Inman

Real estate lenders add airline miles

Four of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders have signed a deal that will enable frequent fliers to rack up airline miles awards when they obtain a new or refinanced mortgage or home equity loan.

The deal announced today will enable America West Airlines FlightFund members to get miles when they obtain real estate financing through Washington Mutual, Chase Home Finance, CitiMortgage and Wachovia Mortgage Corp.

“Our new partnership with Awards for Mortgage and Real Estate offers FlightFund members yet another outstanding opportunity to earn award travel,” said Ken Feldman, VP of marketing at America West.

Mortgage and miles programs aren’t new. United Airlines started this type of program in 1996, and LendingTree announced its program in 2002.

America West FlightFund members will get a streamlined loan process and competitive interest rates for home loan products that zero down payment options. The program also includes access to local real estate agents and van line companies, according to America West.

A special introductory offer will enable FlightFund members to rack up additional miles on new home loan applications received between now and May 31, 2004. Applications must be submitted through the program’s Web site or through a specified telephone number to qualify.

America West is the nation’s second-largest low-fare airline. The airline employs 13,000 people and flies 55,000 customers daily to 93 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

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