If you’re a frequent traveler to Latin America, you might want to consider the Avianca credit cards. These cards were introduced to U.S. consumers in May 2024. Avianca, a Colombia-based airline, operates multiple hubs including in Lima and Bogota, and serves over 75 destinations in the Americas and Europe. Additionally, Avianca is part of the Star Alliance, allowing you to use the miles earned with the Avianca cards to book flights with more than 20 airlines within the alliance.
The Avianca cards offer enhanced rewards on Avianca flights and grant cardholders automatic Silver elite status, which comes with its own set of benefits. However, despite both cards having an annual fee, they lack some of the standard benefits that come with other airline credit cards, which can make the annual fee more justifiable.
The Avianca cards are issued by the First Electronic Bank, and the Cardless financial technology supports the cards’ rewards program in partnership with Avianca’s LifeMiles loyalty program.
Here are five things to know about the Avianca credit cards.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You may already have a card in your wallet that can earn LifeMiles. Several major banks — including American Express, Capital One, Citi and Wells Fargo — issue credit cards that let you transfer rewards to Avianca and multiple other travel loyalty programs, usually at a 1:1 ratio.
1. Two Avianca Credit Cards Available
There are two Avianca credit cards: the Avianca lifemiles American Express Card and Avianca lifemiles American Express Elite Card. These cards have annual fees of $99 and $249, respectively. The Elite card offers more perks, such as 6,000 free miles a year and a larger sign-up bonus, but you’ll need to spend a significant amount to earn the full bonus. Both cards automatically provide Silver elite status, which comes with benefits like access to Avianca lounges and priority boarding.
The Avianca lifemiles American Express Elite Card offers up to 100,000 LifeMiles: 60,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days, plus an additional 40,000 miles after spending $25,000 in the first year. The Avianca lifemiles American Express Card offers up to 40,000 LifeMiles upon approval after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
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Avianca lifemiles American Express Elite Card |
Avianca lifemiles American Express Card |
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Earn up to 100,000 LifeMiles: 60,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days, plus an additional 40,000 miles after spending $25,000 in the first year. Terms apply. |
Earn up to 40,000 LifeMiles upon being approved for this credit card after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. Terms apply. |
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2. Credit Card Rewards Combine with Loyalty Program
By joining the LifeMiles loyalty program, you can earn 5 miles per $1 for a classic fare and 7 miles per $1 for flex and business class tickets. The credit card rewards stack on top of the loyalty program earnings, allowing you to accelerate your rewards earning process.
3. Miles Redeemable for Flights, Hotels, and More
Miles earned with the Avianca cards can be redeemed for Avianca flights, business class upgrades, hotel stays booked in the LifeMiles Hotel platform, and products/services from LifeMiles’ commercial partners. There is no limit on the number of LifeMiles earned with the Avianca credit cards, and the miles never expire.
4. Minimal Fees
Although the Avianca cards have annual fees, they do not charge foreign transaction fees and do not have a penalty APR, making the fees relatively light compared to other credit cards.
5. Limited Perks
The Avianca credit cards offer minimal travel-related benefits, such as no free checked bags, trip protections, or credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Considering the annual fees, the perks are relatively light.