1.British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
British Airways
- 3%Avios on British Airways purchases
- 1.5%Avios on all other purchases
Collect 50,000 Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, 3x on British Airways purchases.
136.4% representative APR
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card earns the #1 spot due to its high Avios earning potential and the valuable Companion Voucher, making it ideal for frequent British Airways flyers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High Avios earning potential
- Valuable Companion Voucher
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending for bonuses
2.Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Barclaycard
- 1.5%Avios on all purchases
Collect 25,000 Avios when you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent.
80.1% APR variable
A key differentiator for the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard is its competitive earning rate of 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, making it a solid option for those looking to accumulate Avios on everyday purchases.
Pros:
- Competitive earning rate
- Good for everyday purchases
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending for bonuses
3.Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
Barclaycard
- 1.5%Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases with the paid card.
- 1%Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases with the free card.
Collect 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in the first three months.
Collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
29.9% Variable APR
The Barclaycard Avios Mastercard stands out as a great entry-level card for those looking to earn Avios on everyday spending without any annual fee. Its straightforward rewards structure makes it easy for users to accumulate points towards travel.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Straightforward rewards structure
Cons:
- Lower earning potential compared to premium cards
- Limited to eligible purchases
4.British Airways American Express Credit Card
American Express
- 2%Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways.
- 1%Avios for every £1 spent on all other purchases.
Collect 10,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent, and 2 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways.
29.4% Variable APR
The British Airways American Express Credit Card is a solid choice for those who want to earn Avios without an annual fee. It provides a straightforward way to accumulate points, especially for those who occasionally fly with British Airways.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good for occasional British Airways flyers
Cons:
- Lower rewards on non-British Airways purchases
- Limited bonus potential
5.American Express Nectar Credit Card
American Express
- 3%Points at Nectar partners.
- 2%Points on all other purchases.
Earn 20,000 bonus Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in your first three months.
Collect 2 points for every full £1 spent on the card, plus collect points when you shop elsewhere.
29.4% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the ability to earn 2 Nectar points for every £1 spent, with the potential to earn even more at Nectar partners, making it a great choice for regular shoppers at those stores.
Pros:
- High-value option for Nectar shoppers
- No annual fee in the first year
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Requires spending to earn bonuses
Final Words
As you consider the best airline credit cards available this February 2026, remember that the right choice hinges on your spending habits and travel goals. Take time to compare the options carefully, weighing the annual fees, rewards, and benefits to ensure you make an informed decision that maximizes your travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, you can collect 50,000 Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first three months. Additionally, you earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, and 3x on British Airways purchases, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard offers a welcome bonus of 25,000 Avios when you spend £3,000 in the first three months. It also has a competitive earning rate of 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent, making it a solid option for accumulating Avios on everyday purchases.
The Barclaycard Avios Mastercard provides a welcome bonus of 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in the first three months. This card is particularly appealing for those seeking a no-annual-fee option while still earning Avios.
Yes, many UK airline credit cards come with annual fees. For example, the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card has an annual fee of £300, while the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard has an annual fee of £240. It's essential to weigh these fees against the potential rewards based on your spending habits.
When choosing an airline credit card, consider the annual fee, welcome bonuses, reward rates, and your typical spending habits. It's also important to look at the airline's loyalty program to ensure it aligns with your travel preferences.
Yes, many airline credit cards allow you to earn rewards on everyday purchases. For instance, the Barclays Avios Plus Mastercard offers 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent, making it easy to accumulate rewards while shopping.
To apply for an airline credit card in the UK, you typically need to fill out an online application on the provider's website. Be prepared to provide personal information, such as your income, employment status, and financial history for eligibility assessment.
Reward rates for airline credit cards can vary significantly. For example, the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card rewards 3% on British Airways purchases and 1.5% on all other purchases, while the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard offers 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on all purchases.
