Want more travel hacks and credit card perks? For our entire collection of reviews and guides, click here. Your next Avios windfall might just be a swipe away. Welcome to the Nectar American Express Credit Card review:
If you love collecting points (or just hoarding them like a dragon), the Nectar American Express credit card might just be your new best friend. And if you’re also an Avios collector, things get even more interesting – because thanks to the Nectar-Avios partnership, your shopping habits could soon have you jetting off to a sunny escape instead of just racking up Sainsbury’s discounts.
In This Post
Is the Nectar Amex a Secret Avios Goldmine?
If you’re looking for a solid everyday spending card that earns rewards, you can convert it into Avios. Nectar American Express is a hidden gem. It’s free for the first year, has a strong sign-up bonus, and offers 1.25 Avios per £1 spent—beating some Avios-branded cards.
Key Facts at a Glance.
- Annual Fee: £0 for Year 1, then £30 per year
- APR: 37.1% variable from Year 2 (30.4% variable on purchases)
- Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 Nectar points (12,500 Avios)
- Earning Rate: 2 Nectar points per £1 (1.25 Avios per £1)
Heads Up: If you don’t pay off your balance in full each month, the interest will wipe out any travel perks. Stick to a low-interest card if that’s a concern.
Sign-Up Bonus: A Nice Starter Pack.
- 20,000 Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in three months.
- What’s that worth? £100 in Sainsbury’s, Argos, eBay, and other Nectar partners.
- More relevant for Avios collectors? Converts to 12,500 Avios.
- Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an Avios-earning card without the BA branding, this is a sneaky good option.
Who’s Eligible?
- No personal Amex card in the last 24 months? You qualify.
- Is the supplementary cardholder on someone else’s Amex? You’re still eligible.
Earning Rates: Better Than You Think.
- 2 Nectar points per £1 spent (1.25 Avios per £1 if converted).
- Bonus Nectar points when shopping at Sainsbury’s, Argos, eBay, and other partners.
- Better than the free BA Amex (1 Avios per £1) and free Barclaycard Avios (1 Avios per £1).
How Does It Compare to Other Avios Cards?
| Feature | Nectar Amex | BA Amex (Free) | Barclaycard Avios (Free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £0 (Yr 1), then £30 | £0 | £0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 12,500 Avios (via Nectar) | 5,000 Avios | 5,000 Avios |
| Earning Rate | 1.25 Avios per £1 | 1 Avios per £1 | 1 Avios per £1 |
| Voucher Perk? | ❌ | 2-4-1 (Economy only) | Upgrade voucher at £20k spend |
| Best For? | Everyday spend, Sainsbury’s shoppers, Avios collectors | Entry-level Avios | Backup Mastercard for Avios |
Verdict? For everyday Avios earning, the Nectar Amex is actually BETTER than the free BA Amex.
How Does It Compare to Cashback Cards?
| Feature | Nectar Amex | Standard Cashback Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £30 (Yr 1 Free) | £0-£25 |
| Earning Rate | 1% cashback equivalent (2 Nectar points per £1) | 0.1%-0.25% cashback |
| Sign-Up Bonus | £100 in Nectar points | £10-£30 cashback |
| Best For? | Earning flexible points for Avios/hotels/shopping | Simple cash rewards |
Verdict? If you want cash, go cashback. If you want Avios or travel rewards, Nectar Amex wins.
Is This a Good Travel Card?
- No. Amex adds a 3% foreign exchange fee, which is brutal abroad.
- Yes, if you spend a lot at Sainsbury’s, Argos, and eBay or convert to Avios,
- Best workaround: Travel with a free Currensea Mastercard (0.5% FX fees).
Should You Get This Card?
✅ Yes, if…
- You want a strong Avios-earning card but don’t care about British Airways branding.
- You already shop at Nectar partners (Sainsbury’s, Argos, eBay, etc.).
- You want a fee-free first year with a strong sign-up bonus.
❌ No, if…
- You don’t shop at Nectar Partners; you just want pure Avios.
- You want a travel card—the 3% FX fee is a killer.
- If you want a premium Avios experience—look at the BA Amex Premium Plus (£300) or Barclaycard Avios Plus (£240) instead.
Final Thoughts: A Surprisingly Good Avios Card
The Nectar American Express is among the best entry-level Avios-earning cards, especially for Sainsbury’s shoppers. The 1.25 Avios per £1 rate is better than some Avios-branded cards, and the 20,000 Nectar point bonus (12,500 Avios) makes it a great first-year deal.
If you’re just starting out with Avios, this card pairs well with a premium BA Amex or Barclaycard later on. If you’re after cashback, a free card like Chase or Amex Platinum Cashback is better.
Ready to Start Earning More Avios? Apply for the Nectar American Express Credit Card here.
