Introduction: Why BA Amex Card Benefits Matter
If you want to travel smarter while earning rewards, understanding BA Amex Card benefits is essential. In 2025, this card remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards in the UK, offering Avios points, Companion Vouchers, Tier Points, and premium travel perks.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, the BA Amex Card benefits can transform your everyday spending into free flights, cabin upgrades, and exclusive travel experiences. This guide covers everything—from eligibility and key features to expert strategies for maximizing rewards.
What Is the BA Amex Card?
The British Airways American Express (BA Amex) Card is a co-branded travel credit card that helps you earn Avios—British Airways’ loyalty currency. It comes in two versions, each with unique BA Amex Card benefits:
- BA Amex Credit Card (Free Version)
- Annual Fee: £0
- Best For: Casual travelers who want to earn Avios without fees
- BA Amex Premium Plus Card (£250 Annual Fee)
- Best For: Frequent flyers who want higher rewards, Tier Points, and premium perks
Both cards allow you to earn Avios on every purchase, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotels, and more.
Top BA Amex Card Benefits in 2025
1. Earn Avios on Every Purchase
One of the most valuable BA Amex Card benefits is earning Avios effortlessly on all spending:
Spending Category | Free Card | Premium Plus Card |
---|---|---|
General Spending | 1 Avios/£1 | 1.5 Avios/£1 |
BA.com Bookings | 1 Avios/£1 | 3 Avios/£1 |
🔹 Example: Spend £10,000 on the Premium Plus Card → 15,000 Avios (enough for a free European flight!).
2. Companion Voucher (Free Flight for a Friend!)
Among the most sought-after BA Amex Card benefits, the Companion Voucher lets you book two flights for the price of one (just pay taxes & fees).
Card Type | Spending Threshold | Voucher Class |
---|---|---|
Free Card | £12,000/year | Economy Only |
Premium Plus | £10,000/year | Any Class (Including Business & First!) |
💡 Pro Tip: Use the voucher for long-haul flights to maximize savings!
3. Earn Tier Points Without Flying (NEW in 2025!)
For the first time, BA Amex Premium Plus cardholders can earn Tier Points just by spending, helping you reach elite status faster:
Spending Milestone | Tier Points Earned |
---|---|
Enroll in Offer | 500 |
Spend £15,000 | +750 |
Spend £20,000 | +750 |
Spend £25,000 | +1,000 |
Total Possible | 3,000 Tier Points/year |
🔹 Why It Matters:
- Bronze Status = 3,500 Tier Points
- Silver Status = 7,500 Tier Points
- Gold Status = 20,000 Tier Points
Now you can earn status without stepping on a plane!
How BA Amex Card Benefits Help Frequent Travelers
If you fly often, the BA Amex Card benefits make travel cheaper and more luxurious:
✅ Priority Boarding & Check-In
✅ Free Seat Selection
✅ Extra Baggage Allowance
✅ Airport Lounge Access (with Gold Status)
✅ Flight Upgrades Using Avios
Example: A Business Class upgrade on a long-haul flight could save you £1,000+!
Turn Everyday Spending into Free Flights
You don’t need to be a big spender to benefit—just use your BA Amex Card for daily purchases:
✔ Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, etc.)
✔ Petrol Stations
✔ Utility Bills
✔ Online Shopping (Amazon, ASOS, etc.)
✔ Dining & Entertainment
Tip: Set up recurring bills on your card to automate Avios earnings.
Added Security & Travel Protection
Beyond rewards, the BA Amex Card benefits include:
✅ Purchase Protection (90 days coverage)
✅ Fraud Protection
✅ Travel Insurance (on Premium Plus)
✅ Emergency Card Replacement
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the BA Amex Card benefits, you must:
✔ Be 18+ years old
✔ Be a UK resident
✔ Have a good credit score
✔ Meet minimum income requirements (~£20,000+ recommended)
✔ Not hold another personal Amex Card (to get the welcome bonus)
Expert Tips to Maximize BA Amex Card Benefits
1️⃣ Pay Your Balance in Full (Avoid interest to keep rewards valuable)
2️⃣ Track Spending (Hit Companion Voucher thresholds faster)
3️⃣ Refer Friends (Earn up to 9,000 Avios per referral)
4️⃣ Book During Avios Sales (Stretch your points further)
5️⃣ Use Family Pooling (Combine Avios with household members)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I hold both the Free and Premium Plus BA Amex Cards?
→ No, but you can upgrade/downgrade as needed.
Q: Do Avios points expire?
→ No, if you have activity in your account every 36 months.
Q: Is there a foreign transaction fee?
→ Yes (~2.99%), so use another card abroad.
Final Verdict: Are BA Amex Card Benefits Worth It?
✅ YES! The BA Amex Card benefits make it a must-have for:
✈️ Frequent British Airways flyers
💰 Anyone who wants free flights from everyday spending
🎁 Travelers who value lounge access & elite perks
With Avios, Companion Vouchers, and Tier Points from spending, this card unlocks incredible value—without changing your lifestyle.
🔗 Useful Links
🌐 Apply for BA Amex Card (Official Site)
🌐 British Airways Executive Club (Tier Points Guide)
🌐 Avios Redemption Tips (Maximize Your Points)