The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards in the UK, offering generous Avios rewards, a valuable Companion Voucher, and a range of benefits tailored for frequent flyers. Whether you’re a loyal British Airways customer or someone looking to maximise rewards on everyday spending, this card can be a strong contender.
This review will break down the key aspects of the card, including the sign-up bonus, Avios earning potential, and how it compares to other travel reward credit cards.
Key Takeaways:
- Avios Earning: 1.5 Avios per £1 on general spending, 3 Avios per £1 on BA bookings.
- Companion Voucher: Unlocks huge savings on Avios redemptions, valid for 2 years.
- Annual Fee: £250, which can be justified if the perks are fully utilised.
- Comparison: Outperforms the free BA Amex for serious Avios collectors but lacks the wider perks of Amex Platinum or Gold.
Sign-Up Bonus
One of the main attractions of the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is its lucrative sign-up bonus, which can significantly boost your Avios balance. However, the offer varies from time to time, and there are specific requirements to qualify.
Current Offer Details
The sign-up bonus for this card typically ranges between 20,000 to 40,000 Avios, depending on the latest promotion. Occasionally, Amex runs enhanced sign-up bonuses, particularly for new customers who apply through referral links or during limited-time campaigns.
The Avios earned through the welcome bonus can be redeemed for British Airways flights, upgrades, or even partner airline redemptions. The more Avios you collect, the greater the value you can extract from the British Airways Executive Club programme.
Spending Requirements
To unlock the welcome bonus, cardholders must meet a minimum spending threshold within the first few months of opening the account. Typically, this involves:
- Spending £3,000 within the first three months to receive the advertised Avios bonus.
- Ensuring all transactions are eligible purchases (e.g., balance transfers and cash withdrawals do not count).
Failing to meet the spending requirement means missing out on the bonus, so it’s essential to plan high-value purchases accordingly.
Eligibility Criteria
Not everyone will qualify for the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. Some key factors to consider include:
- Credit Score: Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit history.
- Previous Amex Welcome Bonuses: If you’ve held a British Airways American Express card in the past 24 months, you may not be eligible for the sign-up bonus.
- Annual Income: While American Express does not disclose a minimum income requirement, approval is based on your financial profile.
- Residency: You must be a UK resident and at least 18 years old to apply.
If you’re ineligible for the bonus, but still interested in Avios rewards, you may want to explore other American Express or travel reward cards.
Avios Earning Rates
Aside from the sign-up bonus, this card excels in everyday Avios accumulation, making it ideal for those who frequently spend on travel and daily expenses.
Earning Rates for Everyday Spending
Cardholders earn Avios on all eligible transactions, making it easy to build up a substantial points balance over time. The current earning rates are:
- 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on general purchases.
- 3 Avios per £1 spent directly with British Airways and BA Holidays.
This means that even regular expenses such as groceries, fuel, and dining can contribute to a growing Avios balance.
Enhanced Rates for British Airways Purchases
Booking directly with British Airways provides the most rewarding Avios earning potential:
- 3 Avios per £1 spent on flights, holiday packages, and other eligible BA transactions.
- When combined with the British Airways Executive Club, this allows for accelerated points accumulation, making it easier to earn free flights and upgrades.
Comparison with Other Reward Cards
When comparing the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card to other UK travel credit cards, a few key points stand out:
- Better Avios earning rates than the standard British Airways Amex card (which offers only 1 Avios per £1 spent on general purchases).
- Higher earning potential than many non-travel-specific rewards cards.
- Some alternatives, such as the American Express Platinum Card, offer broader travel benefits (e.g., lounge access) but do not specialise in Avios accumulation.
The choice between this card and other travel reward options depends on your priorities—whether you want to maximise Avios earnings or prefer a more general travel rewards programme.
British Airways Companion Voucher
One of the standout perks of the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is the Companion Voucher, which allows you to bring a companion on a British Airways reward flight for free (excluding taxes, fees, and carrier charges). This feature can provide significant value when used strategically.
How to Earn the Companion Voucher
Earning a Companion Voucher is straightforward but requires a certain level of spending:
- Spend £10,000 within a card membership year to receive a Companion Voucher.
- The voucher is issued shortly after meeting the spending threshold and is valid for two years from the date of issue.
- The Companion Voucher can be used when redeeming Avios for a flight through British Airways.
Unlike the standard British Airways American Express Card, which offers a one-year validity voucher, the Premium Plus version extends the validity to two years, providing more flexibility for travel planning.
Benefits of the Voucher
The Companion Voucher effectively doubles the value of your Avios when booking reward flights, making it one of the most powerful benefits of this card. Key advantages include:
- Fly two for the price of one Avios redemption – your companion travels on the same flight and cabin class.
- Flexibility in class selection – redeemable across economy, premium economy, business (Club World), and first class.
- Two-year validity – allowing for more time to find suitable award availability.
- Can be used for solo travel – if travelling alone, the voucher reduces the Avios cost of a single ticket by 50%.
Terms and Conditions
While the Companion Voucher is highly valuable, it comes with certain restrictions:
- Taxes and fees still apply – you must pay for these separately, which can be costly, particularly on long-haul routes.
- British Airways flights only – the voucher cannot be used on partner airlines.
- Reward seat availability required – flights must have Avios availability for both passengers.
- Voucher expiry – must be used within two years of issue (travel can be beyond the expiry date, as long as the ticket is booked before expiration).
Tips for Maximising Its Value
To get the best possible return from your Companion Voucher:
- Book early – Avios reward seat availability is limited, so plan as far in advance as possible.
- Use it for premium cabins – redeeming in business or first class offers significantly better value than economy.
- Be flexible with dates and destinations – consider off-peak times or alternative routes to find better availability.
- Check taxes and fees beforehand – flights departing from destinations with lower fees (e.g., Madrid instead of London) can offer significant savings.
- Combine with a household account – pooling Avios with family members can make it easier to reach the required redemption levels.
Annual Fee and Charges
While the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card offers valuable perks, it also comes with a relatively high annual fee. Understanding the costs involved is crucial in determining whether the benefits justify the expense.
Breakdown of the Annual Fee
The annual fee for the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is £250 per year, charged directly to the card account. Unlike some other premium travel credit cards, there is no option for a fee waiver, even for high spenders.
Additional Charges to Be Aware Of
Beyond the annual fee, cardholders should be mindful of additional costs:
| Charge Type | Fee/Rate |
|---|---|
| Foreign transaction fees | 2.99% per transaction outside the UK |
| Cash withdrawals | 3% (minimum £3) |
| Late payment fee | £12 |
| Returned payment fee | £12 |
| Representative APR | 139.0% variable (including annual fee), 31.0% APR (excluding annual fee) |
Since the card applies a foreign transaction fee, it is not ideal for spending abroad unless used at British Airways or Avios partners. Other premium cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred (not available in the UK), may offer better fee structures for international travel.
Analysis: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs?
Whether the £250 annual fee is worth it depends on how much value you extract from the card. Key considerations include:
- Avios earning potential – Frequent spenders, especially those who book BA flights regularly, can earn substantial rewards.
- Companion Voucher value – If used for long-haul business or first-class redemptions, the voucher alone can justify the fee.
- Sign-up bonus – If a high-value welcome offer is available, the first year’s fee can easily be offset.
- Alternative travel cards – Competitors like the Amex Gold (which has a lower fee) offer different reward structures that might be more suitable for non-BA flyers.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you fly with British Airways frequently enough to maximize the benefits, particularly the Companion Voucher.
Eligibility and Application Process
Before applying for the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria and the step-by-step application process.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for this card, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a UK resident with a permanent address.
- Have a UK bank account.
- Have a good to excellent credit score.
- Meet income requirements, though Amex does not publish a specific threshold.
Criteria for the Sign-Up Bonus
To qualify for the welcome bonus, the following conditions must be met:
- You must not have held a British Airways American Express card (standard or Premium Plus) in the past 24 months.
- You must meet the minimum spending requirement (typically £3,000 in the first 3 months).
- You cannot receive the bonus if you already hold another personal Amex card that has awarded a welcome bonus in the past 24 months.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Check your credit score – Use a free service like ClearScore or Experian to ensure you’re likely to be approved.
- Visit the American Express UK website – Navigate to the British Airways Premium Plus Card page.
- Click ‘Apply Now’ and enter your personal details, including name, address, and financial information.
- Provide employment and income details – Amex will assess your ability to manage the credit limit.
- Review and submit – Ensure all information is correct before submitting your application.
- Wait for approval – Instant decisions are common, but some applications may take a few days for further assessment.
- Activate your card – Once approved, your card will arrive by post. Activate it through the Amex app or website to start using it.
If declined, consider improving your credit score or applying for the standard British Airways American Express Card, which has a lower annual fee and fewer eligibility restrictions.
Comparison with Other Cards
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card offers strong rewards for frequent BA flyers, but how does it stack up against other American Express travel cards? Below, we compare it with the free British Airways Amex, Amex Platinum, and Amex Gold to help you determine the best choice for your needs.
British Airways Premium Plus vs. Free BA Amex
The standard British Airways American Express Card is a no-fee alternative to the Premium Plus version, but the differences in rewards and benefits are significant.
| Feature | BA Amex Premium Plus | BA Amex (Free Version) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £250 | £0 |
| Avios Earning Rate | 1.5 Avios per £1 spent | 1 Avios per £1 spent |
| BA Purchases Bonus | 3 Avios per £1 | 1.5 Avios per £1 |
| Companion Voucher | Earned at £10,000 spend, valid for 2 years | Earned at £12,000 spend, valid for 1 year |
| Welcome Bonus | 25,000–40,000 Avios (subject to promo) | 5,000–10,000 Avios (subject to promo) |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 2.99% | 2.99% |
Verdict: The Premium Plus version is better for those who can maximise the Companion Voucher and higher Avios earning rates, while the free version suits casual spenders who don’t want to pay an annual fee.
British Airways Premium Plus vs. Amex Platinum
The American Express Platinum Card is known for its extensive travel perks but operates differently from the BA Premium Plus card.
| Feature | BA Amex Premium Plus | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £250 | £650 |
| Avios Earning Rate | 1.5 Avios per £1 | No direct Avios earning (Membership Rewards points instead) |
| Companion Voucher | Yes (Avios flights) | No |
| Airport Lounge Access | No | Yes (Priority Pass & Centurion Lounges) |
| Hotel & Travel Perks | No | Yes (Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, FHR benefits) |
| Travel Insurance | No | Comprehensive worldwide coverage |
Verdict: The Amex Platinum is more suited to those looking for luxury travel perks, while the Premium Plus card is the better choice for frequent BA flyers who want maximum Avios rewards.
British Airways Premium Plus vs. Amex Gold
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card is another strong alternative, offering flexibility in rewards.
| Feature | BA Amex Premium Plus | Amex Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £250 | £0 in year 1, then £195 |
| Avios Earning Rate | 1.5 Avios per £1 | Membership Rewards convert to Avios at 1:1 |
| Bonus Categories | 3 Avios per £1 on BA purchases | 2 points per £1 on travel, 1 point elsewhere |
| Companion Voucher | Yes (BA flights only) | No |
| Airport Lounge Access | No | 4 free visits per year |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 2.99% | 2.99% |
Verdict: The Amex Gold offers more flexibility in rewards and perks, while the BA Premium Plus is superior for those committed to British Airways and Avios.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
| Card | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| BA Amex Premium Plus | Best for Avios collectors, Companion Voucher, higher BA earning rates | £250 annual fee, foreign transaction fees |
| BA Amex Free | No annual fee, good for casual spenders | Lower Avios earning, Companion Voucher has higher spend threshold and shorter validity |
| Amex Platinum | Premium travel perks, extensive lounge access, worldwide insurance | £650 annual fee, no direct Avios earning |
| Amex Gold | Flexible rewards, travel perks, no fee in year 1 | £195 fee from year 2, no Companion Voucher |
Maximizing Card Benefits
While the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card already offers excellent rewards, using it strategically can increase Avios earnings and overall value.
Strategies for Earning More Avios
- Use the card for all spending – Earn 1.5 Avios per £1 on everyday expenses.
- Book British Airways flights directly – Earn 3 Avios per £1 when booking flights or BA Holidays.
- Refer friends – Earn up to 9,000 Avios per successful referral (capped at 90,000 Avios per year).
- Shop via the British Airways eStore – Earn bonus Avios when purchasing from partner retailers.
- Pay bills & subscriptions with Amex – Many services accept Amex, helping you reach spending targets faster.
Best Practices for Using the Companion Voucher
- Book long-haul premium cabins – Using the voucher for business or first-class flights provides the best value.
- Be flexible with dates and routes – Reward availability varies; checking multiple destinations increases success.
- Use Avios peak/off-peak pricing – Booking during off-peak times requires fewer Avios.
- Depart from low-tax destinations – Taxes and fees can be lower when flying from Europe rather than London Heathrow.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
- Maximising First-Class Flights
- A London-based traveller used 100,000 Avios + Companion Voucher for two First-Class seats to New York, saving over £6,000 compared to cash fares.
- Business Class to Asia
- A couple redeemed 150,000 Avios + Companion Voucher for Club World seats to Tokyo, saving nearly £8,000 in fares.
- Solo Traveller Strategy
- A frequent flyer used the voucher alone to get a 50% discount on an Avios redemption to Dubai in Business Class, reducing the cost from 75,000 to 37,500 Avios.
Conclusion
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is one of the most rewarding options for UK-based frequent flyers, especially those who travel with a companion or book premium cabin redemptions.
