British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card: Your Fast Track to Travel Rewards

For frequent travelers and Avios enthusiasts, the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a compelling option. This premium credit card is designed to accelerate your Avios earnings and unlock valuable travel benefits, making your journeys with British Airways more rewarding. But what exactly does it offer, and how can you get your hands on one? Let’s dive into the details.

Key Benefits of the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card

The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card stands out for its robust earning potential and a suite of exclusive travel perks. Here’s a closer look at its most significant advantages:

1. Generous Avios Earning Rate

The primary draw of this card is its ability to rack up Avios quickly. You’ll typically earn:

  • 1.5 Avios for virtually every £1 spent on everyday purchases.
  • 3 Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways or on holidays purchased through British Airways Holidays.

This accelerated earning rate means that whether you’re buying groceries or booking your next adventure, your spending is actively contributing to your Avios balance, bringing those dream flights closer.

2. Companion Voucher

Perhaps the most coveted benefit of the Premium Plus Card is the Companion Voucher. This voucher is awarded when you spend a qualifying amount on your card within your membership year (currently £10,000). The Companion Voucher allows you to book two reward flights for the Avios price of one, with the second passenger only paying taxes, fees, and carrier charges. This can lead to substantial savings, especially on long-haul or business/first-class redemptions.

  • Flexibility: The Companion Voucher is incredibly versatile. You can use it for any class of travel, from Economy to First Class, and on any British Airways-operated flight.
  • Longer Validity: Unlike some other travel vouchers, the Companion Voucher from the Premium Plus Card typically has a validity of two years, giving you ample time to plan your trip.

3. Travel Privileges and Protection

Beyond Avios, the card offers a range of travel-focused benefits:

  • Worldwide Travel Insurance: Enjoy complimentary worldwide travel insurance, providing peace of mind for you and your family on your travels. This often includes cover for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and more (terms and conditions apply).
  • Refund Protection: Purchases made on your card are often protected, allowing you to return eligible items if the retailer refuses a refund, up to a certain limit.
  • Purchase Protection: Many items purchased with your card are protected against accidental damage or theft for a period after purchase.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: When you use your card abroad, you won’t incur additional foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective option for international spending.

4. American Express Experiences and Customer Service

As an American Express cardholder, you gain access to:

  • Amex Experiences: Exclusive access to presale tickets and special events in music, sports, theater, and more.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: American Express is renowned for its high standard of customer service, offering 24/7 support and assistance.

Important Information to Consider

While the benefits are significant, it’s crucial to be aware of certain aspects of the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card:

Annual Fee

The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card comes with an annual fee, which is typically in the range of £250–£300. This fee is a significant consideration, and you should evaluate whether the value of the Avios, Companion Voucher, and other benefits outweighs this cost for your spending habits and travel patterns.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the card, you’ll generally need to meet certain criteria:

  • Age: Be over 18 years old.
  • Residency: Be a permanent UK resident.
  • Income: Have a good credit history and meet American Express’s income requirements (these are not always publicly disclosed but are in line with premium credit cards).
  • No Current Amex Card (for welcome bonus): To be eligible for any welcome bonus offers, you typically cannot have held another personal American Express card in the past 24 months.

Credit Score Impact

As with any credit application, applying for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card will involve a credit check, which can temporarily impact your credit score. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying to minimize the risk of a declined application.

Maximizing Your Rewards

To get the most out of your card, consider:

  • Putting all your spending on the card: Consolidate your everyday spending on the card to maximize Avios earnings.
  • Targeting the Companion Voucher: If the Companion Voucher is a key motivator, make sure your spending reaches the required threshold within your membership year.
  • Strategic Avios Redemptions: Research the best ways to redeem your Avios for maximum value, particularly for business or first-class flights where the per-Avios value is often higher.

How to Apply for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card

Applying for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a straightforward online process. Here’s a general guide:

  1. Visit the Official American Express UK Website: The most reliable place to apply is directly through the American Express UK website. Navigate to the “Travel Cards” section or search for the “British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card.”
  2. Review the Offer Details: Before applying, carefully read all the terms and conditions, including the current annual fee, welcome bonus (if any), and full list of benefits and charges.
  3. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
  4. Complete the Online Application Form: The application form will typically ask for:
    • Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, address history (last 3-5 years), contact details.
    • Financial Information: Employment status, annual income, details of other credit accounts or loans.
    • Bank Details: For setting up direct debits for repayments.
  5. Submit Your Application: Once you’ve filled in all the required information, review it carefully for accuracy and then submit the application.
  6. Application Decision: American Express often provides an instant decision, but sometimes it may take a few days for them to process your application and conduct credit checks. If approved, your card will be mailed to you within a few business days.

The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a powerful tool for serious Avios collectors and frequent British Airways flyers. With its high earning rates, valuable Companion Voucher, and comprehensive travel benefits, it can significantly enhance your travel experiences. However, it’s essential to weigh the annual fee against the benefits to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and travel habits.

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