If you collect Avios, or even just fly with British Airways now and then, this is one of the cards many people consider.
The BA Amex Premium Plus is a UK travel-rewards credit card that aims to turn everyday spending into Avios and, if you reach a yearly spend target, a Companion Voucher.
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Below, we’ll share articles related to this topic. So, read on:Below is a straightforward look at what it does, who it may suit, and the costs to keep in mind. It’s information only, not financial advice.
Before you apply, check the latest details on the American Express UK and British Airways Executive Club sites, as fees, earn rates and promotions do change.
What it’s meant for
In simple terms, the card helps you earn Avios on most day-to-day purchases. Hit the annual spend threshold in your card year and you may receive a British Airways American Express Companion Voucher.
You can use it on BA reward flights, bearing in mind that taxes, fees and carrier charges still apply and you’ll need reward seat availability.
Used on the right route and date, that voucher can make your Avios go further.
It’s worth noting this is a rewards card rather than a low-cost way to borrow. If you tend to carry a balance, interest can quickly reduce, or even outweigh, the value of the perks.
That’s why many cardholders set up a Direct Debit and aim to clear the statement each month so the benefits remain meaningful.
Who might benefit most
- Frequent or aspirational BA travellers who collect Avios and want access to the Companion Voucher for long-haul trips or premium cabins, subject to reward seat availability.
- Households with predictable spend that can plan towards the annual voucher threshold without overspending simply to “chase” it.
- People comfortable with Amex acceptance (widely accepted across the UK, though not everywhere) and using digital wallets for day-to-day payments.
- Existing Executive Club members who understand Reward Flight Saver, peak/off-peak pricing and the taxes/fees component on redemptions.
If you rarely fly BA, prefer cash-back, or value no-fee cards above all else, a different card could fit better.
Key features at a glance
Avios earning: everyday card purchases earn Avios at the rate published by American Express for this product. Some BA-related spend may earn at an enhanced rate. Earn rates can change, so check the current Summary Box.
Companion Voucher: awarded when you reach the annual spend threshold in your card year. It can be used on British Airways-operated reward flights, typically either to bring a companion on the same flight for additional taxes/fees, or to reduce Avios for a solo traveller, depending on prevailing rules.
Acceptance with Amex: Amex goes a long way in the UK and abroad, but it isn’t everywhere. Smaller cafés and independent shops sometimes prefer Visa or Mastercard, so it’s sensible to keep a backup card in your wallet.
Digital tools you’ll actually use: The app lets you check your balance, see transactions as they land, switch the card on or off if it’s misplaced, and manage Direct Debits. Features evolve, but day-to-day control from your phone is very much the idea.
Security and protections: Online purchases typically require Strong Customer Authentication (app approval or a code), and transactions are monitored for unusual activity. On top of that, UK credit card law (Section 75) may cover eligible purchases between £100 and £30,000 when the card is used directly, subject to the usual conditions.
Perks, limits and small print change from time to time. It’s worth reading the latest card Terms & Conditions and the separate Companion Voucher rules on the BA site before you decide.
How the Companion Voucher works — in plain terms
You earn one voucher per card year once your eligible spend hits the threshold set for this product. When it’s issued, it shows up in your British Airways Executive Club account and can be applied to BA reward flights. You’ll still pay taxes, fees and carrier charges, and you’ll need reward seats to be available on your chosen route.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Validity: the voucher has an expiry window. The exact “book by” and “travel by” rules sit in your Executive Club account, so check the dates before you plan.
- Cabins: with the Premium Plus version, vouchers generally work in any BA cabin that has reward space — from economy up to First — subject to the current rules.
- Using it solo or with a companion: you can usually redeem for two people on the same itinerary, or, under the newer rules, reduce the Avios needed for a solo trip. The options are shown at the point of booking.
- Eligible flights: vouchers are typically for BA-operated services. Partner and codeshare flights often aren’t included.
Because reward seats and fees vary by route and date, many travellers plan well ahead — especially for peak season or premium cabins.
Costs, fees and interest: what to check
Reward cards can be excellent value when used carefully, but they do come with costs you should review in the Summary Box:
- Annual fee: the Premium Plus is a fee-paying card. Weigh the fee against your likely Avios earnings and the value you can extract from a voucher.
- APR and interest: purchases not cleared in full incur interest. Your personal APR may differ from the representative example.
- Foreign usage: a non-sterling transaction fee may apply to purchases made in other currencies.
- Cash advances: fees and immediate interest typically apply; this is rarely good value on a rewards card.
- Late or missed payments: fees may apply and offers can be withdrawn. Setting a Direct Debit for at least the minimum is a simple safeguard.
If you aim to carry a balance, a lower-rate card may be a better fit than a premium rewards product.
Eligibility and application
Approval is never guaranteed. American Express assesses applications against its criteria, which commonly consider age (18+), UK residency, credit history, income and existing commitments. Many applicants start with an eligibility checker (soft search) to avoid unnecessary hard credit checks.
- Read the documents: Summary Box, Terms & Conditions, and pre-contract credit information.
- Check eligibility: use any soft-search tool provided.
- Apply online: complete personal details, address history (usually three years), employment and income information.
- Verification: identity and affordability checks may be required.
- Decision: some outcomes are instant; others need manual review.
- Set up the account: activate the card, enable alerts, and set a Direct Debit.
Once active, you can link your Executive Club account so Avios post correctly.
Using the card well: practical tips
- Have a plan for the voucher: decide which trips you’re aiming for and when reward seats tend to appear. Flexibility helps.
- Avoid interest: pay in full where possible so Avios remain a true benefit rather than being offset by interest.
- Track spend towards the threshold: set app alerts so you don’t fall just short of the voucher at year-end.
- Watch utilisation: keeping balances well below your limit can be kinder to your credit profile.
- Combine with Executive Club know-how: learn peak vs off-peak pricing and consider Reward Flight Saver routes for predictable fees.
- Keep a back-up card: acceptance is broad but not universal; carrying a debit card or secondary credit card is practical.
Value scenarios (illustrative only)
Because redemption value depends on routes, dates and availability, think in scenarios rather than fixed “pence per Avios” rules:
- Long-haul in premium cabins: often the most dramatic Avios savings with a Companion Voucher, as cash fares can be high. Seat availability is the limiting factor.
- Off-peak shoulder seasons: better shot at finding reward seats, sometimes with fewer Avios required than peak dates.
- Short-haul Reward Flight Saver: predictable fees and simpler redemptions for regular European trips; the voucher may be overkill unless you’re travelling as two in peak season.
- Solo traveller voucher use: recent rules have allowed solo discounts in Avios instead of a second seat; useful if you often travel alone.
Security, app features and everyday convenience
Security, app features and everyday convenience In the Amex app you can usually switch on instant spend alerts, see clearer merchant details, and even toggle a temporary block if the card goes missing behind the sofa. When you find it, just unfreeze it in a tap. Most online checkouts now use Strong Customer Authentication, so you’ll be asked to approve a prompt in the app or enter a one-time code. It’s an extra step, but it helps keep fraud at bay. Misplaced your card for real? Freeze it in the app straight away and get in touch with support to sort a replacement. Keep your PIN and one-time passcodes to yourself—never share them by phone, text or email. If something feels off, it probably is. Paying abroad and the terminal offers to bill you in pounds? That’s dynamic currency conversion. It’s often pricier, so choosing the local currency usually gives a fairer rate.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Over-spending to hit the voucher: only put through transactions you would have made anyway.
- Leaving redemptions too late: premium cabin reward seats can be snapped up quickly; book early where possible.
- Forgetting taxes/fees: Avios do not cover these; budget for them.
- Missing a payment: this risks fees and losing any promotional rate.
- Assuming universal acceptance: a small number of merchants still don’t take Amex; keep alternatives handy.
