Rami Levi and El Al Credit Cards Compared for Travelers Seeking Best Overseas Rewards
Two credit cards in Israel, SuperFly and FLY CARD, offer rewards for everyday spending that can be redeemed for travel benefits, but they operate on fundamentally different models. SuperFly, launched in partnership with Rami Levi, Israir, and Isracard, accumulates dollars that can be directly used as discounts on Israir flights and vacations. The standard SuperFly card earns one dollar per 500 shekels spent, while the Premium version improves this to one dollar per 333 shekels. For example, a monthly spend of 10,000 shekels yields about 20 dollars monthly on the regular card and 30 dollars on Premium, with additional bonuses for purchases made through Israir and in foreign currency. The card fees are 17.90 shekels per month after a free first year for the regular card and 24.90 shekels for Premium. Foreign currency transaction fees are 2.2% for Classic and 1.5% for Premium cards, with extra point accruals on foreign purchases.
In contrast, the FLY CARD, associated with El Al and its frequent flyer program, accumulates points rather than dollars. The regular card earns one point per 5 shekels spent, Premium one point per 4 shekels, and Premium Select one point per 4.5 shekels. A 10,000 shekel monthly spend translates to roughly 2,000 to 2,500 points monthly depending on the card tier. However, the value of these points varies significantly based on destination and travel season; for instance, flights to Larnaca cost 15,000 points in winter but 18,000 in summer, and Budapest flights range from 20,000 to 28,000 points depending on season. Monthly fees are 19.90 shekels for the regular card and 38.90 shekels for Premium. Foreign transaction fees for non-bank cards are 2.5%.
The choice between the cards depends on the traveler's habits. Families who spend regularly and book through Israir may benefit more from SuperFly’s straightforward dollar-based discounts. Frequent El Al flyers with established loyalty club memberships might prefer FLY CARD despite the variable point redemption values. The article emphasizes that comparing the two cards is not straightforward since one uses a fixed dollar value system and the other a fluctuating points system. Additionally, travelers should consider flight prices, as accumulating points for certain destinations may not be cost-effective compared to low-cost carrier tickets.
Ultimately, the best card depends on individual spending patterns, travel frequency, and flexibility with travel dates and destinations. Both cards offer benefits but cater to different types of travelers and reward preferences.
