British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card: Travel Rewards and Benefits
The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is more than just a credit card; it’s a gateway to a world of travel rewards and exclusive benefits.
With the ability to earn Avios points on everyday purchases, access to Companion Vouchers, and a range of travel insurance covers, this card is particularly relevant for those who travel frequently, either for business or leisure.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your travel experience or simply make the most of your spending, the Premium Plus Card offers a robust rewards system and travel perks that are hard to match. In today’s competitive credit card market, the Premium Plus Card stands out for its comprehensive benefits package, making it a highly sought-after option among UK residents.
History of American Express
American Express, commonly known as Amex, was founded in 1850 as an express mail service, primarily serving the northeastern United States. Over the decades, the company diversified its offerings, venturing into financial services and becoming a household name for its credit card, traveller’s cheques, and charge card products.
In the 1950s, American Express revolutionised payment methods by introducing its first charge card, which offered a new level of convenience and security to consumers. This innovation marked the beginning of Amex’s journey to becoming a global financial powerhouse.
Today, American Express is a leader in the credit card industry, serving millions of cardholders across the world and maintaining a reputation for premium customer service and exclusive benefits.
The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is one of its flagship products, offering tailored benefits for frequent British Airways passengers, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience.
Benefits of the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card
Reward Points and Exclusive Offers
The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card offers an exceptional rewards programme centred around Avios points.
Cardholders earn 3 Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways or on BA Holidays, and 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on other purchases. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
Additionally, new cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus Avios when they spend £6,000 within the first three months of card membership. This welcome bonus alone can be enough for a Club Europe (business class) return flight from London to several European destinations.
Companion Voucher
One of the standout features of this card is the Companion Voucher. Cardholders who spend £10,000 in a membership year receive a voucher that allows them to take a companion on the same flight and cabin, effectively doubling the value of their Avios points.
Alternatively, if travelling alone, the voucher can be used for a 50% discount on the Avios cost of a flight. This benefit can significantly reduce the cost of travel, especially for those who regularly fly with British Airways.
Purchase Protection and Travel Insurance
The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card also comes with robust travel insurance that covers flight cancellations, delays, and luggage inconveniences when purchases are made with the card. Additionally, it offers purchase protection, which covers eligible items bought with the card, and a refund protection service that can help recover the cost of eligible purchases if they are faulty or not delivered as promised.
Loan Options and Instalment Plan
Flexible Payment Options
The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card offers flexibility in managing payments through its Plan It™ instalment programme.
This feature allows cardholders to spread the cost of purchases over £100 into monthly instalments with a fixed fee, rather than paying interest.
This can be particularly useful for managing large purchases, making them more affordable over time.
Special Offers
Beyond standard credit offerings, American Express provides promotional financing options for cardholders.
These offers often include lower interest rates or even interest-free periods on certain types of transactions, such as travel bookings made through British Airways or BA Holidays.
This flexibility makes it easier for cardholders to manage their finances while enjoying the benefits of travel.
Eligibility for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card
Application Criteria
To be eligible for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card, applicants must meet several criteria.
They need to be at least 18 years old, have a UK bank or building society account, and a permanent UK home address. Moreover, applicants should have no history of bad debt.
It’s important to note that cardholders are not eligible for the Welcome Bonus if they currently hold or have held any personal British Airways American Express Card product in the past 24 months.
Interest Rates and Fees
The card has an annual fee of £300, and a representative APR of 139.9% variable. The purchase rate stands at 31.0% variable. While the card comes with significant perks, the high interest rate and annual fee mean that it’s most suited to those who can pay off their balance in full each month or plan to use the Companion Voucher frequently.
How to Apply
Online Application Process
Applying for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a straightforward process that can be completed online in just a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Visit the official American Express website and navigate to the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card page.
- Click on the “Apply Now” button to begin the application process.
- Complete the application form by providing your personal details, including your name, address, income, and employment information.
- Review the terms and conditions carefully before submitting your application.
- Once submitted, you may receive a decision in as little as 60 seconds. If approved, your card will be sent to you by post.
Opinion and Additional Tips
Pros and Cons
The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card offers substantial benefits, particularly for frequent travellers. The ability to earn Avios quickly, coupled with the valuable Companion Voucher, makes this card highly attractive. However, the high annual fee and interest rate may be a drawback for some users, particularly those who do not travel frequently or carry a balance month to month.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
While the card offers many travel benefits, it’s worth considering the environmental impact of frequent flying. Some cardholders may choose to offset their carbon footprint by contributing to carbon offset programmes. Additionally, the digital services offered by American Express, such as online statements and mobile banking, help reduce paper use, contributing to a more sustainable approach to financial management.
Customer Service
Contact Options
American Express offers a range of customer service channels to assist cardholders:
- Phone: Contact the customer service team by calling the number provided on the back of your card: 0800 917 8020.
- Website: Visit the official American Express website for more information and support.
- Chat: Use the online chat feature available on the American Express website for immediate assistance.
- Mobile App: Manage your account and get support through the American Express mobile app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a robust option for those who frequently travel with British Airways.
The Avios rewards programme, coupled with the Companion Voucher and other travel-related benefits, can offer substantial value to cardholders.
However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against the card’s high annual fee and interest rates. For frequent flyers, this card can enhance your travel experience significantly, while offering the flexibility and peace of mind that comes with American Express’s global customer service.
Found this information useful? Check out other credit card choices for UK residents here.
