SAS offers credit and debit card products in its core markets of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. This spring, SAS Amex cards in Sweden are “enhanced.”
The SAS Amex Premium 2-4-1 award voucher can no longer be used for business class (who wants to redeem it for economy). The way you earn level points on the SAS Amex Elite card is also “enhanced,” and you need to spend 300K SEK ($27K) to get a 2-4-1 voucher that can be used for premium class travel.
You can access SAS’ page for their card products here.
SAS Amex Elite card members previously received 20,000 level points, which is “enhanced. ” You now earn 6 elite points for every 100 SEK spent, so you need to spend 333K SEK to earn the same number of status points.
Premium card members can no longer use the 2-4-1 vouchers for business class, and you really don’t want to travel in a long-haul economy using miles/points.
SAS’ Email:
SAS’ Amex Card products:
Conclusion
These Amex products in Europe are generally simply awful, with very high annual fees and minimal benefits, + you are usually also hit with a 3% or higher higher FX fee if you use the card in any other than your home currency (difficult for those living in Sweden and who travel elsewhere).
The interchange fees are capped in Europe, and fewer carry balances than in the US, so there is less money to spend for cardmember benefits such as miles.
