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Side-by-side
Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card, 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 | American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | Not advertised |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | - |
| Issuer | Cardless | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Airline) | 3x | 2x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Read the full review
Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
$249/yr ·
Read the full review
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
$0/yr ·
Editorial take: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
- 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp 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. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp 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.