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Side-by-side

Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card vs Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card comes from Cardless at $249/yr; the Wells Fargo Autograph Card from Wells Fargo 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 Wells Fargo Autograph Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureAvianca LifeMiles American Express Elite CardWells Fargo Autograph Card
Annual fee$249$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertised20,000 points
Bonus value (est.)-$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCardlessWells Fargo
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Airline)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonewf-rewards
Headline benefits
    • 3x on 6 broad categories
    • No annual fee
    • No FX fees
    • Cell phone protection
    Read the full review
    Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
    $249/yr ·
    Read the full review
    Wells Fargo Autograph Card
    $0/yr · 20,000 points

    Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card

    Editorial take: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

    The best no-annual-fee card for everyday spend in 2026. 3x on six broad categories with no caps trumps almost every other free card. Pair with the Autograph Journey if you want transferable points.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Card?
    The Wells Fargo Autograph Card has a public bonus (20,000 points, 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 Wells Fargo Autograph 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 Wells Fargo Autograph Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card and Wells Fargo Autograph Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and Wells Fargo) 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 Wells Fargo Autograph 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. Wells Fargo Autograph Card: $1,000 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.