Northwest, U.S. Bank reach deal on WorldPerks credit cards

by Annie Baxter, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Northwest Airlines has settled a lawsuit against U.S. Bank over a credit card that earns airline travel points.

Northwest, now a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, is ditching the Visa card offered through U.S. Bank, in favor of an American Express credit card offered by Delta.

So U.S. Bank is offering its own card, called FlexPerks. It allows customers to earn a currency redeemable on 150 airlines, among other businesses.

Northwest's suit alleged that the FlexPerks name sounded deceptively similar to WorldPerks. The matter is now settled and the companies are not providing details.

Meanwhile, the transition away from WorldPerks is starting. WorldPerks Visa card holders will soon receive FlexPerks cards. For about 30 days thereafter, customers can earn both FlexPoints and WorldPerks miles. Then, the WorldPerks card expires, and customers can keep using their FlexPerks Visa card.

They could also apply for Delta's American Express travel rewards program. Or customers could use both cards.