Skip to content

British Airways reduces Silver status requirements again — but there’s a catch

Aug. 12, 2022
3 min read
GettyImages-1256764134-scaled
British Airways reduces Silver status requirements again — but there’s a catch
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

If you're looking to renew Silver status with British Airways, here's some good news: For the second time this year, the airline has reduced the tier points required to hit the threshold.

Thanks to the latest reduction, the amount of tier points required for Silver status was slashed by 50% (against the normal 600 tier point requirement) for the remainder of the current tier point collection year. The catch? The offer only currently applies to those who already hold Silver status and who are attempting to renew for another year. If you're working up to Silver from Bronze or Blue, you will not be able to make use of the offer.

Related: What does British Airways elite status get you, and how do you earn it?

If you already hold Silver status, this news makes retaining the status for another year much easier. It will allow you to renew your status for just 300 tier points and fly at least four British Airways-operated flights during the tier point collection year.

Alternatively, it's possible to meet the criteria for Silver status renewal by flying 25 eligible flights. Both routes will see your Silver status automatically renewed for another year.

Silver is the second highest tier British Airways offers, and it's usually achieved by earning 600 tier points or flying 50 eligible flights.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Related: Avios vs. Tier Points: British Airways Executive Club status explained

This is the second time British Airways has reduced the thresholds required to hit status in 2022. The difference this time, however, is that the reduction only applies to Silver status, not to all levels as the previous reduction did.

It is also worth noting that although the British flag carrier is promoting this as a 50% reduction, this is only true when measured against the original threshold (before the previous 25% reduction in January 2022). This first reduction brought the requirements for Silver status to 450 tier points; the offer is still open to all members and due to end in December 2022. The new 300-tier point threshold is an additional reduction on an already great offer.

How do I get the reduced thresholds to renew Silver status?

If you are already a Silver status holder, you don't need to opt in to get the offer. British Airways has already done the work for you. Simply collect the required amount of tier points (300) or fly 24 eligible flights, and your status will be renewed. If you do not currently hold Silver status, you can still get there by earning 450 tier points — a 25% reduction from the usual 600 tier point — or taking 37 flights.

According to British Airways, even if you are eligible for this reduced 300-tier point offer, the 'threshold meter' on your Executive Club account will still say you need to hit 450 tier points, rather than the reduced amount. This is because the interface is the same for all members but not all members can benefit from this offer. Despite the number displayed, your earnings will still be registered and your renewal will go through once you hit the 300 tier points.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app