Huge New Offer on the British Airways American Express Card

The British Airways American Express Card has a brand-new welcome offer that’s hard to say no to!

Normally, the welcome bonus for this card is 5,000 Avios, but until 11th November, you can earn 15,000 Avios, triple the usual amount.
This offer is exclusive to those who apply via a referral link, which you can get here.
If you apply directly without using the referral, you’ll only receive the standard 5,000 Avios.

What About the Premium Plus Version?

The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card is also offering a solid welcome bonus, 36,000 Avios when you apply via referral.

However, unless you really want the Premium Plus benefits right now, like the two-year Companion Voucher and the ability to redeem for Business or First Class, I’d recommend waiting for a higher welcome bonus.
Last year, we saw a massive 75,000 Avios offer, so timing your application could be worth thousands of extra points.

A Few Important Things to Know

If you apply for the free BA Amex Card, you won’t be eligible for a future welcome bonus on the Premium Plus version, that’s per Amex’s terms and conditions. But you will still be eligible for the Platinum Card.

That said, if the free card and its spending requirement make sense for your budget, this is still a great time to apply.
With 15,000 Avios, you could get:
- A return flight to most of Europe using Avios + Money
- Or a one-way economy flight almost anywhere within BA’s short-haul network

All you need to do is spend £2,000 in the first three months.

Why This Is a Smart Starter Card

This is a no-fee card that still earns 1 Avios per £1 spent, and when you reach £15,000 in annual spending, you’ll unlock the Companion Voucher.

That voucher gives you two fantastic options:

• 50% off the Avios required for solo travellers, or

• A second seat for free (just pay the taxes and fees) when you bring a partner, friend, or family member

For a free card, that’s incredible value, especially with this limited-time elevated bonus.

The British Airways American Express Credit Card (Free)

If you’re just starting out with Avios, this is the perfect way to begin.

Annual Fee: £0
Avios Earn Rate: 1 Avios per £1 spent
Welcome Bonus: Around 5,000 Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months (varies depending on offers)

You’ll also unlock a Companion Voucher when you spend £15,000 in your card year, this allows you to bring a second traveller on the same Avios booking for no extra Avios.

However, there’s one big limitation:
The voucher can only be used for Economy flights.

That’s why, for most people, this version works best as a stepping stone before upgrading.

The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card

This is the card that most frequent travellers go for, and it’s easy to see why.

Annual Fee: £300
Avios Earn Rate: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent (and 3 Avios per £1 spent with British Airways or British Airways Holidays)
Welcome Bonus: Around 25,000–36,000 Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first three months (higher if you apply via referral)

Here’s what makes it special:

• Earn your Companion Voucher after spending just £15,000 - it was £10,000 just a few months ago, but Amex then made this silly change!

• Use the voucher in any cabin, including Business and First Class

• Voucher valid for two years, giving you time to plan your dream redemption

If you travel as a couple or family, this voucher can save you hundreds of thousands of Avios on premium cabin flights.

What’s the Companion Voucher?

The Companion Voucher is essentially a “buy one, get one free” on the Avios portion of your booking.

For example, if a Club World (Business Class) redemption costs 160,000 Avios for one person, you can book two seats for the same amount of Avios, paying only the taxes and fees for both.

You can also use the voucher for solo travel, getting 50% off the Avios price, making it one of the most flexible benefits in the UK travel rewards scene.

Other Key Benefits

- Extra Avios availability when using your Companion Voucher on premium cabins.
- You can pay taxes and fees with any Amex card, not necessarily your BA card.
- You’ll keep your voucher even if you later cancel the card.

Which Card Should You Choose?

If you fly occasionally and want to start earning Avios without paying a fee, the free BA Amex is a great entry point.
If you’re aiming for Business or First Class redemptions, the Premium Plus card is the clear winner.

That £300 annual fee might sound high, but one redemption with the Companion Voucher can easily save you £1,000+ in value.

Fly Smart Tips

💡 Always use a referral link when applying to get the higher welcome bonus.
💡 Pair your Amex spending with your BA Executive Club Household Account to pool Avios with family members.
💡 Look for off-peak dates to get the best value from your Avios.

Final Thoughts

The British Airways American Express cards are a key piece of any UK points and miles strategy.
Whether you’re collecting Avios for a short European trip or saving for a bucket-list Business Class redemption, these cards open the door to incredible travel opportunities.

Used strategically, the Companion Voucher can turn your everyday spending into premium travel experiences that most people only dream about.

Want to Learn Step-by-Step?

I always do my best to break down the pros and cons of every offer here on the blog.
But if you want a step-by-step system, with video lessons, lifetime access, and weekly support, join Fly Smart Accelerator, the #1 Points & Miles course in the UK.
You’ll learn exactly how to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.

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We are not financial advisers, and our content should not be taken as financial advice.
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