If you’re a U.S.-based traveler who loves flying Volaris Airlines to Mexico or other destinations, you might be wondering, “Can I Apply for Volaris Credit Card in USA” The idea of earning rewards like free baggage, priority boarding, or flight discounts is appealing, especially if you frequently travel to Mexico. Unfortunately, getting a Volaris-branded credit card isn’t straightforward for U.S. residents. In this guide, we’ll break down why you can’t apply for the Volaris INVEX credit card in the USA, explore its features, and share the best alternative travel cards to maximize your Volaris flights. Let’s dive in!
Can I Apply for Volaris Credit Card in USA?
The Short Answer
The short answer to “Can I apply for Volaris credit card in USA?” is no. There is currently no Volaris-branded credit card offered by a U.S. bank for American residents. The Volaris INVEX credit card, which is the airline’s primary co-branded card, is exclusively available to Mexican citizens or residents with a Mexican bank account and local documentation. This restriction limits access for U.S. travelers, but don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to earn rewards for Volaris flights, which we’ll cover later.
What Is the Volaris INVEX Credit Card?
A Mexican Airline Co-Branded Card
The Volaris INVEX credit card is a co-branded card issued by INVEX Bank, a Mexican financial institution, in partnership with Volaris, a leading low-cost airline in Mexico. This card is designed for frequent Volaris flyers and offers several travel perks, including:
- Points for Purchases: Cardholders earn points (credited to a Volaris eWallet) with every purchase, which can be redeemed for airfare, taxes, or optional services like seat selection. Points are valid for two years and can be used once you accumulate 1,000 pesos.
- Free Baggage: Pay at least 50% of your reservation with the card to get extra baggage allowance, such as one checked bag up to 55 pounds or even 77 pounds for higher-tier cards. The combined weight of carry-on and personal items can reach up to 44 pounds.
- Priority Boarding: Cardholders enjoy priority boarding, making the travel experience smoother.
- Discounts and Bonuses: Get a 15% bonus on purchases (up to 150 pesos per flight) and interest-free payment plans for 3, 6, or 11 months on Volaris bookings.
- No Annual Fee (Select Cards): The Volaris INVEX 0 card has no annual fee, while others may charge $2,688–$3,999 MXN plus VAT.
However, these benefits come with a catch: the Volaris credit card requirements include having a Mexican bank account, a Mexican tax ID, and residency in Mexico. This makes it inaccessible for most U.S. residents.
Why Volaris Doesn’t Offer a U.S.-Based Credit Card
Volaris operates numerous routes to and from the U.S., connecting cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver to destinations across Mexico and Latin America. So why isn’t there a Volaris credit card U.S. application option? Here are the key reasons:
- Regulatory and Partnership Limitations: Credit cards are heavily regulated, and issuing a co-branded card in the U.S. requires partnerships with major U.S. banks (like Chase, Citi, or American Express). Volaris’s financial partnerships are primarily with INVEX Bank in Mexico, limiting their ability to offer a card in the U.S.
- Focus on Mexican Market: Volaris is a Mexican airline, and its loyalty and rewards programs, including the INVEX card, are tailored to its core customer base in Mexico. The airline’s rewards program, v.club, also requires a Mexican credit card for certain benefits, further emphasizing this focus.
- U.S. Market Dynamics: Most U.S. airline credit cards are tied to major domestic carriers like Delta, United, or American Airlines, which have larger market shares and established partnerships with U.S. banks. As a low-cost carrier, Volaris may not have the scale or demand to justify a U.S.-based card.
This means U.S. travelers looking to earn rewards for Volaris flights need to explore alternative options, which we’ll discuss next.
Alternatives for U.S. Travelers Who Fly Volaris
If you can’t apply for a Volaris credit card in USA, don’t worry—there are excellent travel rewards cards available to U.S. residents that can help you save on Volaris flights. These cards earn flexible points that can be redeemed for flights on any airline, including Volaris, through travel portals or point transfers. Here are some top picks for airline credit cards for Mexico travel:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Why It’s Great: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X points on dining, and 2X points on other travel purchases. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel℠, making it easy to book Volaris flights.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Why for Volaris: Use points to book Volaris flights via Chase Travel℠ or transfer points to partners for potential award bookings.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- Why It’s Great: Earn 2X miles on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Redeem miles as a statement credit for travel purchases, including Volaris flights, at 1 cent per mile.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Why for Volaris: Flexible redemption options make it easy to cover Volaris airfare or baggage fees.
- American Express® Gold Card:
- Why It’s Great: Earn 4X points on dining and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), plus 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. Points can be transferred to airline partners or used for statement credits.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $250.
- Why for Volaris: High earning rates on everyday spending help you rack up points for travel, including Volaris flights.
These cards are ideal because they offer flexible rewards that aren’t tied to a specific airline, allowing you to use points for Volaris flights or other travel expenses like hotels and car rentals in Mexico.
Can U.S. Citizens Get the Volaris INVEX Card from Mexico?
For U.S. citizens hoping to get the Volaris INVEX card, the requirements are strict. You might be eligible if you meet these conditions:
- Permanent Residency in Mexico: You must be a legal resident of Mexico with a temporary or permanent resident card (FM2 or better).
- Mexican Tax ID: A Mexican RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) is required for the application.
- Mexican Bank Account: You need an active bank account with a Mexican financial institution.
- Application Through INVEX Bank: The process is handled entirely by INVEX Bank in Mexico, and applications are not available through U.S. channels.
These requirements make it nearly impossible for most U.S. residents to apply unless they have established residency and financial ties in Mexico. Even then, the process involves navigating Mexican banking regulations, which can be complex for non-residents.
FAQs About Volaris Credit Cards for U.S. Travelers
Can I get a Volaris credit card if I live in the U.S.?
No, the Volaris INVEX credit card is only available to Mexican citizens or residents with a Mexican bank account and tax ID. U.S. residents cannot apply for this card unless they meet these requirements.
What credit card should I use for Volaris flights from the U.S.?
U.S. travelers should consider general travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, or American Express Gold Card. These cards earn flexible points that can be redeemed for Volaris flights or other travel expenses, offering more versatility than a Volaris-specific card.
Does Volaris have a loyalty program for U.S. customers?
Yes, Volaris offers the v.club membership and Volaris Annual Pass, which are open to U.S. customers. However, some benefits, like payment plans, may require a Mexican credit card. The v.club program allows you to access lower fares, but you’ll need to pay with a credit or debit card accepted by Volaris (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.).
Read Also- Who Accepts CFNA Credit Card
Are there any U.S. credit cards that partner with Volaris?
No U.S. credit cards are directly partnered with Volaris. However, you can use cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards to cover Volaris flight costs by redeeming miles as a statement credit, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Conclusion
While the answer to “Can I apply for Volaris credit card in USA?” is no, U.S. travelers have plenty of options to make their Volaris flights more rewarding. The Volaris INVEX credit card is exclusive to Mexican residents, requiring a Mexican bank account and tax ID, which limits its accessibility. Instead, U.S.-based frequent flyers can turn to versatile travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, or American Express Gold Card. These cards offer flexible points, generous sign-up bonuses, and redemption options that work for Volaris flights and beyond. Compare these airline credit cards for Mexico travel to find the best fit for your needs, and start earning rewards for your next Volaris adventure today!
