Alright, Avios chasers, let’s talk about the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card – a sleek piece of plastic that promises upgrades, free flights, and a fast track to the luxury life. With a £300 annual fee, is it the ultimate Avios-earning machine? Let’s dive into the details. Looking for more credit card hacks and points-earning secrets? For our entire collection of reviews and guides, click here.
In This Post
Earning Avios: The Lowdown
- Avios Accumulation:
- 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on everyday purchases
- 3 Avios per £1 spent directly with British Airways or BA Holidays
- Avios Value: Typically worth 0.8p-1p each towards flights, upgrades, and rewards
- Avios to Nectar Transfer: 1 Avios = 1.6 Nectar points for flexible everyday redemptions
Essential Card Details
- Annual Fee: £300 (pro-rata refund available if cancelled)
- Representative APR: 139.9% variable including fee (31.0% variable on purchases)
- Minimum Income Requirement: £35,000+ personal income
- Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, no BA Amex card held in the past 24 months to qualify for the bonus
Note: The card is a credit card (not a charge card) – you can revolve a balance, but we recommend clearing it monthly to avoid hefty interest.
Is the Annual Fee Worth It?
- First Year: The sign-up bonus alone often offsets the fee. Earn either 30,000 Avios.
- Ongoing: With a Companion Voucher (details below) and boosted Avios earnings, the £300 fee pays for itself if you redeem smartly.
- Pro Tip: Cancel anytime for a pro-rata refund if the card stops working for you.
Lounge Access and Extras
- No automatic lounge access, sadly, but you’re earning Avios towards those sweet Business and first-class cabins where lounges are part of the ticket.
- Access to Amex Offers for cashback and bonus Avios opportunities at selected retailers.
- Plan It feature: Spread large purchases into instalments while still earning Avios.
The Welcome Bonus: A Fast Track to Avios Glory
Spend £6,000 within three months, and you’ll unlock:
- 30,000 Avios normally
- Or 60,000 Avios if you apply via the British Airways Executive Club portal (special offer)
Perfect for fuelling your next long-haul holiday, upgrade, or a cheeky Club Europe trip.
Who Gets the Bonus?
- You’re eligible if you haven’t held a British Airways American Express (free or Premium Plus) in the last 24 months.
- Holding other Amex cards like Platinum, Gold, or Nectar won’t disqualify you.
Companion Voucher: The Crown Jewel
Spend £15,000 on the card in a membership year to earn a British Airways Companion Voucher, now more flexible than ever: Read our full guide on the voucher here: How to Use the BA Amex Companion Voucher Without Getting Played
- Valid for 2 years
- It can be used for solo travel at 50% off Avios cost or
- Bring a companion for “free” (you just pay their taxes and fees)
- Valid across any cabin – including First Class
- Usable with British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus
Pro Tip: Flights using a Companion Voucher are now available in all cabins (subject to availability) – a huge improvement over the old rules!
New! Tier Points on Spend
- BA announced that cardholders will be able to earn up to 2,500 Tier Points through card spend starting later in 2025.
- Exact earning thresholds are still being finalised, but this promises a serious boost toward Executive Club status.
Travel with the BA Premium Plus Card: Yay or Nay?
Yay:
- Massive Avios earning potential
- Companion Voucher opens up Business, and First rewards
- Plan It and Amex Offers to add real-world spending perks
Nay:
- £300 fee upfront (offset by clever use)
- 2.99% foreign transaction fee on non-sterling spend
Dodge Amex’s 3% foreign fee with Currensea instead – it links to your bank account and only charges 0.5%. Check it out here.
You might also want to pair your BA Amex with a backup Visa or Mastercard for better overseas coverage. I recommend the Capital on Tap Visa – no annual fee, 1 Avios per £1 spent, and no FX fees. Review: Capital on Tap Pro Visa Business Card.
Final Verdict: Is BA Amex Premium Plus Worth It?
For frequent BA flyers, aspirational travellers, and Avios enthusiasts, the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is a powerhouse. The Companion Voucher alone can unlock thousands in value if you fly long-haul.
Earning Avios while sipping champagne at 35,000 feet? This card could be your passport.
Ready to start stacking Avios like a pro? Apply for the BA Amex Premium Plus Card here.
Still Taxiing? Read On:
- Spend. Cry. Repeat: Inside the New British Airways Club
- Virgin Atlantic Reward Voucher vs. British Airways Amex 2-4-1 Voucher: Which One Wins?
- Barclaycard Upgrade Voucher vs. British Airways Amex 2-4-1 Voucher: Which One Wins?
