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Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Both are travel travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus from Chase 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.
| Feature | Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | 50,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Cardless | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Airline) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
$249/yr ·
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and Chase) 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 Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card: no published min spend. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 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.