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BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card vs Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card comes from BECU at $0/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
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card | Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $249 |
| Sign-up bonus | No welcome bonus | Not advertised |
| Bonus value (est.) | $0 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $0 in 0 mo | - |
| Issuer | BECU | Cardless |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (All_purchases) | 1.5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Read the full review
BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card
$0/yr · No welcome bonus
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, BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card or Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
- The BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card has a public bonus (No welcome bonus, worth roughly $0), while the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
- The BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's $249 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's benefits to clear $249 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card.
- Can I have both the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card and Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (BECU 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 BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card or the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card: $0 spend in 0 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.