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Side-by-side

Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs TAP Miles and Go American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card from Cardless at $79/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.

FeatureAvianca LifeMiles American Express Elite CardTAP Miles and Go American Express Card
Annual fee$249$79
Sign-up bonusNot advertised40,000 bonus miles
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus-$2,500 in 3 mo
IssuerCardlessCardless
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Airline)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • 3x miles on TAP purchases
    • 2 Lisbon lounge passes per year
    • Free extra checked bag
    • Star Alliance redemptions
    Read the full review
    Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
    $249/yr ·
    Read the full review
    TAP Miles and Go American Express Card
    $79/yr · 40,000 bonus miles

    Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card

    Editorial take: TAP Miles and Go American Express Card

    The only US co-branded card for a European Star Alliance carrier. Useful if you fly TAP to Lisbon or onward Europe several times a year, since the lounge passes, free extra bag, and Premium Boarding can each be worth more than the $79 annual fee on a single transatlantic trip.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or TAP Miles and Go American Express Card?
    Neither card has a publicly advertised sign-up bonus today. Watch for limited-time offers from each issuer.
    Is the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's $249 annual fee worth it compared to the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card?
    At $249/yr, the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and TAP Miles and Go American Express Card?
    Yes, though both are issued by Cardless so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card: no published min spend. TAP Miles and Go American Express Card: $2,500 in 3 months. 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.