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The 25 Best Ways To Earn Lots of British Airways Avios [2024]

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Jarrod West
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Jarrod West

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Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
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British Airways is the U.K.’s flagship airline. As a part of the Oneworld alliance, British Airways offers flights to many locations around the world and has a popular loyalty program with rewards points called Avios.

Before you can figure out how to use Avios for award flights and upgrades, you have to learn how to earn them! We’ve put together a list of the best ways to earn British Airways’ valuable Avios, so check out our ideas below.

Sign Up for a British Airways Executive Club Account

Before you can start earning British Airways (BA) Avios, you must join the British Airways Executive Club. Executive Club is the miles-earning program for British Airways and does not require an affiliated reward credit card to start earning Avios right away.

To join Executive Club, you only need to fill out a short registration form.

As a member of the BA Executive Club, you can collect and redeem Avios and receive special promotions from British Airways and other Oneworld partners.

Earn British Airways Avios With Credit Cards

Before we get into the many ways you can earn British Airways Avios, let’s look at the different ways you can transfer points from other rewards programs into your Avios account.

In addition to a co-branded credit card, there are 5 transferable points programs that partner with British Airways:

All of these programs offer the opportunity to transfer their respective points into British Airways Avios.

American Express Memberships Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer at a rate of 1:1. However, some of these programs occasionally run promotions that boost the transfer rate by up to 40%.

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Avios at a rate of 3:1, and you can receive a bonus of 5,000 Avios if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at once. That means 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points can get you 25,000 Avios.

1. British Airways Visa Signature® Card

The only rewards credit card that lets you directly earn British Airways Avios is the British Airways Visa card.

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is great for British Airways frequent flyers, and traveling couples will find great value in the Travel Together Ticket.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

This card is great for British Airways frequent flyers, and traveling couples will find great value in the Travel Together Ticket.
Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
75,000 Avios
$937
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card is a stellar option for travelers who regularly travel with the airline. From all of the Avios the card helps you earn, to a 10% discount off cash tickets, and the award flight statement credits, you can get tons of value out of the card each year.

Pros

  • 3x Avios per $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL purchases
  • 2x Avios per $1 on hotel accommodations purchased directly through hotels
  • 1x Avios per $1 on all other purchases
  • 10% off British Airways flights starting in the U.S. (when booking through the designated website)
  • Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 in card spend in a calendar year
  • Up to $600 in award flight statement credits each year
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Lost luggage insurance
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty protection

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
  • Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
  • Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. Plus earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
  • Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
  • Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

British Airways Executive Club

While you do get a decent Avios-earning rate for spending on the card, it doesn’t offer a ton of extra benefits. This is not a huge loss, but it’s important to note if you’re accustomed to using other airline cards.

The British Airways Visa card comes with a $95 annual fee, but you can earn a valuable welcome bonus by hitting the minimum spending requirement when you open the card.

One great feature of the card is the Travel Together Ticket — a companion ticket that you get after spending $30,000 per year on the card, good for any cash or reward flight, regardless of class! The companion ticket is subject to taxes and surcharges of up to $1,500 to $2,000.

Hot Tip: Another neat perk of the British Airways Visa card is the Reward Flight Statement Credit that offsets a portion of the fuel surcharges of your British Airways award ticket to London paid for with the British Airways Visa card. You’ll get statement credits of $100 for economy and premium economy or $200 for business and first class, 3 times per year, up to $600.

Need help booking British Airways with Avios? See our step-by-step guide for booking British Airways business class or first class.

2. American Express Membership Rewards Cards

As we mentioned above, Chase isn’t the only bank that can help you earn Avios. American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards can also boost your Avios collection.

Keep in mind that American Express occasionally runs promotions that improve the 1:1 transfer ratio by up to 40%. Keep an eye out for these opportunities if you need Avios!

Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card® from American Express

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
60,000 points
$1,320
$250
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros

  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
  • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
  • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

There are a number of Amex business credit cards that also earn transferrable Membership Rewards points!

3. Bilt Rewards

You can transfer Bilt Rewards points, mainly earned through the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card, to British Airways at a 1:1 ratio.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Learn More(at Bilt's secure site)
$0

Never before has there been a credit card built specifically with renters in mind. Enter the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card, designed specifically to help renters earn rewards on their rent payments with no transaction fees.

Of course, aside from rewards on rent, there are many other solid benefits that the card offers that add extra value to cardholders. In this guide, we provide a complete breakdown of everything the Bilt card has to offer to help you decide whether the card makes sense for you.

Pros

  • 3x points per $1 at restaurants including eligible delivery
  • 2x points per $1 on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies
  • 1x point per $1 on rent payments, without a transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each year
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign currency conversion fees
  • Access to airline transfer partners
  • Cellular telephone protection
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Purchase security
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver

Cons

  • Does not offer a welcome bonus
  • Requires at least 5 transactions that post each statement period to earn points
  • $0 annual card fee
  • 1X points on rent payments with no fees (on up to $100,000 in rent payments every year) and non-bonus purchases
  • 2X points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company)
  • 3X points on dining

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Card Categories

4. Capital One Credit Cards

Transfer the Capital One miles you earn to British Airways at a 1:1 ratio.

Recommended Capital One Cards

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

 

Cons

  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

 

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

Cons

  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

5. Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards

Several other Chase cards can also help you earn British Airways Avios. All Chase cards that earn transferrable Ultimate Rewards points can help boost your collections of Avios. You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to British Airways at a 1:1 ratio.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

POPULAR FIRST CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros

  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
  • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
  • Excellent travel and car rental insurance
  • 10% annual bonus points
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
  • 5x points on airfare booked through Chase TravelSM
  • 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass airport lounge access
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
  • Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
  • Rental car elite status with National and Avis

Cons

  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you’re a business owner, consider one of Chase’s business credit cards.

6. Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and transfer those to British Airways at a transfer rate of 3:1. Plus, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you’ll receive an extra 5,000 Avios bonus.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
30,000 points
$210
$0
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros

  • Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
  • 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
  • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
  • Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
  • 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Earn 5 Free Night Awards
$1,750
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros

  • Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
  • 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
  • One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier
  • Limited time offer! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

NEW 155K OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
155,000 points
$1,085
$250
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros

  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • 15 Elite Night Credits per year
  • 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
  • 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $250 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
  • Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

NEW 185K WELCOME OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
185,000 bonus points
$1,295
$650
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros

  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • 25 Elite Night Credits each year
  • Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
  • Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
  • Complimentary Platinum Elite status

Cons

  • Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

7. Non-U.S.-based Credit Cards

When you consider how connected London is to destinations around the world, you can begin to imagine how many international travelers are interested in earning British Airways Avios.

And this makes a lot of sense — co-branded opportunities are very lucrative for both the consumer and the credit card issuer, so there are a ton of official co-branded British Airways Avios credit card options across numerous banks around the world:

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Issuing CountryName of Credit CardIssuing CountryName of Credit Card
CanadaRBC British Airways Visa Infinite cardSwedenBritish Airways Classic World Mastercard
CaribbeanCIBC FirstCaribbean British Airways Visa Platinum credit cardSwedenBritish Airways Premium World Mastercard
DenmarkResurs Bank British Airways World MasterCardSwitzerlandCornèrcard British Airways Mastercard Classic
FranceCarte Visa British Airways CardSwitzerlandCornèrcard British Airways Mastercard Gold
FranceCarte Visa British Airways Premium CardSwitzerlandDiners Club British Airways Card
Hong KongDah Sing British Airways Platinum CardU.K.British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card
ItalyBritish Airways CardU.K.British Airways American Express® Credit Card*
ItalyBritish Airways Premier CardU.K.British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card*
South AfricaAbsa Bank British Airways Credit Card

*All information about these cards has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Flying with British Airways and Partners

8. Book Flights on British Airways

British Airways Boeing 777 300 First seat 4K
British Airways Boeing 777 300 first class seat. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Once you are an Executive Club member, you can earn Avios on every flight you take with British Airways. The miles you earn per flight are determined by the distance you travel, the class of service, and your Executive Club membership level.

You can reference the below chart to figure out how many Avios you will earn.

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Cabin ClassFare CodeAvios AwardedMinimum Avios EarnedTier Points Earned
EconomyLowest (G, O, Q)25% of the miles flown12525%
Low (K, L, M, N, S, V*)

*earns no Avios or Tier Points when booked as a Gold Priority Reward 

50% of the miles flown25050%
Flexible (Y, B, H)100% of the miles flown500100%
Premium EconomyLowest (E, T)100% of the miles flown500100%
Flexible (W)150% of the miles flown750100%
BusinessLowest (R, I)150% of the miles flown750100%
Flexible (J, C, D)250% of the miles flown1,250100%
FirstLowest (A)250% of the miles flown1,250100%
Flexible (F)300% of the miles flown1,500100%

9. Book Flights on Oneworld and Partner Airlines

Oneworld alliance airline partners
British Airways is in the Oneworld alliance and has numerous global airline partners to earn Avios on. Image Credit: Oneworld

Earn Avios when you complete a one-way or round-trip flight with any Oneworld alliance partner airline.

British Airways also partners with Aer Lingus and LATAM, which are not part of the Oneworld alliance. You won’t earn Tier Points or a tier bonus on flights with these airlines, but you will earn valuable Avios.

Bottom Line: Make sure to check how many Avios you will earn when flying with each partner.

10. Minimum Avios Guarantee

All British Airways flights earn a guaranteed minimum number of Avios based on the fare class. The lowest economy fares earn a minimum of 125 Avios, while a flexible first class fare earns a minimum of 1,500 Avios.

Many flights on partner airlines also include a guaranteed minimum, but you should check the appropriate partner-earning chart before booking.

11. Class of Service Bonus

When you book flights with British Airways in the lowest economy fare class, the number of Avios you earn is equal to 25% of the miles you fly. The lowest fare class in premium economy, business, and first earn 100%, 150%, and 250% of miles flown, respectively.

Flexible economy, premium economy, business, and first class fares earn 100%, 150%, 250%, and 300% of miles flown, respectively.

When flying with a partner airline, check the respective partner-earning chart to determine your class of service bonus.

12. Frequent Flyer Tier Bonus

If you have Executive Club status, you can earn even more Avios on your flights:

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Executive Club Tier StatusBonus Avios
Bronze25% extra Avios
Silver50% extra Avios
Gold100% extra Avios

When you fly with partner airlines, be sure to check whether you will earn a tier bonus. You will earn a tier bonus with some partners, including American Airlines, but not others.

Reaching the Next Level of Status

The more you fly with British Airways (and some of its partners), the quicker you will earn the next level of status in Executive Club.

With higher status, you will receive perks that can include airport lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and an additional baggage allowance.

Qualifying for Elite Status

To reach each level of Executive Club status, you must earn a set number of Tier Points. With 300 Tier Points, you earn Bronze status. With 600 Tier Points, you earn Silver status. To reach top-level Gold status, you must earn 1,500 Tier Points.

Oneworld Status

With Bronze, Silver, and Gold status, you also receive a corresponding Oneworld status (Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald) and the associated benefits when flying with Oneworld partner airlines.

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Executive ClubOneworld Alliance
BronzeRuby
SilverSapphire
GoldEmerald

Earn Avios Through Other Travel

British Airways has several partners in the travel industry that allow you to earn more Avios. If you’re looking for a way to boost your Avios earnings, consider these options when traveling.

13. British Airways Rental Car Partners — Avis and Budget

Avis key car rental agreement
Image Credit: Avis

Avis and Budget are the only rental car partners of British Airways that will help you earn Avios. Although Avis and Budget are owned by the same parent company, the earning structures are different.

Every Avis rental will earn you 5 Avios per £1 spent, with a minimum of 500 Avios per rental. Additionally, if you pay with the British Airways Visa card, you will earn an additional 250 Avios per rental.

If you rent a car from Avis 4 times in a calendar year, you will also receive a bonus of 1,000 Avios. Occasionally, you will see promotions to earn even more Avios for renting a car from Avis, so keep an eye out for these special offers.

Every Budget rental will earn you 2 Avios per £1 spent with a minimum of 250 Avios per rental.

Hot Tip: If you book your Avis car rental plus flights using British Airways vacation packages, you can earn even more Avios!

14. British Airways Hotel Partners

Intercontinental New York Barclay Premium View Room
Earn 2 Avios per dollar spent at IHG properties like InterContinental New York Barclay. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

You can earn tons of bonus Avios by staying with British Airways’ hotel partners. You can find all hotel partners listed on the British Airways website.

Each partner hotel offers a different Avios bonus based on either your nightly stay or the amount spent. For your calculations, please note some of the hotels earn Avios based on the currency of their location.

Several programs also offer the option to convert points to Avios, but we would not recommend this due to poor value.

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HotelAvios-earning Rate
Convert From Hotel Program:Avios
Accor2.5 Avios per €2 to €4
1 Avios per €4 on Adagio Access
4,000:2,000
Avios Hotels15 Avios per £1
IHG Hotels & Resorts2 Avios per $1
10,000:2,000
Marriott International1 to 2 Avios per $1
3:1 (5,000 Avios bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points converted)

15. Book With Airbnb

British Airways Airbnb
British Airways offers a lucrative partnership with Airbnb to earn Avios. Image Credit: British Airways

British Airways has a partnership with Airbnb that allows you to earn 3 Avios per £1/€1/$1. You must book via the British Airways Airbnb portal to earn Avios for your stay.

16. Earn Bonus Avios on Vacation Bookings

British Airways Vacations
Booking with British Airways Vacations is a great way to earn bonus Avios. Image Credit: British Airways

When you book a flight plus a hotel or a flight plus a rental car through British Airways Vacations, you will earn a bonus of 1 Avios per dollar spent. This is in addition to the Avios you would already earn on a flight or rental car.

With thousands of hotel options around the world, this is an easy to way earn some extra Avios!

17. Purchase a Lounge Pass

British Airways Lounge Pass
British Airways Lounge Pass can come in handy if you don’t have lounge access at the airport. Image Credit: British Airways

If you happen to be in a situation where you don’t have a credit card that offers lounge access or if you’re at an airport with a Lounge Pass lounge but not a Priority Pass lounge, you’ll want to consider booking a Lounge Pass through British Airways.

Why? You will earn 5 Avios per $1 spent when you book on the official British Airways Lounge Pass website.

You can book lounges up to 15 months in advance from $19 per person! There are over 600 non-British Airways lounges to choose from at over 350 airports worldwide.

18. Book Parking With ParkVia

British Airways ParkVia
With ParkVia, you’ll earn 5 Avios per $1 spent on airport parking. Image Credit: British Airways

Looking to book parking at or near an airport? ParkVia, formerly known as ParkCloud, offers an exclusive partnership with British Airways to earn 5 Avios per $1 spent, rounded down to the nearest dollar.

19. Get From Heathrow to Central London Using Heathrow Express

British Airways Heathrow Express
Take the Heathrow Express into central London and earn British Airways Avios! Image Credit: British Airways

If you’re visiting the U.K. and are landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), you’ll be pleased to find that the most convenient transportation option from the airport to central London is via the Heathrow Express.

Heathrow Express is the airport rail link that connects London Heathrow Airport to London Paddington station, smack in the middle of central London. The ride takes 15 minutes and trains depart every 15 minutes.

You’ll collect 5 Avios per £1 spent on tickets, excluding delivery or amendment fees. To earn Avios, enter your Executive Club membership number when you purchase tickets using the dedicated Heathrow Express website.

Note that you can’t earn Avios on tickets purchased elsewhere, and to accrue Avios, the name on the ticket must match the name on the British Airways Executive Club account. Avios will be credited 3 months from the booked travel date.

Earn British Airways Avios by Shopping

From online shopping to individual business partnerships, there are many opportunities to earn British Airways Avios on your retail purchases.

20. British Airways Avios eStore Online Shopping Portal

British Airways eStore
The process to use the British Airways Avios eStore shopping portal and earn Avios is easy. Image Credit: British Airways eStore

Avios can be earned through the Avios eStore online shopping portal. There are over 400 participating online retailers and each purchase offers an opportunity to earn Avios — up to 12 Avios per $1 spent.

As you can see below, the offers vary depending on the retailer:

Executive Club eStore
Earn bonus Avios when you shop at one of over 400 retailers on the British Airways online shopping portal. Image Credit: Executive Club eStore

Once you have logged in to your Executive Club account at the Avios eStore shopping portal, you can search for and select the store where you’d like to shop.

After selecting a store, you will be taken to a page with the details of the offer to earn Avios. From there, you can select Shop Now. You will be prompted to confirm that you are leaving the shopping portal for the selected store’s website.

If you click to confirm, you will be taken to the store’s site where you can begin shopping and earning bonus Avios. Make sure you stay in the new window while you are shopping to ensure your purchases track and you earn your bonus Avios.

Before finishing your purchase, make sure you are still logged in to the store through the portal. Then complete your purchase and enjoy the bonus Avios you just earned!

If after 40 days your Avios have not posted to your account, report it. Use British Airways’ shopping portal contact form to request that the missing Avios be added to your account.

21. Other British Airways Retail Partners

Heathrow Airport Shopping
Retail purchases in London Heathrow Airport can be converted into Avios with Heathrow Rewards! Image Credit: Heathrow Boutique

Unfortunately, earning Avios with British Airways retail partners is limited unless you spend a lot of time in London Heathrow Airport or shopping around Europe. Alternatively, you’ll have to be an avid wine drinker or read select magazines to benefit from these offers.

SCROLL FOR MORE
Product or ServiceCompany/Program
Bonus Avios Offer
Clothing and other goodsThe Bicester Village Shopping Collection
5 Avios per £4 or €4
London Heathrow Airport purchasesHeathrow Rewards
1 point per £1; convert 1:1 to Avios

London Heathrow Airport purchases include shopping, eating, drinking, parking, and using the Heathrow Express. This is especially great if you’re someone who flies frequently back and forth to London.

When you register for Heathrow Rewards, you’ll receive 100 points just for signing up.

You can transfer Heathrow Rewards points into Avios at a 1:1 exchange in increments of 250 points. In other words, reach 250, 500, or 750 Heathrow Rewards and you will be able to convert them into 250, 500, or 750 Avios. This is an easy way to earn Avios if you’re a frequent Heathrow visitor!

Hot Tip: The High Life Shop offers 2 Avios for every £1 you spend on products onboard British Airways flights. You can also preorder products to your seat before you arrive onboard. That’s a nice perk if you like what the High Life Shop offers. Check out the High Life Shop online to learn more.

22. Subscribe to The Economist

British Airways The Economist
A subscription to The Economist can earn you a nice pile of Avios. Image Credit: British Airways

If you’re considering subscribing to one of the most renowned magazines in the world, British Airways is offering an excellent deal of up to 18,000 Avios for setting up your subscription with The Economist.

All you have to do is visit the official partnership subscription page for The Economist and enter your British Airways Executive Club account along with your payment information!

Other Methods

23. Earn Avios With Surveys

British Airways Rewards for Thoughts
British Airways partners with Rewards for Thoughts and eRewards (not pictured) to offer Avios for filling out surveys. Image Credit: British Airways

For U.K. residents, British Airways has chosen to partner with Rewards For Thoughts and eRewards to help customers earn bonus Avios. Note that both companies are owned by Dynata.

Participants at both of these companies will earn 600 Avios by signing up for a free account and completing 1 survey.

After that, a minimum of 25 Avios are rewarded for short surveys under 10 minutes, and a minimum of 50 Avios are rewarded for surveys taking 10 minutes or longer.

When you register, just be sure to choose British Airways as your earning program and include your Executive Club number.

When you’ve run out of options, taking a survey to earn as few as 25 Avios could mean the difference between losing them all and holding onto them until you’re ready to redeem!

Hot Tip: Surveys are an easy way to keep earning Avios during lulls in your spending and traveling, or to top up your Avios and stretch your redemptions. They are especially useful when your Avios are approaching their expiration date. Avios expire after 36 months of no activity in your account, and surveys count as qualifying activity, which will extend your Avios’ expiration.

24. Buy British Airways Avios

In some situations, you just need some extra Avios in order to book a specific redemption. This is probably the only situation that we’d recommend buying Avios as usually they aren’t good value to purchase (even if there’s a promotion running).

However, sometimes you can be a little short and so this could be worthwhile. Just don’t buy them on a whim as stockpiling points for 1 specific airline is risky due to (inevitable) devaluations.

British Airways Executive Club has sold Avios with a bonus as high as 75% extra Avios in the past, so wait for one of those to come by if you can!

25. Use Banked as Your Payment Method

Banked British Airways
Banked allows you to earn Avios through an innovative payment checkout experience. Image Credit: British Airways

Don’t have a credit card that earns British Airways Avios? Digital payments start-up Banked allows BA Executive Club members to earn 1 Avios for every £1 they spend with any merchant when they select Banked as the payment method at checkout.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to British Airways’ partnerships with American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, and Marriott Bonvoy, you have plenty of opportunities to earn Avios through the British Airways Executive Club program. You can top off these earnings with British Airways’ travel partners, the online shopping portal, shopping partners, and surveys.

Using the British Airways Visa card is the most straightforward way to earn Avios. It also allows you to earn the Travel Together Ticket after spending $30,000 (or more) in a calendar year.

With strategic earning and use of your Avios, you’ll be on your way to some fun adventures! For redemption inspiration, make sure to read our guide to the best uses of British Airways Avios.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding CIBC FirstCaribbean British Airways Visa Platinum credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Resurs Bank British Airways World MasterCard was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Carte Visa British Airways Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Carte Visa British Airways Premium Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Dah Sing British Airways Platinum Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding British Airways Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding British Airways Premier Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Absa Bank British Airways Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding British Airways Classic World Mastercard was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding British Airways Premium World Mastercard was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Cornèrcard British Airways Mastercard Classic was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Cornèrcard British Airways Mastercard Gold was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Diners Club British Airways Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding British Airways American Express® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does British Airways fly?

British Airways and its partner airlines fly all over the world. To explore specific locations, use this interactive map.

What is the British Airways frequent flyer program called?

British Airways’ frequent flyer program is called Executive Club. Executive Club uses what it calls “Avios” instead of points or miles.

How does the British Airways Executive Club work?

Members of Executive Club earn Avios by flying on British Airways, one of its Oneworld alliance partners, or its individual partners (Aer Lingus and LATAM). The higher status you hold with British Airways, the more Avios you will earn per flight.

You can also earn Avios for hotel stays, rental cars, and shopping, so don’t forget to check with British Airways’ travel and retail partners.

The Avios you earn can be redeemed for award travel on British Airways and its partner airlines.

What are British Airways Tier Points?

Tier Points allow members to reach Executive Club tiers that offer greater benefits. They are earned on British Airways flights, subsidiaries, and Oneworld airline partners.

What credit cards earn Avios?

Only 1 U.S. credit card directly earns British Airways Avios: the British Airways Visa card.

Several major rewards programs that have BA as a partner will allow you to transfer points earned to Executive Club, including Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards (all at a 1:1 rate), and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 rate with a 5,000 Avios bonus for transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points).

Ultimate Rewards cards such as Chase Sapphire Preferred card will get you access to the travel partners, but you can earn more points with the Freedom Unlimited card as well.

Membership Rewards cards include the Amex Platinum card, Amex Gold card, and more.

What is British Airways World Traveller class?

World Traveller class is the name for British Airways’ full-service economy class seats on flights going outside Europe.

These seats are in contrast to World Traveller Plus, which is the airline’s premium economy service offering a few extra accoutrements, such as wider seats and more legroom.

Which alliance is British Airways a part of?

British Airways is a part of the Oneworld alliance.

Are British Airways and Qantas partners?

Yes. Both British Airways and Qantas are a part of the Oneworld alliance. Qantas is sometimes a great site to use to find award availability on partner airlines since the British Airways site does not always show partner award availability.

Are British Airways and American Airlines partners?

Yes. Like Qantas, American Airlines and British Airways are a part of the Oneworld alliance. American Airlines is another option for searching for award ticket availability to redeem with Avios.

Are British Airways and United Airlines partners?

No. United Airlines is a part of the Star Alliance and British Airways is a part of the Oneworld alliance.

How can I contact the British Airways Executive Club?

In the U.S., contact the British Airways Executive Club at 800-452-1201 between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST.

Are British Airways flights refundable?

Sometimes. Reserved seats on British Airways flights are refundable for any of the following reasons:

  • The aircraft is changed or the flight is disrupted and British Airways cannot find you a seat on this new aircraft with which you are happy.
  • You cannot sit in an exit row because of CAA safety regulations. You must contact British Airways and notify them about this at least 48 hours before your flight.
  • You pay to upgrade your seat but do not wish to also pay for seat reselection in the cabin to which you upgrade.

Refunds are not made if: you cancel your flight, upgrades are made by British Airways, you selected the exit row seat and are not eligible to sit there, you cannot find an equivalent seat on a flight to which you change, or you booked on another carrier and changed your flight.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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