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There has been buzz since this summer about Avianca’s new co-branded credit card. It’s looking like the card is just a short time away from being released.
Lifemilescard.com describes the benefits package as follows:
- Welcome Bonus of up to 60,000 LifeMiles for purchases made within the first 90 days after activation of your credit card
- Up to 3 LifeMiles for every dollar spent on Avianca purchases
- Up to 2 LifeMiles for every dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores
- 1 LifeMile for every dollar spent on all other purchases
- Two 50% discounts on award tickets redeemed, applicable for travel to Central America or Colombia from the United States
- Free additional piece of baggage for travel between the United States and Central America
- No foreign transaction fees
The two most interesting perks in that package to me are the 60k LifeMile bonus (we value LifeMiles at 1.6 cents each, making that bonus worth $960) and the half off discounts on on award tickets. We have to assume though that the discounts will only apply to flights on Avianca metal since they’re only applicable for travel to Central America or Colombia from the United States (Avianca is the flag carrier of Colombia).
The old Avianca card which was replaced for existing cardholders with the FlexPerks Travel Rewards Card was issued by US Bank. Still no word as to who will be issuing the new one.
We don’t have an official release date on the card yet, but you can register your email here on lifemilescard.com to learn more as soon as it comes out. View from the Wing commented that he made sure to sign up just in case the offer requires a targeted link sent out over email, and I tend to agree with him. Better safe than sorry! I know I could always use more miles that are good for travel to South America.
Why are we excited about the Avianca card?
- Avianca is a member of Star Alliance
- Avianca does not collect fuel surcharges
- Mixed Cabin LifeMiles awards are now permitted
- Their award prices range from decent to cheap–check out Avianca’s mileage calculator to see award prices flying their own planes, as well as their award chart for redeeming Avianca miles on Star Alliance airlines. As a means of comparison, also check out our Comprehensive Spread Sheets of Eight Star Alliance Award Charts: Cheapest Awards to Every Region.
- LifeMiles can book Lufthansa First Class (87,000 miles one way from the United States to Europe with NO fuel surcharges)
- It costs 63,000 LifeMiles and no fuel surcharges to fly Business Class to Europe
Bottom Line
If the new Avianca card on the horizon interests you, sign up to receive email notifications so you can register when it comes out.
Just getting started in the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best card for you to start with.
With a bonus of 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in the first 3 months, 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!
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No “spend” requirement?
There will surely be one, the exact amount required is unknown as of yet.
Not sure why no one is discussing the “up to 60,000” wording. This will probably be a tiered spending requirement.