What the Volaris Credit Card Is
The Volaris credit card is a co-branded card issued by Banco Azteca and designed for frequent flyers on Volaris, Mexico's largest low-cost airline. It earns points on every purchase that convert to Volaris flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards. The card charges an annual fee and offers benefits tied to Volaris travel — priority boarding, checked baggage allowance, and lounge access depending on the card tier.
The card is available only to residents of Mexico with a Mexican bank account and credit history. If you fly Volaris regularly from Mexico or live there, the card's earning rate and travel perks may offset the annual cost. If you fly occasionally or from the United States, a U.S.-based travel card will likely give you better value.
Key Takeaways
- The Volaris card earns points on all purchases that redeem for Volaris flights and upgrades, with bonus categories for dining and gas.
- The card charges an annual fee that varies by tier; the basic version costs less but includes fewer travel benefits than premium versions.
- You must have a Mexican bank account and established credit history to be issued the card.
- The card's value depends on how often you fly Volaris and whether you use the included benefits like checked baggage and priority boarding.
How Points Earning Works
The Volaris card earns points on every purchase at a base rate that varies by card tier. Most versions earn 1 point per peso spent on general purchases, with higher earning rates on dining, gas, and Volaris bookings. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Points redeem directly for Volaris flights at a fixed rate — typically 1 point equals a small fraction of a flight's cost, so you accumulate points across multiple purchases before you have enough for a full ticket. You can also use points for seat upgrades, extra baggage, and other Volaris services. The redemption value is set by Volaris and does not fluctuate, so you know exactly what your points are worth before you redeem.
Points earned through the card do not combine with Volaris frequent flyer miles earned through flights themselves. They are separate accounts, so you track earning through two channels if you use both the card and the airline's loyalty program.
Annual Fees and Card Tiers
Volaris offers multiple card versions, each with a different annual fee and benefit package. The basic card has the lowest fee and includes core benefits like points earning and a checked bag allowance. Premium tiers cost more but add benefits such as lounge access, higher earning rates, and annual statement credits that may offset part of the fee.
The exact fee amount and what each tier includes changes periodically, so you should confirm the current structure with Banco Azteca before explore. Some versions waive the first-year fee or offer a reduced fee in the first year. If you carry a balance on the card, you will also pay interest on that balance — the card's interest rate is set by Banco Azteca and is separate from the annual fee.
Travel Benefits Included With the Card
Most Volaris cards include checked baggage — typically one free checked bag per flight, which saves you the per-bag fee Volaris charges non-cardholders. You also receive priority boarding, which lets you board before general passengers and choose your seat earlier. Premium tiers add lounge access at Mexico City and other major airports, where you can wait for your flight in a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks.
Some versions include travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, or medical emergencies while traveling. The coverage limits and what is included vary by tier, so read the terms carefully. These benefits have real value only if you use them — if you rarely check bags or never use airport lounges, you are paying for benefits you do not need.
Who Should Consider This Card
The Volaris card makes sense if you fly Volaris at least a few times per year and live in Mexico where you can use it. The points earning rate and included baggage allowance reduce the effective cost of your flights. If you fly the same airline regularly, a co-branded card usually offers better value than a general travel card because the benefits are designed around that airline's fees and services.
The card is less useful if you fly Volaris only once or twice a year, because the annual fee will outweigh the points you earn and the baggage savings. It is also not available to U.S. residents, so if you live in the United States and fly Volaris occasionally from there, you would need a U.S. travel card instead. Compare the annual fee against how much you typically spend on Volaris flights and baggage fees in a year — if the card saves you more than it costs, it is worth holding.
How to Get the Card and What You Need
You explore for the Volaris card through Banco Azteca, either online at their website or in person at a branch. You will need a valid Mexican ID, proof of address, and evidence of income or employment. Banco Azteca will check your credit history with Mexico's credit bureaus to decide whether to issue the card and at what credit limit.
The approval process typically takes one to two weeks. Once approved, the card arrives by mail to your registered address. You set up it through Banco Azteca's website or app, then link it to your Volaris frequent flyer account so points earned on the card post to your Volaris account automatically.
Comparing the Volaris Card to Other Options
If you live in Mexico and fly multiple airlines, a general travel card from a Mexican bank may earn points that work across more airlines and partners, giving you more flexibility. If you live in the United States and fly Volaris, a U.S. travel card like the Chase Sapphire or American Express Platinum will earn points on all your spending and offer better benefits for U.S. travel.
The Volaris card's advantage is that its benefits are built specifically for Volaris — the baggage allowance, priority boarding, and lounge access match what Volaris charges for those services separately. If you are loyal to Volaris and value those perks, the card is worth comparing to a general card. If you want flexibility across airlines or do not use the included benefits, a general travel card is likely a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Volaris card outside Mexico?
Yes, the card works internationally and earns points on purchases anywhere. However, you may pay foreign transaction fees depending on your card terms, so check with Banco Azteca about whether the card charges a percentage on non-Mexican purchases. Points redeem for Volaris flights booked from anywhere, so the card is useful for travel planning even if you live abroad.
Do points expire if I do not use them?
Points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. However, if you close the card or let it become inactive for an extended period, Banco Azteca may close the account and forfeit your points. Keep the card active by using it occasionally or paying the annual fee on time.
What happens if I carry a balance on the card?
You will pay interest on the balance at the rate set by Banco Azteca, separate from the annual fee. The interest rate is typically higher than rates on general credit cards, so carrying a balance is expensive. Pay off the full balance each month to avoid interest charges and maximize the value of the points you earn.
Can I transfer points to another airline or use them for non-Volaris purchases?
Points redeem only for Volaris flights, upgrades, and services — you cannot transfer them to another airline or use them for cash back or other purchases. This limits flexibility compared to cards that earn transferable points, so consider whether you are comfortable being locked into Volaris rewards.