What Is Cardless, and Are Its Credit Cards Right for You?

Cardless is a credit card provider to individual brands. The San Francisco-based company was founded in 2019. Its cards are issued through FDIC-insured First Electronic Bank in Salt Lake City. (And despite its name, Cardless issues physical credit cards.)

The company has two co-branded cards with LATAM Airlines, a South American carrier; two cards with Qatar Airways; two with Colombia-based Avianca Airlines; plus a card with TAP Air Portugal. In addition, Cardless has a co-branded card in partnership with mall company Simon Property Group and American Express, as well as a co-branded small-business card in partnership with online retailer Alibaba.com.

Cardless first earned a foothold in creating cards for professional sports teams, such as the Boston Celtics basketball team and soccer's Manchester United, although those cards are no longer accepting applications.

So Cardless is a legitimate company and is safe to consider doing business with. Its products offer familiar credit card features and reward structures, along with perks specific to the partner brand, like earning airline miles through your spending.

That doesn’t mean all of Cardless' products will be right for you, or that you’ll have a good experience. Also, as of this writing, Cardless notes that you can have only one of its cards ever — even if one of your previous cards from the company has been closed.

Here's what else to know.

» MORE: Best airline credit cards

Are Cardless credit cards good?

As with any co-branded credit cards, Cardless’ cards are most useful if you’re loyal to one of the brands it has partnered with. For instance, if you fly often on Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal or LATAM Airlines, you’re more likely to get value out of the appropriate card, especially if you can make use of perks like free checked bags or airport lounge access.

But it's also worth noting that a general travel credit card — that is, one that's not co-branded with an airline — can often be a more flexible and valuable pick. These general cards likely won't come with perks specific to your favorite airline, but on the other hand, you won't be locked into a specific airline when it comes to redeeming your rewards.

Cardless credit cards for travel

Qatar Airways

Here’s how Cardless’ two Qatar Airways cards compare (as of this writing):

» MORE: Qatar Airways: What travelers need to know

TAP Air Portugal

The TAP Miles&Go American Express Credit Card has a $79 annual fee and earns:

• 3 miles per $1 on flights and other TAP Air Portugal purchases. 

• 2 miles per $1 on hotels, car rentals and ridesharing services.

• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

As of this writing, new cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first 90 days. Other card benefits include premium boarding, two passes per year to the TAP Premium Lounge at Lisbon Airport, and the ability to check an extra bag without fees twice a year. You’ll also earn one status mile for every 5 miles you earn, up to 10,000 status miles per year. Terms apply.

» MORE: TAP Portugal: What you need to know

LATAM Airlines

Here’s how Cardless’ two LATAM Airlines cards compare (as of this writing):

Avianca Airlines

The Avianca lifemiles American Express Card and Avianca lifemiles American Express Elite Card launched in late May 2024. Both offer an accelerated path to Silver elite status, which grants benefits including bonus miles earned on Avianca flights, priority check-in and boarding, passes to Avianca lounges, additional checked bags, discounts on premium seat purchases, and more.

Here’s our review of the Avianca credit cards, and below is a quick glance at how they compare:

» MORE: The guide to Avianca Airlines LifeMiles

Cardless credit cards for shopping

The Simon American Express Credit Card

The Simon American Express Credit Card earns 5% cash back at every store at Simon Malls, Mills Outlets or Premium Outlets in the U.S. (eligible purchases outside the U.S. will earn 1% back). You can also earn 5% cash back at select online retailers, including:

• JCPenney.

• Aéropostale.

• Brooks Brothers.

• Eddie Bauer.

• Forever 21.

• Lucky Brand Jeans.

• Nautica.

• Reebok.

• Gilt Groupe (online only).

Note that you must use your card five times per month to earn those rewards, and you’re limited to earning 5% back on up to $10,000 in annual spending.