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Avelo Airlines Credit Card: Is the New $99 Card Worth It for Budget Travelers?
July 1, 2025
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Avelo Airlines just launched its first co-branded credit card, and it's making waves in the budget airline space. The Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard promises to deliver significant value for frequent Avelo fliers—but does it actually make sense for your wallet?
In this comprehensive review, we'll break down exactly what this card offers, who should get it, and how it compares to other travel cards on the market.
What Is the Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard?
On January 27, 2025, Avelo Airlines partnered with Cardless to launch the Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard. This marks the budget carrier's first foray into the competitive co-branded credit card market.
The card targets frequent Avelo customers who want to maximize their savings on the airline's growing network of routes across the United States.
Key Card Details:
- Annual Fee: $99
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 points (worth $250 in Avelo Cash) after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Earning Rate: 5% Avelo Cash on Avelo purchases, 2% on everything else
- Card Issuer: Cardless (fintech company)
The Welcome Bonus: $250 in Avelo Cash
The Math That Matters:
Spend $1,000 in 90 days → Earn 25,000 points → Get $250 in Avelo Cash
Break-Even Analysis:
- Annual fee: $99
- Welcome bonus value: $250
- First-year net value: +$151 (before considering any other benefits or spending)
This means you're already ahead $151 in your first year, even before factoring in the card's ongoing perks like free carry-on bags and priority boarding.
Should You Apply? Yes if:
- You book at least 2-3 Avelo flights per year
- You fly from one of Avelo's four main hub cities
- You want to avoid baggage fees (free carry-on saves $25-$35 per flight)
Should You Avoid? Yes if:
- You rarely fly Avelo or don't have convenient access to their hubs
- You prefer major carriers with extensive route networks
- Avelo Cash restrictions don't align with your travel style
How to Maximize Your Avelo Card Benefits
The Avelo card shines when you strategically use its built-in perks to offset common travel costs.
Free Carry-On Bag: The Hidden Value Multiplier
Avelo typically charges $25-$35 for carry-on bags. With this card, that fee disappears on every flight.
Real-World Savings Example:
- 4 round-trip Avelo flights per year = 8 one-way segments
- Carry-on fee: $30 per segment
- Total annual savings: $240
This benefit alone nearly covers your $99 annual fee ($240 savings - $99 fee = $141 net benefit), before you've earned a single rewards point.
Priority Boarding: Time Is Money
While harder to quantify, priority boarding ensures:
- Guaranteed overhead bin space for your free carry-on
- Quicker boarding process
- Less time standing in lines
For frequent travelers, this convenience factor adds meaningful value beyond the card's mathematical benefits.
5% Back on Avelo Purchases
Spending Scenario:If you spend $2,000 annually on Avelo flights:
- 5% return = $100 in Avelo Cash
- Combined with carry-on savings ($240) and welcome bonus ($250 first year)
- Total first-year value: $491
- Minus annual fee: $99
- Net benefit: $392 in year one
Avelo Card vs. Major Travel Cards: Head-to-Head Comparison
Let's see how the Avelo card stacks up against popular alternatives:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]
Citi Double Cash® Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "580", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Everyday Spenders", "headerHint": "Simplicity Meets Rewards"} ]]
Choose Avelo if: You're loyal to Avelo and fly them 3+ times yearly. The airline-specific perks (free carry-on, priority boarding) deliver unmatched value for Avelo customers.
Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred® if: You want flexibility across multiple airlines and hotels.
Choose Capital One Venture if: You prefer simple mile redemption without transfer complexity.
Choose Citi Double Cash® if: You want straightforward cash back. Perfect for those who don't fly frequently enough to justify travel card fees.
Who Should Get the Avelo Credit Card?
✅ Perfect For:
Budget Travelers in Avelo Hub Cities: If you live near one of Avelo's four main bases (Burbank, Las Vegas, Orlando, or Connecticut), this card delivers exceptional value. The $240 annual carry-on savings alone justifies the $99 fee.
Weekend Getaway Enthusiasts: Avelo specializes in affordable leisure routes. If you take 3-4 short trips yearly on Avelo, you'll maximize the card's benefits while keeping your travel budget lean.
Travelers Who Value Simplicity: Unlike complex points programs, Avelo Cash is straightforward: earn it, spend it on flights. No transfer partners to research or redemption charts to master.
❌ Skip This Card If:
You Need Route Flexibility: Avelo operates a limited route network focused on underserved markets. If you fly to diverse destinations, a card with broader airline partnerships makes more sense.
You're Building Transferable Points: The Avelo card doesn't offer transfer partners. If you're strategically building Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, focus on those ecosystems instead.
You Fly Infrequently: If you take fewer than 2 Avelo trips yearly, the $99 annual fee likely outweighs the benefits you'll actually use.
How to Apply for the Avelo Card
Application Requirements
While specific approval thresholds aren't published, similar World Elite Mastercards typically require:
- Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670-850 recommended)
- Income: Sufficient to support credit obligations
- Credit History: Established credit file
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the Avelo Airlines website or Cardless application page
- Provide personal information: Name, address, Social Security number, income
- Review credit inquiry notice: Applying triggers a hard credit pull
- Submit application and receive instant or pending decision
- If approved: Receive card within 7-10 business days
Pro Tip: Apply when you have upcoming Avelo flights planned. This ensures you'll hit the $1,000 minimum spend naturally while maximizing your welcome bonus timing.
Avelo Cash: What You Need to Know
How Avelo Cash Works
Avelo Cash functions as a statement credit applied directly to Avelo flight purchases. Here's what makes it different from traditional points:
- Fixed Value: 1 point = $0.01 in Avelo Cash
- No Expiration: Avelo Cash remains valid for the life of your account
- Limited Use: Only redeemable for Avelo flights booked directly with the airline
- No Transfers: Cannot move Avelo Cash to other loyalty programs
The Avelo Cash Challenge
Be aware of important limitations:
- Booking Restrictions: Avelo Cash can be cumbersome to use according to user reports
- Limited Redemption Options: Only valid for Avelo flights (no hotels, car rentals, or other airlines)
- No Cash Value: You can't cash out unused Avelo Cash
Hidden Perks: World Elite Mastercard Benefits
Beyond Avelo-specific perks, cardholders access standard World Elite Mastercard benefits:
Travel Protections
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Coverage for delays exceeding 6 hours
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for essential purchases if bags are delayed
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Coverage for permanently lost checked bags
Purchase Protections
- Extended Warranty: Adds an additional year to manufacturer warranties
- Purchase Protection: Covers damaged or stolen items within 90-120 days of purchase
Lifestyle Benefits
- Mastercard Concierge Service: 24/7 assistance with travel planning, dining reservations, and event tickets
- Priceless Cities: Access to exclusive experiences in select cities
Important Note: World Elite benefits vary by issuer. Verify specific coverage details with Cardless upon account opening.
Alternative Ways to Earn on Avelo Flights
Don't want to commit to the Avelo card? You still have options for earning rewards on Avelo purchases:
Use a Premium Travel Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "High-Value Perks"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Generous Travel Rewards"} ]]
Consider Avelo Plus Membership
Rather than a credit card, Avelo offers Avelo Plus—a membership program providing:
- Priority boarding (similar to card benefit)
- Exclusive promotional access
- Ability to stack perks with frequent Avelo sales
Cost Comparison:
- Avelo Plus: Variable cost based on promotional offerings
- Avelo Credit Card: $99 annual fee with additional benefits
For occasional Avelo fliers, Avelo Plus might deliver sufficient value without committing to a credit card.
Pros and Cons: The Complete Picture
✅ Pros
Immediate Value: The $250 welcome bonus exceeds the $99 annual fee by $151 in your first year alone.
Free Carry-On Saves Real Money: At $30 per segment, this benefit adds up quickly ($240 annually on 4 round trips).
Straightforward Earning Structure: 5% on Avelo, 2% everywhere else—no complicated category calendars or activation required.
Priority Boarding Convenience: Jump the line and secure overhead bin space on every Avelo flight.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use this card abroad without paying additional conversion fees.
❌ Cons
Limited Airline Network: Avelo serves select markets. If they don't fly your routes, the card loses value.
Avelo Cash Restrictions: Can only redeem for Avelo flights, with no transfer options to other airlines or hotels.
No Premium Travel Credits: There's no annual credit to offset the fee beyond your first year.
Modest Earning Rate: 2% on non-Avelo purchases is solid but matches free cards—meaning you're essentially paying $99 annually for Avelo-specific perks.
Recent Network Changes: Avelo recently closed several bases to focus on four main hubs, potentially limiting future route growth.
FAQ: Your Avelo Card Questions Answered
Does the Avelo card have a foreign transaction fee?
No, the Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard charges 0% foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international use.
How quickly will I receive my welcome bonus?
After spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening, expect your 25,000 points (worth $250 Avelo Cash) to post within 8-12 weeks.
Can I use Avelo Cash for taxes and fees?
Yes, Avelo Cash applies as a statement credit to the total purchase price, including taxes and fees.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
While Cardless doesn't publish minimum scores, similar World Elite Mastercards typically require good to excellent credit (670+). Kudos credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Does the free carry-on benefit apply to other passengers on my reservation?
No, the free carry-on benefit applies only to the primary cardholder. Traveling companions would need to pay standard Avelo carry-on fees or hold their own Avelo credit card.
Can I earn Avelo Cash on flights booked through third-party sites?
You'll earn the card's 2% base rate (since it's not purchased directly from Avelo), but you won't receive the 5% Avelo-specific bonus. Book directly through Avelo to maximize earnings.
Is there a limit to how much Avelo Cash I can earn?
Cardless hasn't published earning caps. However, always review your cardholder agreement for any limitations or restrictions.
What happens to my Avelo Cash if I close my card?
Avelo Cash typically remains valid for the life of your account. Closing your card may forfeit unused Avelo Cash—check your cardholder agreement before canceling.
Bottom Line: Should You Get the Avelo Credit Card?
The Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard makes financial sense for a specific type of traveler: those who fly Avelo frequently enough to leverage the free carry-on bag and priority boarding benefits.
Get this card if:
✅ You take 3+ round-trip Avelo flights annually
✅ You live near an Avelo hub city
✅ You value predictable, airline-specific benefits over transferable points flexibility
✅ The $250 welcome bonus covers near-term Avelo travel you already have planned
Skip this card if:
❌ You rarely fly Avelo or prefer major carriers
❌ You're building a transferable points portfolio
❌ You need extensive route options and airline partnerships
❌ The Avelo Cash restrictions feel too limiting
For frequent Avelo customers, the math works: $250 welcome bonus + $240 annual carry-on savings + priority boarding convenience = $391 in first-year value against a $99 fee. That's a $292 net benefit in year one.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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