Israel’s credit card market is in upheaval, and the biggest shift is the transfer of the FLY CARD club from Cal to Isracard after the partnership ended. The change affects about 500,000 FLY CARD holders in Israel, within El Al’s frequent-flyer program, which has more than 3.6 million members.
The article says the card’s scale is already proven in use: more than 1 million airline tickets were purchased over the past year using partial or full point redemptions, and more than 1 billion points were redeemed for tickets, seat upgrades, extra baggage and similar benefits. As a launch incentive, FLY CARD customers who book a hotel through El Al Travel will receive 10,000 frequent-flyer points.
The renewed card, now issued by Isracard, comes in several tiers. The basic card earns one frequent-flyer point for every 5 shekels spent. PREMIUM SELECT improves the rate to one point for every 4.5 shekels and also earns “diamonds,” which can upgrade membership status and unlock additional benefits. New applicants until October 31, 2026 will get 25% off the annual card fee in the first year.
The PREMIUM tier earns one point for every 4 shekels, and one point for every 3 shekels in foreign currency purchases. AMEX PREMIUM adds a 50% discount on currency conversion fees, aimed at frequent travelers and people who shop on foreign websites. El Al Frequent Flyer Club CEO Moshe Morgenstern said the card improves the whole trip, from booking to the end of the journey, and that only an airline can offer that. Isracard CEO Itamar Fuhrman called the partnership natural and said cardholders can accumulate points and reach a free flight faster. Cardholders also get airport lounge access worldwide, priority upgrades, preferred seats and discounted extra baggage, and points can be redeemed on El Al and partner airlines Delta, KLM and Air France. The article adds that anyone who has not yet switched should do so now to keep their benefits.
