Volaris credit cards are not currently available to US residents
Volaris, the Mexican low-cost airline, issues its credit card through Banco Azteca, a Mexican bank. The card is designed for Mexican residents and Mexican bank accounts only. If you live in the United States, you cannot open a Volaris credit card account, even if you have a Mexican passport or citizenship.
The card requires a Mexican address, a Mexican tax ID (RFC), and a Mexican bank account to may have access to. US banks do not partner with Volaris to offer this card to American customers. There is no US version of the Volaris card, and Volaris has not announced plans to change this.
If you are a frequent Volaris flyer living in the US, your rewards options are limited to Volaris's frequent flyer program, Volaris Club, which you can join without a credit card.
Key Takeaways
- Volaris credit cards are issued only by Banco Azteca in Mexico and require a Mexican address and Mexican bank account.
- US residents cannot open a Volaris credit card account under any circumstances, regardless of citizenship or travel frequency.
- You can still earn Volaris miles through the Volaris Club frequent flyer program, which is open to international members.
- If you have a Mexican bank account and address, you can apply for the Volaris card directly through Banco Azteca in Mexico.
- US credit cards that offer airline rewards may provide an alternative way to earn points on Volaris flights booked through US payment methods.
What the Volaris card actually covers
The Volaris credit card in Mexico offers benefits tied to Volaris flights and Banco Azteca services. Cardholders earn points on Volaris ticket purchases, hotel bookings through Volaris's travel partners, and other may be able to access purchases. The card also includes travel insurance, airport lounge access at certain Mexican airports, and discounts on Volaris ancillary services like seat selection and baggage fees.
These benefits are designed for Mexican residents who book flights regularly through Mexican payment methods. The card's terms, interest rates, and annual fees are set by Banco Azteca and vary by card tier. None of this changes the fact that US residents cannot hold the card.
Why US banks don't partner with Volaris
Volaris is a regional airline with limited US presence compared to major carriers like American, United, or Southwest. US credit card issuers prioritize partnerships with airlines that have large domestic networks and high cardholder spending potential. Volaris does not meet that threshold for most US banks.
Additionally, Volaris's business model focuses on Mexico and Latin America. The airline has not pursued US credit card partnerships, and there is no financial incentive for a US bank to develop a Volaris card when the airline's US customer base is smaller and more price-sensitive than customers of major US carriers.
Earning Volaris rewards as a US resident
You can join Volaris Club, the airline's frequent flyer program, from anywhere in the world, including the United States. Membership is free, and you earn miles on every Volaris flight you book, regardless of which payment method you use. You can also earn miles through Volaris's hotel and car rental partners.
Miles can be redeemed for Volaris flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other services. The program does not require a credit card, so US residents can participate fully without needing a Volaris card. You simply provide your Volaris Club number when you book a flight.
If you want to earn rewards on everyday purchases in addition to flights, you would need to use a US-issued credit card that offers flexible rewards (such as cash back or transferable points) and apply those rewards to Volaris tickets booked through a US payment method.
If you have a Mexican address and bank account
If you are a US citizen or resident but maintain a Mexican address and a Mexican bank account, you may be able to open a Volaris credit card through Banco Azteca. You would need to visit a Banco Azteca branch in Mexico in person or contact them directly to learn about their current application process and requirements.
Banco Azteca typically requires proof of address (utility bill or lease), a valid ID, your RFC (Mexican tax ID), and proof of income or employment. The application is conducted in Spanish, and the card is issued to your Mexican address. You would need to manage the account from Mexico or through Banco Azteca's online banking platform.
This option is practical only if you spend significant time in Mexico or have family there who can help manage the account. For most US-based travelers, the Volaris Club frequent flyer program is the simpler path to earning rewards on Volaris flights.
Alternative ways to earn rewards on Volaris flights from the US
Several US credit cards offer flexible rewards that work well for Volaris bookings. Cards with flat-rate cash back (such as 1.5% or 2% on all purchases) let you earn rewards on any airline ticket, including Volaris. You pay with your US card and accumulate cash back or points that you control.
Some US cards also offer transfer partners or airline transfer options. If your card's rewards program partners with Latin American airlines or has a transfer option to Volaris Club miles, you can convert your points directly. Check your card's benefits guide or contact the issuer to confirm whether Volaris is listed as a transfer partner.
The downside is that you do not get the card-specific perks that a Volaris-branded card would offer (like automatic miles bonuses or fee waivers). But you gain flexibility, since your rewards are not locked into one airline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Volaris card issued in Mexico if I move to the US?
Technically, you could keep the card active if you already hold one, but you would face challenges. Banco Azteca requires a Mexican address on file, and the account is managed through Mexican banking systems. You would need to update your address and may encounter issues with online banking or customer service. Most cardholders close the account when they relocate permanently.
Does Volaris offer a credit card through any US bank?
No. Volaris has no credit card partnership with any US bank. The only Volaris-branded card is issued by Banco Azteca in Mexico. If you see a card advertised as a "Volaris card" from a US bank, it is not legitimate.
Can I earn Volaris miles with a US credit card?
Yes, if your US credit card's rewards program includes Volaris as a transfer partner or if you use a flexible rewards card (cash back or points) to pay for Volaris flights. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm. You can also earn miles directly through Volaris Club without any credit card.
What if I have dual citizenship—US and Mexico?
Dual citizenship does not change the requirements. Banco Azteca will still require a Mexican address and Mexican bank account. If you maintain both, you could open a Volaris card in Mexico. But if you live primarily in the US, the practical barriers (managing a Mexican account remotely, customer service in Spanish, updating address information) usually outweigh the benefit.
Is there a waitlist or future plan for a US Volaris card?
Volaris has not announced any plans to launch a US credit card. The airline has not indicated interest in pursuing a US partnership. If this changes, it would likely be announced on Volaris's official website or through a press release.