Virgin Atlantic Airlines just announced the release of its new credit card with potential rewards that include a trip into outer space on Virgin Galactic. The Virgin Atlantic American Express Card from Bank of America comes in two versions: the black card, which carries a higher annual fee ($90) and more opportunities to earn bonus miles, and the white card, which has a lower annual fee ($49). Both cards also offer an intro 0% on purchases and balance transfers, though BTs are assessed a 3% fee with no cap.

Other benefits of the Black Card include:

• 3 miles per dollar spent on Virgin Atlantic purchases
• 1.5 miles per dollar spent on other purchases
• 20,000 bonus miles after your first purchase
• Up to 15,000 bonus miles every anniversary, depending upon your spending
• Up to 5,000 bonus miles when you add additional Cardmembers to your account*
• Earn credit towards Flying Club Gold elite status with one tier point for every $2,500 in purchases and additional tier points when flying Virgin Atlantic
• 10 percent off published Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy fares through December 31, 2008

Cardmembers are also eligible for for bonus redemption opportunities: When you spend at least $25,000 in a year and redeem miles for an Economy reward ticket, you can get a second reward ticket for half the miles.

In addition, through the end of January 2009, cardmembers will earn an entry into a sweepstakes for a trip into space on Virgin Galactic for every $10,000 spent.

To learn more about these cards, see these links:

• Virgin Atlantic American Express® Card – Black
• Virgin Atlantic American Express® Card – White