Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs U.S. Bank Shopper 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 U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card from U.S. Bank at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card | U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | $250 cash back bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $250 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $2,000 in 4 mo |
| Issuer | Cardless | U.S. Bank |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Airline) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Editorial take: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card has a public bonus ($250 cash back bonus, worth roughly $250), 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 U.S. Bank Shopper 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 U.S. Bank Shopper 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 U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and U.S. Bank) 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 U.S. Bank Shopper 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. U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card: $2,000 in 4 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.
