Choosing the right airline credit card<\/span> usually comes down to how often you fly with that carrier and its partners \u2014 and Avianca’s two cards are no exception.<\/p>\n If you regularly book Avianca<\/span> or Star Alliance<\/span> award flights, it’s worth considering both the Avianca Lifemiles American Express\u00ae Card<\/span> and the Avianca Lifemiles American Express\u00ae Elite Card<\/span>.<\/p>\n The Elite Card may catch your eye with its earning rates and built-in Lifemiles+ Lite membership. However, despite its $249 annual fee (see rates and fees<\/span>), it doesn’t necessarily deliver enough value to justify the cost for most travelers.<\/p>\n Card rating*: \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n *Card rating<\/span> is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.<\/em><\/p>\n The Avianca Lifemiles Amex Elite Card<\/span> looks like a step up from the cheaper $99 Avianca Lifemiles American Express Card (see rates and fees<\/span>). It earns more on Avianca purchases, adds redemption perks and includes ongoing benefits through a Lifemiles+ Lite<\/span> membership.<\/p>\n In practice, though, this card feels more like a niche option for frequent Lifemiles users than a well-rounded mid-tier airline card.<\/p>\n Just like the cheaper $99 version, you’ll receive Avianca Silver status, which includes:<\/p>\n Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter<\/p>\n Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG\u2019s experts<\/p>\nAvianca Lifemiles Amex Elite: The basics<\/h2>\n
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