British Airways has two Amex cards in the game, the British Airways American Express Credit Card (free) and the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card (£300/year). They look alike, but one’s a slow Avios trickle and the other’s a Concorde jet to rewards.
So, which should you pick? Let’s break it down into companion vouchers and earning rates, which get you into that Club World seat. British Airways Club: The Ultimate Guide to Avios, Tier Points, and Elite Glory
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Quick Comparison: BA Amex vs BA Amex Premium Plus
| Feature | BA Amex (Free) | BA Amex Premium Plus (£300/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £0 | £300 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 5,000 Avios (if you spend £1,000 in 3 months) | 25,000 Avios (if you spend £3,000 in 3 months) |
| Earn Rate (BA Spend) | 1 Avios per £1 | 3 Avios per £1 |
| Earn Rate (Everyday Spend) | 1 Avios per £1 | 1.5 Avios per £1 |
| Companion Voucher Trigger | £12,000 annual spend | £10,000 annual spend |
| Voucher Validity | 1 year | 2 years |
| Voucher Cabin Restrictions | Economy only | Any cabin (Economy, Premium, Business, First) |
| Card Type | Amex | Amex |
| FX Fees | 2.99% | 2.99% |
Companion Voucher: The Real Gamechanger
This is the big difference. Both cards will earn you a British Airways Companion Voucher when you hit the required spending. But how valuable it is depends heavily on which card you’re using:
- Free Card: The voucher can only be used in Economy and expires in 1 year.
- Premium Plus: The voucher is valid in any cabin (hello, Club Suite) and lasts 2 years.
The Premium Plus voucher is objectively more valuable. Pair it with Avios for Club World or First; you’ll save £1,000+.
Bonus Tip: BA Household Accounts let you pool Avios with up to 6 people living at your address. It’s perfect for families or couples, especially when using a Companion Voucher together.
Points Earning: Speed Matters
- The Premium Plus card earns 3x Avios on BA spend and 1.5x on everything else.
- Unless you’re on a BA booking, the free version gives you 1x across the board.
Stack it: Use the British Airways eStore shopping portal and pay with your BA Amex to double-dip on Avios. Consider booking hotels, buying tech, or even Just Eating, it all adds up.
Voucher Expiry & Flexibility
The 2-year voucher from Premium Plus gives you more time to plan long-haul trips or save Avios. The free card’s 1-year window is a tighter clock, not ideal for families or peak-season travellers.
Pro Trick: Cancel + Reapply
Amex rules allow you to earn a welcome bonus on a card again after a 24-month break from holding any personal Amex card that earns Membership Rewards or Avios. So some AvGeeks cancel, wait it out, then reapply to bag another chunky bonus.
Remember: you’ll lose your Companion Voucher if you cancel before using it.
Who Should Pick Which?
BA Amex (Free Card):
- You don’t fly BA often
- You want to collect Avios without a fee
- You’re okay flying Economy with your voucher
- You’re not sure if you’ll even use the Companion Voucher
BA Amex Premium Plus (£300/year):
- You fly BA or oneworld partners regularly
- You want complete flexibility of the Companion Voucher
- You’re aiming for Premium, Business or First
- You’ll easily spend £10,000/year on the card
Final Boarding Call
The Premium Plus card might look pricey at £300/year, but the value you get in return, higher earning rates, flexible voucher use, and longer validity make it a no-brainer for most frequent flyers or Avios fans.
The free card is decent if you’re dabbling or want to earn a few extra Avios passively, but the real travel hacks live behind the Premium Plus paywall.
Remember: both charge 2.99% foreign transaction fees, so leave them at home on your next city break. Alternatively, you can take out the Hilton Honors Plus debit card (review here).
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