Avianca Launches 2 New U.S. American Express Credit Cards

It’s been a good month for non-U.S. airlines. Shortly after Qatar Airways launched its 2 new credit cards to U.S. residents, Avianca is doing the same. Although both are brand new, Avianca’s offerings are distinct from what Qatar has put out there. Let’s take a look.

New Avianca Credit Cards

For those who aren’t familiar with Avianca, it’s the flag carrier of Colombia and the country’s largest airline. Don’t let that fool you, however — the Avianca LifeMiles loyalty program is well-known to U.S. travelers thanks to the airline’s membership in Star Alliance (which includes United and Air Canada), plus the generous pricing Avianca offers on award flights.

Avianca is now offering 2 U.S. credit card options — 1 luxury card and 1 mid-tier card:

• Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card
• Avianca LifeMiles American Express Credit Card

Avianca LifeMiles Elite Card

The Avianca LifeMiles Elite card is the higher-end option and provides a number of benefits along with its $249 annual fee:

• Earn up to 100,000 Lifemiles: 60,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days and an additional 40,000 miles after spending $25,000 in the first year
• Earn 3 LifeMiles on Avianca and LifeMiles purchases, 2 LifeMiles on restaurant and travel spend, and 1 LifeMile on everything else
• Doubled LifeMiles earned on each billing cycle, up to 1,000 extra LifeMiles per month
• Complimentary monthly subscription to LifeMiles+ Lite, which offers a 10% rebate on Star Alliance award flights, up to a 25% mileage discount on Avianca flights, and 500 Lifemiles per month
• Avianca LifeMIles Silver status as long as you’re a cardholder, which translates to Star Alliance Silver status

Avianca LifeMiles Card

The Avianca LifeMiles card charges a $95 annual fee. Its benefits are more limited:

• Earn 40,000 LifeMiles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
• Earn 2 LifeMiles on Avianca purchases, LifeMiles purchases, restaurants, and groceries; 1 LifeMile elsewhere
• Avianca LifeMiles Silver status for as long as you hold the card

Is It Worth It?

There’s nothing crazy special about either of these cards, especially when compared against other co-branded airline credit cards. Of course, if you fly Avianca often, then the Silver status these cards provide may be a boon. Otherwise, the benefits you’ll receive are fairly limited.

That being said, those who prefer to redeem Avianca LifeMiles will enjoy that they can earn double LifeMiles on purchases with the Avianca LifeMiles Elite card even if it does cap out at an extra 1,000 miles per month.

Final Thoughts

Avianca and Cardless have teamed up to offer 2 new co-branded credit cards. While they aren’t overwhelmingly expensive, there isn’t much to love about them, either.