The Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard offers savings on flights to and from locations throughout the East Coast and Puerto Rico, with solid ongoing rewards and perks like a free standard seat assignment and priority boarding. However, as a small airline, it may not be practical for all travelers, especially since it lacks a free checked bag benefit typically expected from an airline card with a similar annual fee.
The card earns points that can be redeemed as Avelo Cash, with 5% back on Avelo purchases and 2% back on all other purchases. While these rates are higher than many similar cards, the rewards can only be used with Avelo, limiting flexibility. Consider a general-purpose travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for more options and benefits.
New cardholders can earn $250 in Avelo Cash after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, which is a modest welcome bonus considering the annual fee. Additionally, the card does not offer a free checked bag benefit, only a free carry-on bag, which may not be sufficient for some travelers.
The card has a high ongoing variable APR of over 29%, making it important to pay off balances in full to avoid interest charges. If you prefer a lower ongoing interest rate, consider a credit card like the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card from a credit union for better rates.