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The British Airways American Express Credit Card offers Avios points on all purchases, allowing cardholders to earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent. Additionally, it includes a welcome bonus of 5,000 Avios when you spend £1,000 in the first three months.

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For those who spend £12,000 within a year, a Companion Voucher is awarded, granting either a free ticket for a companion on the same flight or a 50% discount on solo travel using Avios. Note that from November 2024, this spending threshold will increase to £15,000.

With no annual fee, this card is ideal for frequent British Airways flyers who want to accumulate Avios for flights and upgrades. Avios earned can be redeemed on British Airways and partner airlines, and the Companion Voucher provides valuable options for both solo and companion travel.

While the card includes travel accident insurance and Global Assist for travel support, it does charge a 2.99% fee on foreign transactions, which may be a consideration for those frequently spending abroad.

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Benefits of the British Airways American Express Credit Card

The British Airways American Express Credit Card is designed for travelers seeking to earn Avios through everyday purchases, with the added advantage of a Companion Voucher for eligible spending.

This card does not carry an annual fee, making it an appealing option for those who want to earn travel rewards without additional costs. By using the card regularly, members can accumulate Avios, which are redeemable for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, and more, making it versatile for travel rewards.

Here are some of the core benefits of the British Airways American Express Credit Card:

Earn Avios on Everyday Purchases

With this card, you earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent, allowing members to accumulate points with everyday transactions. These Avios can be redeemed for various rewards through British Airways, including flights and cabin upgrades, offering significant value for frequent travelers.

Companion Voucher

Cardholders who spend £12,000 annually receive a Companion Voucher, granting a free companion ticket on a British Airways reward flight or a 50% discount on Avios for solo travel.

This voucher, valid on select flights, can be used to maximize travel benefits and make the most of Avios. Note that from November 2024, this spending threshold will increase to £15,000.

Travel Accident Insurance

The card provides up to £75,000 of travel accident coverage when using the card to purchase public transport tickets. This benefit offers additional peace of mind for travelers, covering unforeseen incidents on public transport journeys.

Global Assist Service

The Global Assist helpline is available 24/7, supporting cardholders with emergency services when traveling.

This service includes help with lost luggage, assistance finding local services like doctors or interpreters, and even prescription replacement in urgent situations, making it a reliable resource during travel.

Amex Offers

Cardholders have access to Amex Offers, which provides discounts and special offers on purchases from major brands and local stores.

Accessible through the Amex app or online account, this feature delivers savings on popular goods and services, allowing members to get more value from their spending.

Prerequisites to Obtain the British Airways American Express Credit Card

To apply for the British Airways American Express Credit Card, applicants need to meet specific criteria to be eligible. Here are the key requirements:

  1. Residency: Applicants must have a permanent home address within the United Kingdom. This verifies their local residency and establishes eligibility within the UK-specific card program.
  2. Minimum Age: Only individuals aged 18 or older are eligible to apply for this credit card, meeting the general legal requirement for credit contracts.
  3. Credit Rating: At least a good credit score is required. The card issuer evaluates creditworthiness, which can affect the application decision.
  4. Annual Income: Although specific income thresholds aren’t always disclosed, cardholders typically need a stable income to support credit repayment. For some American Express cards, a personal income threshold of around £20,000 is commonly observed, although this can vary slightly between cards.
  5. Bank Account: The applicant should have an active UK bank or building society account, necessary for the required card repayments.

About the American Express and British Airways Joint Venture

American Express (Amex) is one of the world’s most established financial service companies, founded in 1850. Initially known for its express mail services, Amex evolved into a global leader in financial services, particularly in charge and credit cards.

Today, American Express is recognized for its premium rewards programs, with strong loyalty partnerships that enhance value for frequent travelers. The company introduced its Membership Rewards program in the 1990s, allowing cardholders to earn and redeem points with a range of travel partners.

The British Airways-American Express partnership started in the 1990s, allowing British Airways Executive Club members to earn Avios on an Amex card, creating a unique value for British Airways travelers. Through this collaboration, Amex issues British Airways-branded credit cards, providing cardholders with benefits such as Avios rewards and exclusive Companion Vouchers. The partnership was recently extended, reflecting both brands’ commitment to providing travel-based rewards to a loyal customer base in the UK.

This joint venture is a prominent example of a loyalty-driven partnership, offering British Airways customers the convenience of earning travel rewards through everyday spending, enhanced by Amex’s established financial infrastructure.

Who is this Card for?

The British Airways American Express Credit Card is tailored for frequent travelers, especially those who fly with British Airways and are interested in earning Avios for flights and related rewards.

This card suits individuals who make regular purchases and want to accumulate travel points through their everyday spending.

It is particularly beneficial for those able to meet the annual spending threshold required to unlock the Companion Voucher, allowing an additional passenger to fly on the same Avios booking, or providing a discount for solo travel.

Additionally, it appeals to those looking for a travel-focused credit card without an annual fee but with significant rewards on purchases.

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Step by Step to Apply for the British Airways American Express Credit Card

To apply for the British Airways American Express Credit Card, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Official Page: Start your application on the British Airways American Express Credit Card page here.
  2. Check Eligibility: Use the American Express Eligibility Checker to assess your likelihood of approval without impacting your credit score. This is recommended before proceeding with a formal application.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Provide personal and financial details, including address, income information, and banking details. American Express evaluates this information as part of the approval process.
  4. Download the Amex App: Once approved, manage your card and track rewards through the American Express app. You can download the app for iOS and Android.
  5. Submit Required Documents (if needed): In some cases, additional verification documents may be requested by American Express.

British Airways American Express Credit Card Pros and Cons

The British Airways American Express Credit Card provides notable advantages for frequent flyers, especially those who value Avios points and travel rewards. However, as with any credit card, there are both positive and negative aspects to consider.

Pros

  • Avios Earning Potential: Cardholders earn 1 Avios per £1 spent on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards. For new cardholders, there’s a welcome bonus of 5,000 Avios after spending £2,000 within the first three months.
  • Companion Voucher: Upon reaching an annual spend of £12,000 (increasing to £15,000 from November 2024), you receive a Companion Voucher, which allows a second passenger on the same Avios booking or a 50% discount on a solo Avios booking. This can add considerable value to long-haul travel.
  • No Annual Fee: This card has no yearly fee, making it one of the more accessible travel-focused cards for earning Avios without additional costs.
  • Global Assist Service: 24/7 assistance is available through Global Assist for emergencies while traveling, including help with lost luggage or local service referrals.

Cons

  • High APR: The card carries a high variable APR of 31.0%, which could lead to costly interest payments if the balance isn’t paid off monthly.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: Purchases made abroad incur a 2.99% transaction fee, which can reduce the card’s value for international spending.
  • Limited Value for Low Spenders: Earning the Companion Voucher requires significant annual spending, which might be unattainable or inefficient for cardholders with lower budgets​.

How to Activate the Card?

Upon receiving the British Airways American Express Credit Card, you can activate it quickly and securely through the American Express website or mobile app. Here’s how:

  1. Online Activation: Go to the American Express card activation page on their website, log in or create an account, and follow the prompts to activate the card.
  2. Mobile App Activation: Alternatively, download the American Express app for iOS or Android, log in or create an account, and navigate to the card activation section.

Once activated, you can begin using the card and accessing your benefits, such as earning Avios and tracking your rewards through the app. For additional support, American Express also offers customer assistance if you encounter any issues with the activation process.

Fees and Tariffs

The British Airways American Express Credit Card comes with several associated costs and fees. Here is a summary of the primary fees and tariffs:

  • Annual Fee: There is no annual fee for this card, making it an accessible option for those looking to earn Avios without a recurring yearly cost.
  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate): The representative APR is 31.0% variable for purchases, making it essential for cardholders to consider paying off their balance monthly to avoid high interest costs.
  • Cash Advance Fee: Withdrawals are subject to a 3% fee, with a minimum charge of £3 per transaction, plus interest, which begins accruing immediately at a higher rate of 31.0% APR (variable).
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Transactions in non-GBP currencies incur a 2.99% fee after currency conversion, making it a point to consider for frequent overseas purchases.
  • Late and Returned Payment Fees: Each late or returned payment is charged a £12 penalty. To avoid these, setting up automatic payments can help maintain a positive payment history.
  • Companion Voucher Spending Threshold: Currently, cardholders earn a Companion Voucher after spending £12,000 annually, but this will increase to £15,000 from November 2024, which could be a consideration depending on individual spending patterns.

Customer Service

For assistance with the British Airways American Express Credit Card, here are the official contact channels provided by American Express:

  1. Customer Service (UK): You can reach customer service by calling 0800 917 8020. For those outside the UK, call +44 (0)1273 576 445. American Express customer service is available 24/7 for assistance on all card-related inquiries.
  2. Official Website: For information on benefits, fees, and application, visit the British Airways American Express Credit Card page here.
  3. Live Chat: For real-time support, you can access the live chat feature through the American Express online account center. Log in to your account to start a chat with a Customer Care Professional.
  4. Mobile App: You can also manage your card, access offers, and contact support via the American Express mobile app.

For more specific questions related to Avios and companion vouchers, British Airways Customer Support is also available at 0344 493 0787 (local rate), operating daily from 08:00 to 23:59.

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