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Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs Citi Double Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the Citi Double Cash 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 Citi Double Cash, 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 | Citi Double Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $1,500 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Cardless | Citi |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Airline) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
$249/yr ·
Read the full review
Citi Double Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Editorial take: Citi Double Cash
The OG flat 2% card. Pairs with Custom Cash + Premier to form Citi's trifecta, turns your combined cash back into transferable ThankYou Points. Rock solid for non-bonus spend.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or Citi Double Cash?
- The Citi Double Cash has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), 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 Citi Double Cash?
- 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 Citi Double Cash's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and Citi Double Cash?
- 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 Citi Double Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card: no published min spend. Citi Double Cash: $1,500 in 6 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.