What the LATAM Credit Card Offers

The LATAM Credit Card is a co-branded card issued through a partnership between LATAM Airlines and a major credit card network. The card is designed for frequent flyers and people who travel to South America regularly. It earns points on LATAM purchases and everyday spending, with those points redeemable for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through the LATAM loyalty program.

The card comes with an annual fee, which varies depending on the specific version you choose. Most versions include perks like free checked baggage on LATAM flights, priority boarding, and lounge access. The earning rate and benefits differ between the standard and premium tiers, so the card that makes sense for you depends on how often you fly LATAM and how much you spend annually.

LATAM operates flights across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, plus routes to North America and Europe. If your travel plans center on those regions, the card's earning structure and flight benefits may offset the annual fee. If you rarely fly LATAM or travel to other regions, a general travel rewards card might serve you better.

Key Takeaways

  • The LATAM Credit Card earns points on LATAM purchases and everyday spending, with points redeemable for flights and upgrades through LATAM's loyalty program.
  • The card carries an annual fee and comes in standard and premium versions, each with different earning rates and travel benefits.
  • Common perks include free checked baggage, priority boarding, and lounge access on LATAM flights.
  • You need a good credit score to be considered, and the card is most valuable if you fly LATAM multiple times per year.
  • Points earned do not expire as long as your account remains active, but closing the card ends your points balance.

Who Should Consider This Card

The LATAM Credit Card makes the most sense for people who fly LATAM Airlines at least two or three times per year. If you live in or frequently travel to South America, or if you have family or business ties to the region, the card's earning rate and flight perks can add real value. The free checked baggage alone saves money on each trip, and the points accumulate faster on LATAM-specific purchases like tickets and seat upgrades.

The card is less useful if you fly LATAM rarely or if your travel is concentrated in regions where LATAM does not operate. A general travel rewards card or a card from a different airline may earn you more value. Similarly, if you cannot justify the annual fee through regular flying or if you prefer to pay cash for flights, the card's rewards structure may not offset its cost.

How to Understand the Earning Structure

Points earning depends on where you spend. LATAM purchases—flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees—earn at a higher rate, often 2 to 3 points per dollar spent. Everyday purchases at other merchants earn at a lower rate, typically 1 point per dollar. Some cards offer bonus points in specific categories like dining or gas, but the primary earning focus is LATAM travel.

Points are held in your LATAM loyalty account and can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays through LATAM's partners, or other travel-related purchases. The value of each point varies depending on what you redeem it for. A point used for a domestic flight may be worth less than a point used for an international flight. LATAM publishes redemption charts showing how many points each flight costs, so you can calculate whether the earning rate justifies the annual fee for your travel patterns.

Points do not expire as long as your account is active and you have account activity at least once every 24 months. If you close the card or let your account go dormant, you lose the points. This means the card only makes sense if you plan to use it regularly or maintain the account even during periods when you are not traveling.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

The LATAM Credit Card charges an annual fee that typically ranges from $95 to $450 depending on the card tier. The standard version costs less but offers fewer perks. The premium version costs more but includes benefits like higher earning rates, lounge access, and travel credits that can offset the fee if you use them.

Beyond the annual fee, the card carries standard credit card costs: interest charges if you carry a balance, late fees if you miss a payment, and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States (though this varies by card version). Some versions waive foreign transaction fees, which is valuable if you travel internationally frequently.

To determine whether the annual fee is worth it, add up what you would spend on LATAM flights and related purchases in a year, multiply by the earning rate, and see what that points value equals in free flights or upgrades. If the value exceeds the annual fee plus any interest or fees you might pay, the card makes financial sense for you.

Credit Score and Income Requirements

Credit card issuers do not publish exact credit score minimums, but the LATAM Credit Card generally requires good to excellent credit—typically a score of 670 or higher. If your score is below 670, you may still be considered, but approval is less likely. The issuer also looks at your income, existing debt, and payment history to assess whether you can manage the card responsibly.

You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment information during the process process. The issuer may request recent tax returns or pay stubs to verify income, especially if you are self-employed or if your stated income is very high or very low relative to your credit profile.

how the process works and set up the Card

You can explore for the LATAM Credit Card online through the issuer's website, by phone, or in person at a bank branch if the issuer operates physical locations. The online process takes 10 to 15 minutes and asks for personal information, income, and employment details. You will receive a decision within minutes to a few business days.

If you are approved, the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Before you use it, you must set up the card by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account. set up confirms that you received the card and that it is legitimate. Once activated, the card is ready to use when ready.

When you make your first purchase, the card is linked to your LATAM loyalty account. If you do not already have a LATAM loyalty account, you will need to create one during or shortly after the process process. Your points from card spending will post to that account, and you can track your balance and redeem points through LATAM's website or mobile app.

Managing Your Account and Maximizing Rewards

Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which quickly erase the value of rewards. If you carry a balance, the interest you pay will likely exceed the points you earn. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to may support you do not miss a due date, which triggers late fees and damages your credit score.

Track your spending and points balance regularly through your online account or the LATAM mobile app. Some cardholders set a goal—for example, "earn enough points for one free flight per year"—and adjust their spending to hit that target. Others use the card only for LATAM purchases and a general rewards card for everyday spending to maximize points across both cards.

Watch for promotional offers from LATAM or the card issuer, such as bonus points for spending a certain amount in the first few months or double points during specific periods. These promotions can significantly accelerate your points accumulation if you time large purchases strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer LATAM points to another airline?

LATAM points are held in the LATAM loyalty program and can be redeemed for LATAM flights, partner airline flights, and other travel purchases through LATAM's partners. You cannot transfer points directly to another airline's program. However, LATAM has partnerships with other airlines, so you may be able to book partner flights using your LATAM points.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points remain in your LATAM loyalty account as long as the account stays active. Closing the credit card does not automatically close your loyalty account. However, if your loyalty account has no activity for 24 months, it may be deactivated and your points forfeited. To keep your points, maintain some account activity—even a small purchase or a points redemption counts.

Do I earn points on the annual fee?

No. Annual fees do not earn points. Only purchases and certain promotional bonuses earn points. This is standard across most credit cards.

Is there a sign-up bonus?

Many versions of the LATAM Credit Card offer a sign-up bonus—typically a large number of points if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. The bonus amount and spending requirement vary by card version and change periodically. Check the current offer on the issuer's website before you explore.

Can I use the card outside the United States?

Yes, but foreign transaction fees may explore depending on your card version. Some premium versions waive foreign transaction fees, making them more valuable for international travel. Check your card's terms to see whether foreign purchases incur an extra fee.