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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card from Cardless at $249/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,100 more in estimated value) than the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexAvianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
Annual fee$650$249
Sign-up bonus100,000 milesNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)$1,100-
Min spend to unlock bonus--
IssuerAmerican ExpressCardless
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x2x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
    $650/yr · 100,000 miles
    Read the full review
    Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
    $249/yr ·

    Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex

    Only worthwhile if you actually use Delta SkyClubs, the access alone is worth the fee for frequent Delta flyers. The upgraded companion cert (can be used on First/Comfort+) is a big perk over the standard Platinum version.

    Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
    The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has a public bonus (100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100), while the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
    Premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex ($650/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $650+ of those credits, the math works. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card at $249/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Cardless) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.