If you're based in the UK and looking to earn rewards for your everyday spending, British Airways credit cards can be a great way to collect Avios—the airline's loyalty currency. These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel benefits. But with more than one card on offer, how do you know which one is right for you?

We’ll break down the British Airways credit cards available in the UK, explain how they work, and help you decide which one may suit your travel goals best.

What British Airways Card Is the Best?

If you're based in the UK and looking to earn rewards for your everyday spending, British Airways credit cards can be a great way to collect Avios—the airline's loyalty currency. These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel benefits. But with more than one card on offer, how do you know which one is right for you?

We’ll break down the British Airways credit cards available in the UK, explain how they work, and help you decide which one may suit your travel goals best.

The Two Main Cards: A Simple Overview

British Airways partners with American Express in the UK to offer two personal credit cards:

1. British Airways American Express® Credit Card (often called the “free card”)
2. British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card

The free card comes with no annual fee, while the Premium Plus charges £300 per year. When it comes to earning Avios on everyday spending, the free card earns 1 Avios per £1, while the Premium Plus card earns 1.5 Avios per £1. If you’re making purchases directly with British Airways, the Premium Plus offers 3 Avios per £1 spent, compared to just 1 Avios per £1 on the free card.

In terms of rewards, both cards offer a Companion Voucher when you meet a spending threshold. With the free card, the voucher is awarded after spending £12,000 in a card year. With the Premium Plus, it requires only £10,000 in spend. The vouchers also differ in flexibility: the free card’s voucher is valid for 12 months and can only be used for Economy flights, while the Premium Plus voucher is valid for 24 months and can be used in any cabin—including Business and First Class.

Overall, the Premium Plus offers faster earning potential and more valuable rewards, while the free card is a good low-commitment option for those new to collecting Avios.

What Is a Companion Voucher?

Both cards come with a companion voucher, which allows you to book two reward seats for the Avios price of one (you still pay taxes and fees). It's one of the most powerful travel benefits in the UK card market—but only if you use it wisely.

The Premium Plus voucher stands out for two reasons:

• You can use it in any cabin, including Business and First Class
  
• It’s valid for 24 months, giving you more time to plan
  

In contrast, the free card’s voucher only works in Economy and is valid for 12 months. For travellers aiming for premium cabin experiences, this difference is key.

So—Which Card Is Best?

It depends on how you travel and how much you spend. Here’s how to think about it:

Choose the Free BA Amex Credit Card if:

• You’re new to points and just getting started
  
• You mainly fly short-haul or in Economy
  
• You don’t want to commit to a £300 annual fee
  

Choose the BA Amex Premium Plus Card if:

• You want to redeem for Business or First Class
  
• You spend at least £10,000 per year on the card
  
• You value flexibility with longer voucher validity
  
• You want to earn Avios at a faster rate
  

For frequent travellers or those planning long-haul trips, the Premium Plus card usually delivers significantly more value—especially when the companion voucher is used for premium cabins.

Final Thoughts

Both British Airways credit cards offer valuable benefits, especially when paired with a clear plan for how to use Avios. If you're just starting out, the free BA Amex is a low-risk way to dip your toes into the world of points. But for those with bigger travel ambitions—like flying Business Class to New York or Singapore—the Premium Plus card opens the door to much greater value.

Earning points is only half the equation. Using them well is where the real rewards lie. If you're unsure how to use your points more effectively, you can read more on our blog: Here, or contact our experts directly in the Chatflights App.