Alright, Avios rookies – if you want to dip into the world of flight rewards without paying a penny in fees, the British Airways American Express Credit Card (aka the free BA Amex) is a solid place to start. Let’s break down what this card offers in 2025 – and whether it’s still worth a slot in your wallet. Want more travel hacks and credit card perks? For our entire collection of reviews and guides, click here.
In This Post
Earning Avios: The Lowdown
- Avios Accumulation:
- 1 Avios per £1 spent on everyday purchases
- Avios Value: Typically worth 0.8p–1p toward flights, upgrades, and more
- Avios to Nectar Transfer: 1 Avios = 1.6 Nectar points
Essential Card Details
- Annual Fee: £0 (yes, really free)
- Representative APR: 31.0% variable
- Welcome Bonus: 5,000 Avios after spending £2,000 in the first 3 months
- Eligibility: UK resident, aged 18+, with a decent credit history
Note: You must not have held any British Airways Amex (free or Premium Plus) in the last 24 months to be eligible for the bonus.
Is the Free BA Amex Worth It?
- Year 1: You get a tidy 5,000 Avios for £2,000 spent – that’s a decent haul on a free card.
- Ongoing: With zero annual fee, it’s a low-commitment way to keep your Avios balance ticking up. Just don’t expect first-class upgrades.
- Pro Tip: Later want the Premium Plus? Upgrade, and you may still get that sign-up bonus, too. You can find our review of the Premium Plus card here.
The Welcome Bonus: Small But Mighty
Spend £2,000 in 3 months and bag 5,000 Avios. That’s enough to slash the cost of a Reward Flight Saver to places like Amsterdam or Geneva.
Companion Voucher: A Freebie With Strings
Spend £15,000 in a card year and earn a Companion Voucher, now with these perks:
- Valid for 12 months (economy only)
- Usable with British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus
- Solo travellers can use it for a 50% Avios discount instead of bringing a companion.
Update: As of July 2024, BA introduced voucher extension options in some instances (e.g. travel disruptions or account inactivity). Full terms are still evolving.
Travel with the Free BA Amex: Yay or Nay?
Yay:
- No annual fee
- Decent intro to earning Avios
- Comes with Amex Offers + Companion Voucher potential
Nay:
- Companion Voucher only valid in Economy
- 2.99% foreign transaction fee
- Modest Avios earning rate
Avoid Amex’s 3% FX fee with Currensea. It links to your bank account and charges just 0.5%. Check it out here.
Want broader acceptance and stronger foreign spending perks? Pair this with the Capital on Tap Visa – no annual fee, earns 1 Avios per £1, and no FX charges.
Perks That Still Pack a Punch
- Amex Offers: Cashback and bonus Avios at select shops
- Nectar Flexibility: 1 Avios = 1.6 Nectar points
- Amex App: Track spend, manage payments, and redeem offers with ease
British Airways Loyalty Program Changes
As of April 2025, British Airways has replaced the Executive Club with the “British Airways Club”. It now rewards spending over distance, making elite status more challenging for leisure flyers. You can find our full review of the new British airways program here.
This doesn’t change Avios redemptions, but it could impact how your travel habits are rewarded, something to keep in mind if you’re aiming for Bronze or Silver.
Final Verdict: Is the Free BA Amex Still Worth It?
For casual collectors or Avios newbies, this card is a low-risk gateway into the BA ecosystem. It’s a decent deal for everyday spenders with no fee, a modest welcome bonus, and a shot at a Companion Voucher.
If you’re ready to level up, there’s always the Premium Plus card – but this is the perfect place to start.
Ready to join Club Avios for free? Apply for the BA Amex Credit Card here.
Still Taxiing? Read On:
- Review: British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card (UK 2025 Updated).
- How to Use the BA Amex Companion Voucher Without Getting Played
- Virgin Atlantic Reward Voucher vs. British Airways Amex 2-4-1 Voucher: Which One Wins?
