▶ Avelo Airlines Launches Next-Gen Credit Card, Challenging Traditional Banking Models

Avelo Airlines is once again distinguishing itself within the competitive U.S. aviation market. The airline announced the launch of the World Elite Mastercard, developed in partnership with Cardless, making it the first U.S. domestic carrier to adopt a next-generation credit card infrastructure featuring fully integrated digital technology.

Beyond simply introducing a new financial product, this move signals a structural shift in how airlines manage loyalty, ancillary revenue, and direct customer relationships.

A Strategic Decision in a Legacy-Dominated Market

For major U.S. airlines, credit card programs account for 30% or more of total revenue—a figure that underscores their strategic importance. However, according to Avelo, most operators remain tied to traditional banking alliances based on decades-old technology with limited adaptability.

Avelo has chosen to break this paradigm. The Cardless technological platform grants the airline total control over the product, featuring:

Faster approval processes.
Full digital integration.
Real-time insights into customer spending behavior.
Continuous learning from every transaction to optimize rewards and benefits.

→ Avelo Airlines Simplifies Network and Fleet to Improve Operational Efficiency

AI, Personalization, and Accelerated Growth

A key differentiator of this agreement is the use of Artificial Intelligence to personalize offers and increase engagement. Data shows that cards built on the Cardless platform have achieved 400% year-over-year growth in transaction volume, with spending levels significantly higher than those of cards issued under traditional banking models.

For Avelo, this translates directly into increased revenue and loyalty—two critical variables for a low-cost carrier competing in price-sensitive markets that are increasingly focused on the overall experience.

Clear Benefits Aligned with the Frequent Flyer

The Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard integrates natively with the airline’s commercial ecosystem and offers a straightforward yet aggressive reward structure:

5% Avelo Cash on purchases made directly with Avelo.

2% Avelo Cash on all other purchases.

Complimentary carry-on bag.

Priority boarding.

Standard seat selection included.

The product design aims to eliminate friction and reinforce perceived value in every brand interaction, avoiding complex accumulation tables or opaque redemption processes.

Leadership Vision: A Message to the Industry

Andrew Levy, founder and CEO of Avelo Airlines, was blunt in explaining the logic behind the decision. With three decades of aviation experience, he stated that traditional banking alliances “consistently fail to deliver what airlines and customers need”. According to Levy, the Cardless proposal stood out for its speed, control, personalization, and seamless integration with the loyalty program.

The executive defined this initiative as “the future of airline financial products,” linking it directly to Avelo’s purpose: inspiring travel through convenience, affordable fares, and industry-leading reliability.

From Cardless, co-founder and President Michael Spelfogel reinforced this message, noting that airlines have historically “left billions of dollars on the table” due to the inability of banks to adapt to a modern, AI-driven environment. In his view, Avelo demonstrates that even a young airline can leapfrog technological stages and position itself ahead of much larger competitors.

Avelo has not just launched a credit card; it has presented an alternative model that could redefine the link between airlines, financial technology, and customer loyalty.