Best for earning and redeeming Avios
British Airways Avios is one of the most flexible airline currencies available, since you’ll be able to redeem them on a multitude of partnered airlines. For travelers who often fly British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia Airlines, LEVEL or want to earn a ton of Avios, there’s no better card to earn this valuable airline currency faster toward your next redemption.
At a glance
- 5X Earn 5 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 3 Avios.
- 3X Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel within your first 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 2 Avios.
- 1X Earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
At a glance
- 5X Earn 5 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 3 Avios.
- 3X Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel within your first 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 2 Avios.
- 1X Earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn 100,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL within your first 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 3 Avios.
- Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel within your first 18 months from account opening, thereafter earn 2 Avios. Plus earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
- Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
- Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
Our Take
TPG Editor's Rating
Overview
The British Airways Visa Signature Card is a powerful airline card that offers exclusive offers when flying the carrier, such as a 10% discount on British Airways flights originating in the U.S., up to $600 in statement credits for award flight taxes and fees every year, and the ability to earn a Travel Together ticket after you spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year. You’ll also earn lots of Avios for your future reward flights, whether you’re saving up for a flight to Hawaii or a long-haul business class seat.
Pros
- Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases, you’ll earn a Travel Together Ticket (companion pass)
- Save up to $600 annually in award taxes and fees on BA flights
- No foreign transaction fees
- Visa Signature card perks including trip and baggage protection
Cons
- Miles redemption limited to British Airways and Oneworld alliance partners
- Hefty taxes and fees on BA award flights
Who is this card good for?
This card is best for those who fly British Airways often or want to earn thousands of flexible Avios that can be used for a variety of award tickets — including American Airlines flights.
Earning Rewards
Cardholders will earn 5 Avios for every dollar on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia flight purchases within the first 18 months from account opening (and 3 Avios per dollar thereafter). Additionally, you’ll earn 3 Avios for every dollar spent on hotel accommodations within the first 18 months from account opening (and 2 Avios per dollar thereafter). Finally, you’ll earn 1 Avios per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Frequently asked questions
-
Is the British Airways Visa Signature Card worth it?
For just a $95 annual fee, cardholders get the opportunity to earn and redeem thousands of Avios and unlock up to $600 in annual statement credits toward taxes and fees on British Airways award flights. If you can maximize these reward opportunities, carrying this card will almost certainly be worth it for award travelers.
-
How do I earn points with the British Airways Visa Signature Card?
You’ll earn Avios that will post to your British Airways Executive Club account. New cardholders have the opportunity to earn an elevated rewards rate for the first 18 months, which will then retract back to the standard rate after this introductory period.