Holland America Credit Card

[MONYMONY68]

I applied for the credit card because there was a bonus offer of 20,000 points with approval of the card.  When I logged into Barclays Bank to redeem the points for OBC, they had categories to direct my OBC to.  For example, 3 day thermal suite, 5 day thermal suite, spa services etc.  I thought I could just apply the points to my account as a general OBC.  Norwegian does it this way.  

[crystalspin]

Caveat emptor.

[EatonDoolittle]

I have the same card. In the redemption center, click on onboard gifts, then onboard credits. 

It will say ex: $50 spa credit, but it is $50 to use as you like. 

 

 

[mkl55]

We also have this card but we "save up" and use it for statement credit after the cruise.  Since double points are earned for Holland America line spending, one suggestion is to earn the double points for your on board spending and then apply your greater number of points as a statement credit when you return from your cruise.  I hope this make sense!

[just_cruising_along]

In the past, we applied points toward shore excursions to get $100 credits, but just got the money applied to our account and could use it for anything on board. You can call or text Barclays if you would like more clarification.  

[cruisemom42]

2 hours ago, EatonDoolittle said:

I have the same card. In the redemption center, click on onboard gifts, then onboard credits. 

It will say ex: $50 spa credit, but it is $50 to use as you like. 

 

 

 

Agree. I found this confusing also, but despite what the website says, the amount will be applied as general OBC.

[Dobby36]

You can also buy a HAL gift card from the Barclay,s points redemption area and apply it to anything from the HAL website that can be pre-purchased pre cruise. I’ve used it for casino chips, laundry, flowers, in room drink setup, and general OBC.  The items/notecards indicating their purchase are always in my stateroom when I embark(but I save the email confirmations just in case!)

[RuthC]

I just save up the points until I have enough to qualify for the better return. Then I charge a final payment on a cruise, and pay off at least a good portion of it with the points. 
Other than using the points to pay my bill, I have never used it for anything else. 

[VermeulT]

I used to have a card also and would use it as credit towards my statement for my HAL on board spend or final payment.

Their redemption rate used to be tiered - if 20,000 points = $200.  Then it was like 45,000 for $500 and like 80,000 for $1000.... But then the program was revamped and I decided to get a generic travel card instead.

[johnmik1]

I have the Princess Barclay card and the pointd can be used to pay off any cruise in the Carnival family.

 

[johnmik1]

Just now, johnmik1 said:

I have the Princess Barclay card and the points can be used to pay off any cruise in the Carnival family.