual fee may not be worth it.
What You Can Do With Your Miles
Miles in your Miles and More account can be redeemed for award flights on Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and other Star Alliance partners. The number of miles required depends on the destination, cabin class, and how far in advance you book — economy flights typically cost 5,000 to 50,000 miles, while business class can cost 80,000 to 300,000 miles or more.
You can also use miles to upgrade an existing ticket from economy to business or first class, book hotel stays through the Miles and More hotel partners, rent a car, or purchase gift cards. Some cardholders use miles for smaller redemptions like lounge day passes or airline seat selection fees, though these typically offer less value than flight redemptions.
Miles can be transferred to other Miles and More members, which is useful if you want to combine balances with a family member or help someone else book a flight. Transfer rules and any associated fees depend on your specific card and the Miles and More program rules at the time of transfer.
Travel Insurance and Other Card Benefits
The Miles and More Credit Card typically includes travel insurance coverage such as trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, and emergency medical coverage while traveling. The specific coverage amounts and conditions vary by card tier and issuing bank, so you should review your card's benefits guide to understand what is covered and what is not.
Most versions of the card include access to airport lounges, either through the Miles and More program directly or through a partner network like Priority Pass. Lounge access may be limited to a certain number of visits per year or may require you to be traveling on a Lufthansa ticket.
Additional perks often include waived foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, and discounts on Lufthansa purchases or Miles and More program upgrades. Some premium versions offer annual travel credits that can offset part of the annual fee if you use them on may be able to access purchases.
How to set up Your Card and Link It to Your Miles and More Account
Once your Miles and More Credit Card arrives, you will need to set up it through your card issuer's website or mobile app before you can use it. The set up process typically takes a few minutes and requires you to verify your identity and confirm the card details.
To start earning miles, link your credit card to your existing Miles and More account. If you do not have a Miles and More account yet, you will need to create one on the Lufthansa website before linking your card. The linking process usually happens automatically when you set up the card, but you can also link it manually through your Miles and More account settings.
Once linked, miles from your card purchases will post directly to your Miles and More account. Check your account settings to make sure your card is listed as an earning method and that your contact information is current.
What Happens to Your Miles If You Cancel the Card
Your miles do not disappear when you cancel the credit card — they remain in your Miles and More account as long as the account stays active. However, Miles and More accounts can be closed if there is no activity for a certain period, which varies by program rules but is typically 36 months or longer.
If you cancel the card but want to keep earning miles, you can continue to earn through other methods such as flying Lufthansa, booking through the Miles and More travel portal, or using a different Miles and More co-branded card. You can also maintain account activity by making small purchases or transfers to keep the account open.
Before you cancel, consider whether you have miles you want to use or transfer. Some cardholders keep the card active for one more year to use accumulated miles before canceling, or they downgrade to a no-annual-fee version of the card if one is available from their issuing bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for miles to post after I make a purchase?
Miles typically post to your Miles and More account within 3 to 5 business days after the purchase posts to your credit card statement. You can check your account online to see your current balance and track pending miles.
Can I use my miles to book flights for other people?
Yes, you can use your miles to book award flights for family members, friends, or anyone else. You will need their name and passport information to complete the booking, and the ticket will be issued in their name.
What is the difference between the standard and premium versions of the Miles and More Credit Card?
Premium versions typically charge a higher annual fee but offer higher earning rates on purchases, better travel insurance coverage, more lounge visits, and additional perks like annual travel credits. The standard version has a lower fee and lower earning rates, making it better for lighter spenders.
Do my miles expire?
Miles do not expire as long as your Miles and More account remains active. However, if your account is inactive for an extended period (typically 36 months), Lufthansa may close it and you could lose your miles. You can keep your account active by flying, making purchases, or transferring miles.
Can I combine my miles with someone else's miles?
Yes, you can transfer miles to another Miles and More member, which allows you to combine balances for a larger redemption. Some transfers are free, while others may have a small fee depending on the amount and your program status.