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Side-by-side

BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card vs Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card comes from BECU at $0/yr; the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card from Cardless at $99/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.

FeatureBECU Secured Low Rate Credit CardAvianca LifeMiles American Express Card
Annual fee$0$99
Sign-up bonusNo welcome bonusNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)$0-
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo-
IssuerBECUCardless
Card categorylow-interesttravel
Best earning category (All_purchases)0x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card
      $0/yr · No welcome bonus
      Read the full review
      Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card
      $99/yr ·

      Editorial take: BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card

      Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card or Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card?
      The BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card has a public bonus (No welcome bonus, worth roughly $0), while the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
      Is the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card?
      The BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card's benefits to clear $99 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card.
      Can I have both the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card and Avianca LifeMiles American Express 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 Low Rate Credit Card or the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card: $0 spend in 0 months. Avianca LifeMiles American Express 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.