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Side-by-side

Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card vs USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card comes from Cardless at $99/yr; the USAA Rate Advantage 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

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 Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
Annual fee$99$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertisedNone
Bonus value (est.)-$0
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 0 mo
IssuerCardlessUSAA
Card categorytravelrewards
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 Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
      $0/yr · None

      Editorial take: Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card

      Editorial take: USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card or USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
      The USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum has a public bonus (None, worth roughly $0), 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 Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
      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 Rate Advantage Visa Platinum's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
      Can I have both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card and USAA Rate Advantage 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 Card or the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card: no published min spend. USAA Rate Advantage 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.