What the British Airways credit card is and who issues it
The British Airways credit card is a rewards card issued by American Express in partnership with British Airways. It earns points on every purchase you make, and those points convert into British Airways Avios — the airline's frequent flyer currency. You can use Avios to book flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals through the British Airways loyalty program.
American Express is the card issuer, so the process process, terms, and customer service all go through American Express, not British Airways directly. The card comes in two versions: a personal card and a business card, each with different earning rates and annual fees.
The card is available to UK residents with a UK address and a UK bank account. You must be at least 18 years old and pass American Express's credit checks to be accepted.
Key Takeaways
- The British Airways American Express card earns Avios points on spending, with higher earning rates on British Airways purchases and dining, and lower rates on other categories.
- Both the personal and business versions charge an annual fee, which you pay whether or not you use the card.
- New cardholders receive a welcome bonus of Avios points after meeting a spending threshold in the first few months.
- Avios points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel nights, and car rentals, but redemption rates vary widely depending on the route and how far in advance you book.
- The card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full each month, so carrying a balance costs more than the annual fee itself.
How earning and redemption work
The personal card earns points at different rates depending on what you spend on. British Airways flights and Avios purchases earn the highest rate — currently 2 Avios per pound spent. Dining at participating restaurants earns 1.5 Avios per pound. All other spending earns 1 Avios per pound. These rates change occasionally, so check the current terms on the American Express website before explore.
Points accumulate in your British Airways account and never expire as long as you hold the card and use it at least once every three years. Once you stop using the card, points expire after 36 months of inactivity.
Redemption rates are not fixed. A flight that costs 12,000 Avios one day might cost 15,000 Avios another day, depending on demand, the route, and how far ahead you book. Short-haul European flights typically cost between 7,500 and 15,000 Avios. Long-haul flights to the US or Asia typically cost between 40,000 and 80,000 Avios. You can check the exact cost for any route before you redeem.
You can also transfer Avios to partner airlines and hotel chains, though the transfer rate is usually less favourable than booking directly with British Airways.
Annual fees and what you get for them
The personal card charges an annual fee of £150. This fee is charged to your card every year on the anniversary of your account opening, regardless of whether you use the card. American Express does not refund the fee if you cancel partway through the year.
The business card charges £195 per year and is aimed at business owners and sole traders. Both cards waive the first year's fee for new cardholders, so you do not pay anything in year one.
The fee includes some benefits beyond earning Avios. Both cards offer purchase protection, travel insurance (if you book the trip on the card), and extended warranty on items you buy. The business card includes additional protections for business purchases. Read the full terms on the American Express website to understand what is and is not covered, as insurance policies have exclusions and limits.
Welcome bonuses and spending requirements
New cardholders receive a welcome bonus of Avios points after spending a set amount in the first few months. The bonus amount and spending threshold change periodically — American Express may offer 50,000 Avios after spending £3,000, or 30,000 Avios after spending £1,000, depending on the current promotion.
The spending threshold is measured from the date your account opens, not from the date you receive the card in the post. Only purchases count toward the threshold — balance transfers, cash withdrawals, and fees do not. Once you meet the threshold, the bonus posts to your British Airways account within a few weeks.
The welcome bonus is the main financial advantage of opening the card. On a £150 annual fee, you need to earn enough Avios through regular spending to justify keeping the card beyond the first year. If you spend £10,000 per year on the card, you earn roughly 10,000 Avios (at the standard 1 Avios per pound rate), which is worth less than the annual fee in most cases. Higher spenders or those who earn bonus points through dining or British Airways purchases may find the card worthwhile.
Interest rates and how to avoid paying them
American Express charges interest on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and is shown in your offer before you explore. Rates typically range from 18% to 22% APR, though some customers receive lower rates.
Interest is calculated daily on the outstanding balance and added to your account monthly. If you carry a £1,000 balance for one month at 20% APR, you pay roughly £17 in interest. Carrying a balance for a full year costs significantly more than the annual fee itself.
The best way to avoid interest is to pay the full statement balance by the due date each month. American Express sends a statement roughly every 30 days, and you have at least 20 days from the statement date to pay. If you cannot pay the full balance, you can set up a payment plan through American Express, though this still charges interest on the amount you defer.
Comparing the British Airways card to other rewards cards
Other credit cards in the UK market earn cash back or points in different ways. Some cards earn 1% to 2% cash back on all spending with no annual fee. Others earn points toward supermarket vouchers or other retailers. The choice depends on what you value: airline miles, cash back, or flexibility.
If you fly British Airways regularly, the card's higher earning rate on British Airways purchases (2 Avios per pound instead of 1) may offset the annual fee. If you rarely fly or fly other airlines, a cash back card or a different airline card may be better value.
The welcome bonus is often the largest financial benefit of any rewards card. Comparing cards means looking at the total value in year one (welcome bonus plus annual fee) and then the ongoing value in year two and beyond. A card with a higher annual fee but a larger welcome bonus might be better in year one but worse in year two if you do not spend enough to earn back the fee.
How to use Avios and what they are worth
Avios are most valuable when you redeem them for flights you would otherwise pay cash for. A short-haul flight from London to Paris might cost £80 to £150 in cash but 7,500 to 10,000 Avios. If you value Avios at 1 pence each (a common benchmark), that flight is worth £75 to £100 in Avios — less than the cash price but close enough that the card's earning rate matters.
Avios are less valuable when you redeem them for premium cabin upgrades or when you transfer them to partner airlines. Upgrade redemptions often cost 15,000 to 30,000 Avios for a short-haul flight, which works out to less than 0.5 pence per Avios. Partner airline transfers typically cost more Avios than booking directly with British Airways.
You can also use Avios to book hotels and car rentals through the British Airways website, though these redemptions are usually less competitive than booking directly with the hotel or car rental company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the card to keep my Avios?
No. Once you earn Avios, they stay in your British Airways account even if you close the credit card. However, if your account is inactive for 36 months (no earning or redemption), your Avios expire. Using the card at least once every three years keeps your account active.
Can I transfer my Avios to someone else?
You cannot transfer Avios to another person's account. You can use your Avios to book flights for other people, but the booking must be in your name. Some airlines allow you to add a companion to a booking, which lets you use your Avios for both of you.
What happens if I close the card before the annual fee is charged?
If you close the card before the annual fee date, you will not be charged. If you close it after the fee has been charged, American Express does not refund it. Check your account opening date to know when the fee will be charged.
Can I earn Avios on balance transfers?
No. Balance transfers do not earn Avios or count toward the welcome bonus spending threshold. Only new purchases earn points.
What credit score do I need to be accepted?
American Express does not publish a minimum credit score. Acceptance depends on your credit history, income, and existing debts. You can check your may be able to access without a hard credit check using the American Express website, which shows whether you are likely to be accepted before you formally explore.