Quantcast

Cardless drives new airline credit card launches in US

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
Cardless drives new airline credit card launches in US
Policy
Webp ymhfjf407emv9o42iza31o4oyd1u
Justin Foster Private Aviation Journalist | Simple Flying

Cardless, a company founded in 2019 by Stanford graduates Michael Spelfogel and Scott Kazmierowicz, assists international airlines in launching and scaling credit cards in the United States. The company partners with First Electronic Bank for card issuance and management, offering airlines speed to market, direct integration into airline ecosystems, and unique underwriting methods.

Cardless has launched credit cards for LATAM Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, and Qatar Airways. This summer saw significant airline credit card launches in the U.S., with Qatar Airways releasing two Visa products and Avianca unveiling two new cards on the American Express network. Cardless was behind both launches.

Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, explained that the company's primary customers are now international airlines. Cardless works by partnering with First Electronic Bank to issue cards and manage compliance and regulatory risks. Cardholders use the Cardless app to manage their accounts.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Spelfogel highlighted two main reasons why airlines like TAP Air Portugal, Qatar Airways, or Avianca choose to work with Cardless: the importance of the U.S. market for international travel and commerce, and the need for airlines to grow their business through innovative products.

Cardless claims three distinct advantages over other providers: rapid speed to market (launching cards in about 90 days compared to traditional banks' 18 months), direct product integration into brands' ecosystems allowing immediate use upon approval, and unique underwriting methods that consider brand data such as frequent flyer levels.

In addition to sports teams' initial offerings no longer listed on its website, Cardless has an American Express card with Simon Property Group providing cashback benefits at Simon malls. On the airline side, recent launches include seven cards across four airlines.

Avianca's latest products offer significant benefits for frequent flyers without requiring flights. Matt Vincett, CEO of LifeMiles, praised the partnership with Cardless and American Express for creating compelling credit card options for mileage enthusiasts.

Qatar Airways launched its first oneworld Alliance cards with two Visa products in May. Thomas Vadakedath, Senior Vice President of Loyalty at Qatar Airways, emphasized the importance of speed to market achieved through collaboration with Cardless.

Earlier this year, TAP Air Portugal introduced two American Express cards in the U.S., a move that has exceeded expectations according to Carlos Antunes, Director for the Americas at TAP Air Portugal.

LATAM Airlines was the first airline partner of Cardless. Cristian Ortiz, CEO of LATAM Pass, noted a smooth launch process resulting in positive reception among consumers.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Emirates Group recently held an exhibition titled "Tomorrow Takes Flight," showcasing its sustainability initiatives in aviation.

Jul 4, 2025

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025

Qantas Airways has reported a cyber attack targeting one of its contact centers, leading to a potential data breach affecting up to six million customers.

Jul 4, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing a significant increase in airline travel.

Jul 4, 2025

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has reported continued interest in its E2 jet family, following a successful presentation at the Paris Air Show.

Jul 4, 2025

London Heathrow Airport is experiencing a busy schedule of Airbus A380 flights this July, with 21 daily departures on most days.

Jul 4, 2025