1.British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
American Express
- 3%Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways
- 1.5%Avios for every £1 spent on the card
To qualify, you must spend £6,000 in your first three months of cardmembership.
Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on the card, and 3 Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways.
135.7% variable
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card stands out as the top choice because of its lucrative welcome bonus of 30,000 Avios and the ability to earn a Companion Voucher, making it ideal for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Strong welcome bonus
- Annual Companion Voucher
Cons:
- High annual fee
- High APR
2.British Airways American Express Card
American Express
- 1%Avios for every £1 spent on the card
Collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership.
Earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent on the card.
29.1% variable
What sets the British Airways American Express Card apart is its fee-free structure, making it accessible for those who want to earn Avios without the burden of an annual fee, while still providing a solid welcome bonus.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Easy to earn Avios
Cons:
- Lower earning rate compared to Premium Plus
- Limited rewards
3.American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card
American Express
- 1%Membership Rewards points for every £1 spent
When you spend £5,000 in your first six months of cardmembership.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent.
85.8% variable
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card shines for its generous welcome bonus of 40,000 Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, providing exceptional value for travelers.
Pros:
- Robust welcome bonus
- Flexible rewards
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- High APR
Did you know?
Paying your statement in full avoids most APR charges. Rewards only beat interest costs when you never carry a balance.
Final Words
As you consider the best airline credit cards this June 2026, remember that your choice should align with your travel habits and financial goals. Take time to compare the options available, focusing on welcome bonuses, earning potential, and annual fees to make an informed decision that maximizes your rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
To qualify, you must spend £6,000 in your first three months of cardmembership. The welcome bonus is 30,000 Avios.
You earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on the card, and 3 Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways.
You can collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership. Additionally, you earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent on the card.
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card has an annual fee of £195. It's a great option for those looking to earn Membership Rewards points.
When choosing an airline credit card, consider factors like the welcome bonus, annual fees, reward rates, and how quickly you can earn points. Also, look at any additional travel benefits that may be included.
Many airline credit cards have annual fees, which can range from £0 to several hundred pounds. It's essential to assess your spending habits to determine if the rewards justify the fee.
You can apply for an airline credit card online through the provider's website. You'll typically need to provide personal information, income details, and consent for a credit check.
