Your Complete Guide to the Best Avios Credit Cards UK 2024

For avid travellers, the opportunity of free flights and exclusive perks is a great way to make your money go further. The key to turning this dream into reality lies in strategic credit card usage in order to maximise the amount of Avios point you collect with every penny you spend in day-to-day life. In this blog, we'll share the details of the best Avios credit cards UK, providing insights, tips, and a fail-proof strategy to transform your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences. Although it's not quite as illusive as in the US, there are still great opportunities to build and spend your Avios points with the best credit cards for travel rewards in the UK.

Best Avios Credit Cards UK For Travel Rewards

Avios points are the gateway to unlocking free flights and premium travel benefits. Let's explore the top Avios credit cards available in the UK, each offering unique features that appeal to different people.

AMEX Gold Rewards Card (Recommended Strategy below)	Generous Signup Bonus: 30,000 points with a £3,000 spend in the first three months. Annual Fee: £160 (waived in the first year). Earning Points: 1 point per pound spent. Priority Plus Membership: Four free airline lounge visits annually. Deliveroo Cashback: £5 cashback on two £5+ Deliveroo orders per month.
BA Amex Card (Recommended Strategy Below)	Signup Bonus: 5,000 points for opening the card. Annual Fee: No annual fee. Earning Points: 1 point per pound spent. Companion Ticket: Free companion ticket with a £12,000 yearly spend.
BA Amex Plus	Signup Bonus: 25,000 points. Annual Fee: £250. Companion Ticket: Free companion ticket with a £10,000 yearly spend. Additional Perks: Premium travel benefits.
Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard	Signup Bonus: 25,000 Avios points with a £3,000 spend in the first three months. Annual Fee: £240. Earning Points: 1.5 Avios points per £1 spent. Additional Perks: Choice between a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher or 7,000 bonus Avios points.
Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card	Signup Bonus: Score 5,000 bonus miles on your first purchase within 90 days of card opening. Annual Fee: No annual fee. Earning Points: Earn 0.75 miles for every £1 spent on everyday purchases. Additional Perks: Enjoy a complimentary companion voucher after a £10,000 yearly spend.

Tips & Need-to-Knows

AMEX Acceptance: Be aware of limited AMEX acceptance around the UK. Generally it's accepted however some smaller purchases (such as pubs) don't accept it
Global Variations: Note potential variations in AMEX deals outside the UK, for example in the US the deals are much bigger, offering a much higher amount of points
Strategic Approach: Consider starting with the AMEX Gold card for the immediate benefits, after you've collected a bunch of points you can then sign up to the BA Amex for long-term perks.

FAQs about Avios Points and Air Mile Credit Cards:

1. Do Avios credit cards offer Section 75 protection?

2. How do you get the introductory bonus on Avios credit cards?

3. Are air mile cards with an annual fee worth it?

4. Can you cancel the card before paying the annual fee?

5. Can you use an Avios credit card abroad?

6. Will Avios points expire?

7. Can you transfer Avios points to a friend or family member?

8. What extra charges do you pay for using Avios points?

9. Can you get an Avios credit card with a bad credit score?

AMEX/BA Strategy

Step 1: Sign Up for AMEX Gold Card

Apply for the AMEX Gold Card, achieving a massive 30,000-point boost with a £3,000 spend in three months.

Step 2: Enjoy the Perks

Make the most of Priority Plus membership and Deliveroo cashback during the first year, offsetting the £160 annual fee which is free in the first year.

Step 3: Cancel or Downgrade

Evaluate the ongoing benefits of AMEX Gold after the first year. If not justified, consider downgrading or cancelling.

Step 4: Six Months Later, Apply for BA Amex

Around six months post-cancellation/downgrade, apply for the BA Amex to ensure eligibility for the signup bonus.

Step 5: Unlock the Companion Ticket

Focus on reaching the £12,000 annual spend on BA Amex to unlock the companion ticket, doubling the value of your miles.

Final Thoughts

Your journey to mastering travel rewards begins with choosing the right Avios credit card for your needs. By understanding the all of the perks/benefits and costs, you can turn your credit cards into powerful tools for travel. Whether you're indulging in the immediate perks of AMEX Gold or reaping the long-term rewards with BA Amex, your adventures await. Start today, and let your credit cards work for you, earning travel miles that you can spend on your next adventure. Safe travels!

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