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Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs USAA Secured Visa Platinum
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the USAA Secured Visa Platinum from USAA 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 USAA Secured Visa Platinum, 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 | USAA Secured Visa Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $249 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | None |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $0 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | Cardless | USAA |
| Card category | travel | rewards |
| 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
USAA Secured Visa Platinum
$0/yr · None
Editorial take: USAA Secured Visa Platinum
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or USAA Secured Visa Platinum?
- The USAA Secured Visa Platinum has a public bonus (None, worth roughly $0), 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 USAA Secured Visa Platinum?
- 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 USAA Secured Visa Platinum's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and USAA Secured Visa Platinum?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and USAA) 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 USAA Secured Visa Platinum first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card: no published min spend. USAA Secured Visa Platinum: $0 in 0 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.