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Side-by-side

Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card vs Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card comes from First Bank & Trust 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.

FeatureBest Western Rewards Visa Signature CardAvianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
Annual fee$0$249
Sign-up bonusNot advertisedNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus--
IssuerFirst Bank & TrustCardless
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Best_western_hotels)4x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card
      $0/yr ·
      Read the full review
      Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
      $249/yr ·

      Editorial take: Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card

      Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card or Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
      Neither card has a publicly advertised sign-up bonus today. Watch for limited-time offers from each issuer.
      Is the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
      The Best Western Rewards Visa Signature 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 Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card.
      Can I have both the Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card and Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (First Bank & Trust 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 Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Best Western Rewards Visa Signature Card: 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.