British Airways American Express Premium Plus & Classic

The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Avios and Companion Voucher Maximisation

In the competitive world of UK travel credit cards, the British Airways American Express range stands out as a powerhouse for reward flight seekers. Page 1 introduced the three main variants, their benefits, and a high-level comparison. Now, we dive into practical strategies, insider hacks, and detailed FAQs to help you maximise every pound spent.

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Maximising Avios

Step 1 – Select the Right Card for Your Travel Goals

• If you aim for Business Class or First on long-haul routes, the Premium Plus is worth the £300 annual fee.
• If your travel is mostly short-haul and budget-conscious, start with the Classic (£0 fee).

Step 2 – Front-load Your Spending

Target the sign-up bonus period (first three months) with high-value transactions such as:

• Annual insurance premiums
• Prepaid travel bookings
• Business expenses (if allowed)

Step 3 – Focus on Category Multipliers

• Book BA flights or BA Holidays packages to trigger 3 Avios per £1 on Premium Plus.
• Combine with promotions like double Avios weeks (usually in Q1 and Q4).

Step 4 – Time Your Companion Voucher

• Trigger the voucher early in the British Airways Executive Club year to maximise its 24-month validity (Premium Plus).
• For Classic, consider earning it when you have upcoming Economy leisure trips planned.

Step 5 – Pair With an Avios Household Account

Pooling Avios with family members boosts redemption potential, especially when using a voucher.

2. Companion Voucher – Advanced Strategies

1. Book High-Cost Routes First – Use vouchers on routes where cash fares are over £2,000 return in premium cabins.
2. Fly Off-Peak Dates – BA’s Avios chart rewards flexible travellers with fewer Avios needed.
3. Use the Voucher for Solo Travel – As of 2021, the voucher can be used by a single passenger for a 50% Avios discount.
4. Combine With Upgrade Using Avios – Book Premium Economy cash fare, then upgrade to Club World with Avios, applying the voucher to halve the points cost.
5. Look Beyond Heathrow – Redeem from Manchester, Edinburgh, or Glasgow to avoid London APD surcharges.

3. Lesser-Known Cardholder Hacks

• Tier Points Without Flying – Spending £25,000 on Premium Plus by January 2026 earns 3,000 Tier Points, putting you a short trip away from Silver status.
• Stack With BA eStore – Earn Avios from online retailers plus from your BA Amex.
• Use “Plan It™” Wisely – Spread large purchases to manage cashflow, but avoid interest where possible.
• Upgrade Path – Apply for the Classic, earn the sign-up bonus, then upgrade to Premium Plus to get a second bonus (subject to Amex rules).
• Multiple Vouchers in a Year – Couples each holding a BA Amex can earn one voucher each, potentially covering two long-haul trips.

4. Maximising Value Beyond Flights

• Avios + Money Redemptions – Pay fewer Avios by adding a small cash supplement; useful when Avios balance is low.
• Hotel Transfers – Transfer Avios to Marriott Bonvoy or IHG Rewards during promotional bonuses.
• Upgrade Car Hire – Some BA partners allow Avios for free rental upgrades.
• Wine & Experiences – BA Executive Club offers occasional high-value redemptions for wine cases or exclusive events.

5. Alternatives and Complementary Cards

While BA Amex is strong for Avios, you can diversify:

• American Express Gold Card – Earn Membership Rewards, then transfer to Avios at 1:1.
• Barclaycard Avios Mastercard – Pairs well with Amex to earn Avios where Amex isn’t accepted.
• Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard – Useful for those also flying with SkyTeam partners.

6. Frequently Asked Questions 

Does the BA Amex have foreign transaction fees?

Yes, both Classic and Premium Plus charge a 2.99% fee. Use a fee-free card abroad.

Can I get the sign-up bonus twice?

Only if you have not held a personal Amex earning Avios or Membership Rewards in the past 24 months.

When does my Companion Voucher appear?

Usually within a few days of reaching the spend threshold, visible in your BA Executive Club account.

Can I use the voucher on partner airlines?

Yes, Aer Lingus and Iberia are included, but availability varies.

What happens if I cancel the card after earning the voucher?

The voucher remains valid as long as your BAEC account is active, but you may lose flexibility in using it.

Is it worth paying the £300 fee if I only fly Economy?

Not usually. The Premium Plus fee makes most sense for premium cabin redemptions.

Can I combine Avios from other programmes?

Yes, you can use “Combine My Avios” between BA, Iberia Plus, and AerClub accounts.

7. How to Maximise Your Card in 2025

• Book long-haul premium cabin tickets during BA sales to reduce cash element.
• Leverage Tier Points earning through high annual spending.
• Keep Avios active by earning at least once every 36 months.
• Track promotions from BA and Amex via email alerts.
• Consider pairing with a fee-free travel card for overseas spending to avoid FX charges.

Conclusion

The British Airways American Express suite is not just a credit card—it’s a travel strategy. By aligning your spending, voucher timing, and redemption tactics, it’s possible to extract value far exceeding the annual fee of the Premium Plus, or to enjoy free economy flights with the Classic. In 2025’s revamped BA Executive Club, where spend matters more than miles flown, these cards have become even more powerful for savvy travellers.