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Side-by-side

Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card vs USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card comes from Cardless at $99/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

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.

FeatureAvianca LifeMiles American Express CardUSAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Annual fee$99$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertised$250 cash bonus
Bonus value (est.)-$250
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCardlessUSAA
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Airline)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card
      $99/yr ·
      Read the full review
      USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
      $0/yr · $250 cash bonus

      Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card

      Editorial take: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
      The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards has a public bonus ($250 cash bonus, worth roughly $250), while the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
      Is the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
      At $99/yr, the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
      Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
      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 Card or the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card: no published min spend. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $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.