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Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa from Chime at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card | Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | None |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $0 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | Cardless | Chime |
| Card category | travel | secured |
| 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
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa
$0/yr · None
Editorial take: Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa?
- The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa has a public bonus (None, worth roughly $0), while the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's $249 annual fee worth it compared to the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa?
- 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 Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and Chime) 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 Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card: no published min spend. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa: $0 in 0 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.