The British Airways Amex card is a popular choice among frequent flyers and Avios enthusiasts. Designed for those who want to maximise their Avios earnings without an annual fee, this card integrates seamlessly into the British Airways Executive Club ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting to collect Avios, this card offers a range of perks to help you get closer to your next reward flight.
Key Takeaways
- Earn Avios on everyday spending with 1 Avios per £1 and 3 Avios per £1 spent directly with British Airways.
- New cardholders can receive a 5,000 Avios welcome bonus after spending £1,000 in the first three months.
- The Companion Voucher allows a second passenger to fly for free on Avios reward flights when spending £15,000 in a year, but only for Economy flights.
- No annual fee makes it a cost-effective entry-level travel card compared to the Premium Plus version.
- A 2.99% foreign transaction fee applies, making it less ideal for spending abroad.
- A high APR of 31.0% means carrying a balance can be costly, so paying off the balance in full is recommended.
- Compared to other UK travel cards, it offers solid Avios-earning potential but may lack flexibility and premium travel perks.
Earn Avios on Everyday Spending
One of the biggest draws of this card is its ability to earn Avios on routine purchases:
- Standard earn rate: Earn 1 Avios per £1 spent.
- Bonus earn rate: Earn 3 Avios per £1 spent directly with British Airways.
Welcome Bonus – How to Qualify
New cardholders can enjoy a generous welcome bonus:
- Receive 5,000 Avios when you spend £1,000 in the first three months.
- The bonus is credited within a few weeks of meeting the spending requirement.
The Companion Voucher – Your Free Flight Hack?
A standout benefit of this card is the Companion Voucher, which allows a second passenger to fly for free (excluding taxes and fees) when you book an Avios reward flight.
- How to earn it: Spend £15,000 in a membership year.
- Limitations: The voucher is only valid for Economy flights, unlike the Premium Plus version, which allows for premium cabins.
- Redemption: Available for flights departing from the UK.
Exclusive American Express Perks
Beyond Avios, cardholders also enjoy:
- Purchase protection and travel inconvenience insurance.
- Amex Offers: Discounts and cashback deals with top retailers.
- Access to LoungeKey membership, providing entry to select airport lounges (entry fees apply).
Fees, APR & Hidden Costs – What You Need to Know
Annual Fee – Free Forever?
Unlike many travel credit cards, this card comes with no annual fee. This makes it a fantastic entry-level option compared to the Premium Plus version, which costs £250 per year.
Interest Rates & Repayment Strategy
- Representative APR: 31.0% variable.
- Avoiding interest: Always pay off your balance in full each month to avoid hefty charges.
Foreign Transaction Fees – Worth Using Abroad?
- A 2.99% foreign transaction fee applies to non-GBP transactions.
- If you travel frequently, a dedicated fee-free foreign currency card might be a better option.
Who is Eligible & How to Apply?
Minimum Income & Credit Score Requirements
- While no fixed income requirement is disclosed, a good to excellent credit score is typically required.
- Applying can impact your credit score, so check your eligibility beforehand.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the American Express website.
- Fill in the online application.
- Receive a decision within minutes to a few days.
Pros & Cons – The Verdict at a Glance
The Advantages
- No annual fee, making it cost-effective.
- Earn Avios on daily spending.
- Companion Voucher for reward flights.
- Excellent Amex customer service.
The Drawbacks
- High APR, so carrying a balance can be costly.
- Limited acceptance of Amex in some UK stores.
- Companion Voucher restricted to Economy flights.
How It Compares – Is It the Best BA Amex?
British Airways Amex vs. British Airways Premium Plus
- Standard card earns 1 Avios per £1, while Premium Plus earns 1.5 Avios per £1.
- Premium Plus Companion Voucher can be used in premium cabins.
- Annual fee: £250 for the Premium Plus.
British Airways Amex vs. Other UK Travel Cards
- Virgin Atlantic Rewards Card offers Flying Club miles instead.
- Barclaycard Avios Plus provides a similar Avios-earning structure.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (US market) may be better for flexible travel rewards.
- American Express Platinum: Provides a similar structure with points. Access to lounges, travel insurance, the Hotel collection and much more.
Best Strategies to Maximise Your Benefits
Hitting the £15,000 Spend for the Companion Voucher
- Use the card for groceries, fuel, bills, and subscriptions.
- Pay larger expenses (if possible) with the card to hit the target faster.
Boosting Avios Earn Rate
- Combine with BA Executive Club partners for extra Avios.
- Take advantage of Amex Offers for bonus Avios opportunities.
Real User Reviews – What Cardholders Say
Many users appreciate the no-annual-fee structure and the steady Avios earning potential. However, some common complaints include high APR rates and Amex acceptance issues in smaller stores.
Conclusion – Should You Get This Card?
This card is an excellent option for those looking to earn Avios without paying an annual fee. If you’re an occasional traveller who wants to build up Avios for reward flights, this could be a fantastic choice. However, if you spend heavily on travel, the Premium Plus version may be more rewarding due to its higher earn rate and more flexible Companion Voucher.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a free way to collect Avios and earn a Companion Voucher, this card is a solid choice for British Airways enthusiasts.
