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Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card from American Express at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($960 more in estimated value) than the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first; revisit the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $960 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Cardless | American Express |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| 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
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles
Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has a public bonus (80,000 bonus miles, worth roughly $960), 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and American Express) 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express 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. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $3,000 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.