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Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed 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 PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature 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 | PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | $100 statement credit |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $100 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $1,500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Cardless | PenFed |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| 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
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
$0/yr · $100 statement credit
Editorial take: PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card has a public bonus ($100 statement credit, worth roughly $100), 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 PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature 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 PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and PenFed) 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 PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature 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. PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card: $1,500 in 3 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.