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Side-by-side

Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard

Both are travel travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard from Citi 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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureAvianca LifeMiles American Express Elite CardCitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
Annual fee$249$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertisedNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus--
IssuerCardlessCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Airline)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneaadvantage
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
      $249/yr ·
      Read the full review
      CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
      $0/yr ·

      Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card

      Editorial take: CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard?
      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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard?
      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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
      Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and Citi) 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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card: no published min spend. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: 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.