British Airways American Express

Why This Card Stands Out For UK travellers who frequently fly with British Airways.

The British Airways American Express Card range offers an unmatched blend of Avios earning potential, travel perks, and exclusive vouchers. Whether you are an occasional holidaymaker seeking a cost-free entry into the Avios ecosystem or a frequent flyer aiming for premium cabin rewards, these cards deliver high-value benefits with strategic spending.

Key Benefits Overview

British Airways Amex cards are available in three main versions:

• British Airways American Express (Classic) – £0 annual fee.
• British Airways American Express Premium Plus – ~£300 annual fee.
• British Airways American Express Accelerating Business – £250 annual fee.

Each card offers Avios points for every pound spent, but the Premium Plus and Business variants come with faster accumulation rates, enhanced vouchers, and travel insurance benefits.

How the Cards Work

At their core, these cards are Avios-earning tools:

• Classic Card: 1 Avios per £1 on all purchases.
• Premium Plus: 1.5 Avios per £1, plus 3 Avios per £1 on BA flights and BA Holidays.
• Accelerating Business: 1.5 Avios per £1, plus On Business points for corporate travel.

The flagship perk is the Companion Voucher:

• Classic Card: Earned after £15,000 annual spend, valid in Economy.
• Premium Plus: Earned after £15,000 annual spend, valid in all cabins including Club World and First Class.
• Accelerating Business: Focuses on corporate rewards, without a companion voucher.

Comparative Table

Card Type	Annual Fee	Avios per £1	Companion Voucher	Extra Perks
Classic	£0	1	Economy only	Basic BA Amex offers
Premium Plus	~£300	1.5 (3 on BA)	All cabins	Travel insurance, Tier Points
Accelerating Business	£250	1.5	—	On Business points, cashflow

Primary Use Cases

1. Casual Collectors – The Classic card suits users who want to start earning Avios without a fee, aiming for economy rewards to European destinations.
2. Premium Cabin Seekers – The Premium Plus card is ideal for those targeting Club World or First Class redemptions, leveraging the 2-for-1 voucher.
3. Corporate Travellers – The Business card helps companies earn both Avios and On Business points, improving travel budgets.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While the Premium Plus has a £300 annual fee, its benefits can easily outweigh the cost:

• Example: A Club World return ticket London–New York typically costs £2,200. With a 2-for-1 voucher, you save the equivalent of one full fare, minus taxes (£650–£800).
• Frequent flyers can reach British Airways Silver status faster via Tier Points bonuses on the Premium Plus, providing lounge access and additional baggage allowance.

Why It’s Worth Considering Now

In April 2025, British Airways overhauled its Executive Club Tier Points system, moving from miles flown to money spent. With Premium Plus, spending £25,000 annually can grant up to 3,000 Tier Points, nearly enough for Bronze status without a single flight.

Next Page Preview:

On Page 2, we’ll cover a detailed step-by-step guide to maximising Avios, advanced voucher strategies, lesser-known cardholder hacks, and a full FAQ section that addresses real-world questions BA Amex users have.