Want more travel hacks and points-earning magic? For our complete list of credit card reviews and guides, click here. Your next free flight is just a swipe away. For now; welcome to the British Airways American Express Credit Card review:
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The Freebie Flyer: British Airways American Express Review.
If you’re after a no-annual-fee way to start earning Avios, the British Airways American Express Credit Card is the entry-level ticket into the Avios game. It’s not as flashy as its Premium Plus sibling, but hey, free is free. Let’s see if it deserves a spot in your wallet.
Need-to-Know Basics
Annual Fee: £0 (yep, it’s free). APR: 30.4% variable. Sign-up bonus: 5,000 Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months. Earning rate: 1 Avios per £1 spent on everything. Foreign transaction fee: 3% (ouch).
Sign-Up Bonus: A Little Something for Free
Spend £2,000 in the first three months, and you’ll snag 5,000 Avios. It’s not a game-changer, but for a free card, it’s a solid start to building your points stash. Remember, if you’ve had a personal Amex in the last 24 months, you won’t qualify.
The 2-4-1 Companion Voucher: Economy Only
Spend £15,000 in a year, and you’ll unlock the 2-4-1 companion voucher. You can book two Avios flights while only paying the miles for one ticket. However, there’s a catch: it’s only valid for Economy flights. Want to book Business or First Class? You’ll need to upgrade to the Premium Plus card.
Earning Avios: Slow and Steady
You’ll earn 1 Avios per £1 spent, but there are no bonus Avios for British Airways bookings. That perk is reserved for the Premium Plus card. It’s a slow and steady approach, but it’s a free way to build up those points for everyday spending.
Is This Card Good for Travel?
Yes, if you’re using it to earn Avios on everyday spending. No, if you’re planning to use it abroad. The 3% foreign transaction fee can sting. Pro tip: use a Currensea Mastercard overseas for a 0.5% fee directly from your bank account. You won’t earn points, but you’ll avoid the hefty costs.
Who’s Eligible?
No personal Amex in the last 24 months? You’re good to go. Have a Corporate or Business Amex through work? That won’t count against you. You can still qualify for the bonus if you’re a supplementary cardholder on someone else’s account.
Did you miss out on the Bonus?
The Premium Plus card has less strict rules if you don’t qualify for this bonus. If you want a fresh start, you might still snag a big sign-up bonus there.
Annual Fee Breakdown: Free is Free
This card doesn’t have an annual fee, which is a pretty big deal in the world of rewards credit cards. Of course, the perks aren’t as impressive as those of the Premium Plus version, but free is free.
Upgrading or Downgrading: Flexibility is Key
Already have this free BA Amex and want more perks? You can upgrade to the Premium Plus version anytime but don’t expect another sign-up bonus. Earned a 2-4-1 voucher but don’t want to keep paying for a premium card? Downgrade to this free version and keep using that voucher.
Want More Avios?
Amex Gold: 20,000 Membership Rewards points sign-up bonus (convert to Avios), free for the first year. Amex Platinum: 50,000 points sign-up bonus (convert to Avios), £650 annual fee, but packed with luxury travel perks.
Final Boarding Call: Is the BA Amex Worth It?
This card is a solid choice if you’re new to the points game and want to dip your toes in without an annual fee. The 5,000 Avios sign-up bonus is a decent deal, and the 2-4-1 voucher is handy for Economy flights. But if you’re a frequent flyer, big spender, or aiming for premium cabin redemptions, you’ll want to upgrade to the Premium Plus card for perks like Business Class vouchers and double Avios on BA bookings.
Ready to start earning Avios? Apply for the free British Airways American Express card here.
