Credit Cards

Cardless and LATAM Airlines Launch Two Co-Branded Credit Cards

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Earlier this year, the FinTech Cardless announced plans to launch a co-branded credit card in partnership with LATAM Airlines. Today, the companies unveiled the finished product, which happens to be two card options: the LATAM Airlines Mastercard and the LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard. Both of these cards will earn LATAM Pass Miles that can be redeemed for LATAM Airlines flights as well as for flights on partner airlines such as Delta.

Starting with the LATAM Airlines Mastercard, the no-annual-fee card will earn 3 miles per dollar spent on LATAM purchases plus 2x miles at restaurants, 2x miles on ground transportation, and 1x miles on everything else. Plus, 10% of miles earned from purchases will qualify toward earning Elite status.

Turning to the LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard, the card comes at a $99 annual fee but increases earning rates in multiple categories. With this card, customers will earn 4x miles on LATAM purchases, 3x miles at restaurants, 3x miles on rideshare/taxi/public transit, and 1x on all other purchases. In this case, 20% of miles earned using the card will qualify toward Elite status. Additionally, the LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard includes extra perks such as two LATAM Lounge Access passes per account year, three upgrade coupons per calendar year, and more.

In terms of welcome bonuses, both card options will give new cardholders the opportunity to earn extra miles when they meet a minimum spending limit. For the LATAM Airlines Mastercard, customers can earn a 15,000-mile bonus when they spent just $1,000 on the card within their first three months. As for the LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard, cardholders can score 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within their first three months from account opening.

Commenting on the new cards, Cardless president and co-founder Michael Spelfogel said in a statement, “We’re seeing record high numbers for travel this year and it’s no surprise people want generous travel benefits with their credit cards. Through our collaboration with LATAM Airlines, we’re excited to launch two separate credit card products, giving travelers access to the perks and rewards most relevant to their travel lifestyle.”

Meanwhile, LATAM Airlines Group’s Chief Commercial Officer Marty St. George said of the offerings, “As the largest airline group in South America, LATAM is the logical solution for travel anywhere on our beautiful continent. Whether you are visiting the beaches of Brazil, the wonders of Machu Picchu, or the natural beauty of Patagonia, LATAM is your best choice. And with the new LATAM credit card, customers can earn miles towards award flights and more.”

Overall, the LATAM Airlines cards from Cardless are interesting for a few reasons. For one, it’s interesting to see Cardless expanding beyond its sports team roots and releasing a card that earns a different currency (in this case LATAM Pass Miles). Additionally, with a modest annual fee, some great perks, and an attainable welcome bonus, the LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard could be worth taking a shot on. At the same time, if you’re not a LATAM flyer, you will surely want to do your research on how to turn your Pass Miles into flights on partner airlines or on other ways to redeem your miles before applying.

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