British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card

Turn everyday spending into premium travel with the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card.

The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a premium travel rewards credit card created for people who want to earn Avios faster and enjoy greater flexibility when booking reward flights. It is particularly appealing to frequent travellers who regularly fly with British Airways and value airline-specific benefits over generic cashback or points programmes.

Unlike basic Avios cards, the Premium Plus version is designed to reward higher levels of spending with enhanced earning rates and exclusive travel perks. While the card carries an annual fee, its structure is focused on delivering long-term value to cardholders who actively use it for everyday spending and travel-related purchases.

Key Advantages

• Generous welcome Avios bonus
  Earn 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 within your first three months of Cardmembership, subject to eligibility.
• Enhanced Avios earning with British Airways
  Collect 3 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways and British Airways Holidays.
• Strong rewards on everyday purchases
  Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
• Bonus Avios through referrals
  Collect up to 90,000 bonus Avios per year when you invite friends to join American Express.
• Extra Avios with a Supplementary Card
  Receive 3,000 bonus Avios when you add your first Supplementary Card to the account.
• Companion Voucher for greater travel value
  Earn a Companion Voucher after spending £15,000 in a Cardmembership year, allowing a second reward seat in the same cabin or a 50% Avios saving when travelling solo.
• Flexible reward flights across multiple airlines
  Use the Companion Voucher on British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus reward flights in any cabin, subject to availability.
• Additional reward seat access in Business Class
  Premium Plus Cardmembers may access additional Club World reward seats when booking with a Companion Voucher.
• Travel protection included
  Benefit from travel accident and travel inconvenience insurance for added peace of mind.
• Plan It™ instalment option
  Spread the cost of purchases of £100 or more into monthly instalments with a fixed fee, no interest on the instalment balance and no extra application required.

Welcome Bonus and Avios Earning

New Cardmembers can earn a welcome Avios bonus after meeting a qualifying spend within the first few months of Cardmembership. This initial boost can significantly accelerate progress towards reward flights.

Ongoing earnings include:

• Avios earned on every pound spent on eligible purchases
• An enhanced Avios rate when spending directly with British Airways and BA Holidays

Compared to entry-level Avios cards, the Premium Plus version allows cardholders to build their Avios balance much faster, especially when the card is used for everyday expenses.

Additional Avios can also be earned by adding supplementary cardholders, making it easier to reach reward thresholds sooner.

Companion Voucher and Travel Benefits

One of the card’s most valuable features is the Companion Voucher. By reaching the annual spending requirement, cardholders unlock a voucher that can be used in two ways:

• Book two reward seats for the Avios required for one ticket
• Save half the Avios when booking a solo reward flight

The voucher can be used across all cabin classes, offering flexibility for both economy and premium travel plans.

Alongside this, the card includes travel-related protections that can help cover unexpected disruptions, providing extra reassurance when travelling.

Fees and Charges

The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card comes with an annual fee, which is best justified by regular use and active Avios redemption.

Interest rates apply to carried balances, so paying the statement balance in full each month is essential to avoid interest charges. Foreign currency transactions are also subject to fees, which should be considered if the card is used abroad.

Eligibility and How to Apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Be a UK resident
• Have a good credit history
• Meet American Express’s income and affordability criteria

The application process is fully online and typically straightforward, with decisions often provided quickly.

How It Compares to Other Avios Cards

Compared to the free British Airways American Express Card, the Premium Plus version offers:

• Higher Avios earning rates
• A more flexible Companion Voucher
• Greater long-term value for frequent travellers

However, for users who spend less or travel infrequently, a no-fee Avios card may provide better overall value.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the card offer value despite the annual fee?
  Yes, for frequent travellers who earn and redeem Avios regularly, the rewards can outweigh the cost.
• Is the Companion Voucher difficult to use?
  The voucher is flexible, but availability depends on reward seat availability and advance planning.
• Can the card be used for everyday spending?
  Yes, and this is one of the most effective ways to accumulate Avios quickly.
• Is this card suitable for international spending?
  It can be used abroad, but foreign currency fees apply, so it may not be ideal as a travel spending card.
• Can I add another cardholder?
  Yes, supplementary cards are available and help boost Avios earning.

Conclusion

The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is a strong option for travellers who are committed to collecting Avios and want access to premium flight benefits. When used strategically, it can unlock substantial value through enhanced rewards and companion travel opportunities, making it a compelling choice for frequent flyers willing to engage fully with its benefits.