Overview: What Is the Amex BA Card?
The British Airways American Express Card (BA Amex) is a co-branded rewards credit card issued by American Express in collaboration with British Airways.
It comes in two versions:
1. BA Amex Credit Card (No Annual Fee)
- Annual Fee: £0
- Avios Earning: 1 Avios per £1 spent
- Companion Voucher: Spend £12,000 in a year to earn it
2. BA Amex Premium Plus Card
- Annual Fee: £250
- Avios Earning: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent
- BA.com Spend: 3 Avios per £1 spent on British Airways bookings
- Companion Voucher: Earned after £10,000 spend (valid in any class)
- Tier Points: Earn up to 3,000 Tier Points per year via spending
Exclusive 2025 Offers (Welcome Bonus)
As of 2025, new cardholders can enjoy generous sign-up offers:
For BA Amex Credit Card (Free):
- Welcome Bonus: ~5,000 Avios (on £1,000 spend in 3 months)
- No annual fee
For BA Amex Premium Plus Card:
- Welcome Bonus: ~25,000 Avios (on £3,000 spend in 3 months)
- Tier Points Bonus: Enroll and earn 500 bonus Tier Points immediately
- Spend-based Tier Points: Up to 3,000 per year!
These offers may change, so always check the official Amex UK site for updates.
How to Apply for the Amex BA Card (Step-by-Step)
Applying is simple and can be completed in 10 minutes.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18+ and UK resident
- Good credit history
- Minimum income (recommended): £20,000+ for Premium Plus
- Not currently holding a personal Amex card (for welcome bonus eligibility)
Amex BA Card Application Steps
- Go to the official Amex UK site:
👉 Apply Here - Choose your card (Free or Premium Plus)
- Click “Apply now”
- Fill in:
- Name, address, employment
- Annual income
- Identity verification
- Submit and wait for instant decision
🕐 Most people receive an answer instantly. If not, you’ll hear within a few working days.
Major Benefits of the Amex BA Card
| Feature | BA Amex (Free) | BA Amex Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £0 | £250 |
| Avios per £1 | 1 Avios | 1.5 Avios |
| BA.com Bookings | 1 Avios | 3 Avios |
| Companion Voucher | £12,000 spend | £10,000 spend |
| Voucher Class | Economy only | Any class |
| Tier Points | ❌ | ✅ Up to 3,000/year |
| Welcome Bonus | ~5,000 Avios | ~25,000 Avios |
| Purchase Protection | ✅ | ✅ |
How Does the Companion Voucher Work?
This is one of the most powerful travel perks in the UK credit card market.
Here’s how it works:
- Spend the required amount in 1 year
- £12,000 for the Free card
- £10,000 for Premium Plus
- You receive a Companion Voucher, valid for up to 2 years
- Book any British Airways flight using Avios
- Add a second ticket for free (just pay taxes and fees)
💡 Premium Plus cardholders can use the voucher in any class — including Business and First!
New 2025 Amex BA Card Feature: Earn Tier Points Without Flying
British Airways now allows BA Amex Premium Plus users to earn Tier Points through spending:
| Spend | Tier Points |
|---|---|
| Enroll in offer | 500 |
| £15,000 spend | +750 |
| £20,000 spend | +750 |
| £25,000 spend | +1,000 |
| Total | 3,000 Tier Points |
These Tier Points help you unlock elite Executive Club status:
- Bronze = 3,500 points
- Silver = 7,500 points
- Gold = 20,000 points
You could almost reach Bronze status without stepping onto a plane — a game-changer for smart card users!
Where Can You Earn Avios with Amex BA Card ?
You earn Avios every time you spend, but here are the top categories:
- 🧾 Utility bills
- 🛒 Grocery stores
- 🚘 Petrol stations
- 🛍️ Online shopping (Amazon, ASOS, etc.)
- ✈️ Flights and holidays (get 3 Avios/£1 with BA bookings)
💡 Use your Amex BA Card for everything — and the points add up fast!
Real Example: How It Pays Off
Suppose you spend:
- £1,500/month × 12 months = £18,000/year
- Use Premium Plus Card (1.5 Avios/£1) = 27,000 Avios
- Get a Companion Voucher
- Earn Tier Points (750–2,500)
- Redeem for a Business class flight to Europe for 2 people — saving hundreds!
Security & Protection Benefits
Both versions of the BA Amex card include:
- Fraud protection
- Global assistance
- Refund protection (up to 90 days)
- Purchase protection (up to £2,500/item)
Tips to Maximize BA Amex Value
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Always pay in full | Avoid interest, protect your earnings |
| Set recurring bills | Automate points |
| Refer friends | Earn up to 9,000 Avios/referral |
| Use voucher for long-haul | Bigger savings |
| Monitor BA Sales | Stretch your Avios |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I already have an Amex card?
You can apply, but you won’t get the welcome bonus if you currently hold or recently held another personal Amex in the last 24 months.
Can I hold both Amex BA Card and another Amex card?
Yes, but some eligibility rules may apply.
Does my Companion Voucher expire?
Yes, typically after 24 months, depending on when earned.
Final Thoughts: Is the BA Amex Worth It in 2025?
If you love to travel or even aspire to fly in Business Class using points, the Amex BA Card is a no-brainer. Whether you go with the Free version or the Premium Plus, the benefits — from Avios to Tier Points to the Companion Voucher — make this one of the most generous travel cards in the UK.
Even better, the 2025 update allowing Tier Point earnings without flying opens up elite status to smart spenders like never before.
