Avelo Airlines has introduced the Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard in partnership with Cardless, becoming the first U.
S. domestic airline to integrate next-generation credit card infrastructure with fully embedded, digital-first technology.
This collaboration aims to provide Avelo’s customers with enhanced rewards, faster approval processes, and seamless digital integration. Traditional bank partnerships, often utilizing older technology, are noted to lack these capabilities. Credit card programs are significant revenue generators for major U.
S. airlines, accounting for 30% or more of total revenue.
The Cardless technology platform enables Avelo to offer an improved customer experience by tracking activity in real-time, allowing for continuous optimization of rewards. It also leverages AI-powered technology for personalization, which is expected to increase customer engagement. Cards developed using the Cardless platform have demonstrated a 400% year-over-year transaction growth, with cardholders showing higher spending compared to legacy bank-issued cards. This growth translates into increased revenue and customer loyalty for Avelo.
Andrew Levy, Founder and CEO of Avelo Airlines, commented on the partnership, stating that traditional bank partnerships often fall short of airline and customer needs. He expressed being impressed by Cardless’s platform capabilities, including its speed, control, personalization, and integration with loyalty programs, calling it the “future of airline financial products.”
Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, highlighted that airlines have historically missed revenue opportunities due to banks struggling to adapt to modern, AI-powered environments. He noted that Avelo is demonstrating how a startup airline can adopt advanced technologies to gain a competitive edge. Cardless empowers Avelo to embed and scale financial products within its ecosystem, utilizing AI productivity tools to deliver improved offers and a digital-first customer experience.
The Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard integrates with Avelo’s existing services, offering cardholders 5% in Avelo Cash back on Avelo purchases and 2% in Avelo Cash back on all other purchases. Additional benefits include a free carry-on bag, priority boarding, and standard seat selection. The product was designed to offer value amid increasing travel expenses.
Avelo Airlines focuses on providing affordable and convenient travel, with a strong record in on-time performance and reliability. Its fleet consists of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, with plans to introduce Embraer 195-E2s.
Cardless is a credit card technology platform designed for companies to develop and launch cards. In 2025, Cardless secured $60 million in Series C funding, led by Spark Capital, bringing its total funding to over $170 million. Its current partners include Coinbase, Bilt, Qatar Airways, and Alibaba. The Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard is issued by First Electronic Bank under a license by Mastercard, offered through Cardless, Inc.
