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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/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 American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,500 more in estimated value) than the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited | Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $295 | $249 |
| Sign-up bonus | $1,500 cash back | Not advertised |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,500 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $50,000 in 6 mo | - |
| Issuer | American Express | Cardless |
| Card category | business | travel |
| Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Read the full review
American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
$295/yr · $1,500 cash back
Read the full review
Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
$249/yr ·
Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
- The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has a public bonus ($1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500), while the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
- At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. 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.