Travel Tuesday Top 10: Benefits of the British Airways Visa
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
The British Airways Visa is one of the most lucrative travel credit cards on the market what with periodically high sign-up bonuses, a host of valuable perks and benefits, and the ability to accrue Avios in British Airways Executive Club which, like every frequent flyer program- has some weaknesses, but also some incredible strengths. The current offer, scheduled to be pulled in early February, is 50,000 bonus Avios after you make $2,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening. These days, generating spend is as easy as ever with Bluebird and many other prepaid cards that can be used to pay expenses (like taxes) at much lower rates than we've ever been able to.
When I ranked and valued the top Chase credit card offers, this one came in as #2, with a potential value of $1,612- $2,612 depending on how much you leverage the card benefits. This post sums up the benefits directly related to the card, but if you want to learn more about maximizing Avios in general, make sure you read our Maximizing Avios series: Master FAQ Post on British Airways 100,000 Mile Offer, Spotlight on Taxes and Fees, Distance-Based Awards, Travel Together Companion Ticket, Household Accounts, Using Avios to Upgrade Paid Tickets, Save Money on Fuel Surcharges by Transferring British Airways Avios to Iberia, Using Avios For Non-Flight Redemptions.
1. The Bonus: It only comes around once or twice a year, and there's no guarantee it'll ever be back, so if you have considered getting the British Airways Visa, now is the time to do it since it currently it carries a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Avios. Cardholders earn 2.5 Avios per $1 on British Airways purchases, and 1.25 Avios per $1 on other purchases, so if you're going for that full bonus, you're earning at least 125,000 Avios, more than enough for a roundtrip business class ticket from the US to Europe.
2. "Travel Together" Companion Ticket Redemptions in Business or First Class: One of the main benefits of the Chase British Airways Visa is the "Travel Together" companion ticket. This is an example of a credit card calendar year spending threshold bonus. You earn one of these get when you spend $30,000 within a calendar year. Unlike many other companion tickets, though, the "Travel Together Ticket" works a little differently. Rather than having to buy a full-fare ticket and get the second one for free, you use this one in combination with an award redemption, so you're basically getting two half-price awards. The true value in this lies when you redeem for premium awards like business or first-class seats since British Airways taxes and fees are expensive, so if you were just to use this for coach tickets, you wouldn't be saving that much money. Just to keep in mind, the travel must be solely on British Airways (no Oneworld partners), the cardholder must be on all legs of the exact same itinerary as the companion, itineraries must be roundtrip and originate and end in the US, vouchers are good for 2 years after issue, and only one Travel Together ticket can be earned per card account per year. To see how you can pull value out of this, take the example of a Philadelphia-London round trip in first class next month.
A single first class award ticket costs 120,000 Avios and $1,151, but using the Travel Together ticket, you're still just paying 120,000 Avios and then $2,302 for both tickets.
Those same tickets are going for $11,529. Each. So your 120,000 Avios are worth a whopping 17.3 cents each - a truly great value if you don't mind shelling out for BA's exorbitant taxes and fees. But this example makes it clear why it would be worth it to do so.
3. 1.25 Avios per dollar spent. Most airline mileage earning credit cards only give 1 mile per dollar spent, but the base rate on the British Airways Visa is 1.25, which essentially is a built-in 25% bonus. The earning on British Airways purchases is 2.5 Avios per dollar spent.
4. 10% Cardholder Discount: Among many potentially valuable lesser-known perks cardholders of the British Airways Visa get 10% off any British Airways flight when you book tickets with your card using the promo code CARDOFFERU from now through December 31, 2013. And that 10% doesn't just come off the base fare, but off all the taxes and fees as well – which can represent huge savings, especially considering these taxes and fuel surcharges even on economy tickets can range up to over $600 – and that it covers up to 8 friends and family members traveling on the same flight Plus you still earn 2.5 Avios per dollar spent on BA tickets when you use the card. Just note that the 10% discount is only off fares, taxes and surcharges, not off baggage or seat selection fees, and only on British Airways flights, not codeshares. You must also be a US resident paying in US dollars with a valid British Airways Visa card issued by Chase and travel must be from the US to London and beyond.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees. This card is a great choice to take abroad with you because it doesn't levy foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards charge 2.7- 3% just for using the card abroad, which totally negates the value of any points/miles earned.
6. Smart Chip Technology (Chip & Signature) In addition to no foreign transaction fees, it has built in chip-and-sign SmartChip technology. For those of you who don't know, a SmartChip is embedded in a credit card kind of like the ones in Europe, which support "chip and pin" transactions where you just insert your card into a reader and enter a pin and your charge is done. This one still requires a signature, but it makes transactions quicker when using it abroad, especially at machines that only take chip cards. Ths way you can be sure to collect points by making charges at places where you might not be able to otherwise like at restaurants and public transportation machines like metro/subways, public bike systems and parking meters.
7. Michelin Dining Promotions: In 2011 and 2012 Chase and British Airways offered up to $100 statement credit for dining at NYC Michelin restaurants. I was able to take advantage of both, which more than made up for the $95 annual fee each year. No news yet on it coming back in 2013, but if I was a guessing man, I'd say yes since it was a very popular promotion with cardmembers.
8. Visa Signature Hotel Benefits: The British Airways Visa is a Visa Signature card, which means you get a whole bunch of separate benefits like their Luxury Hotel Collection program (which I just used for a bunch of perks at the exclusive 12 Apostles hotel) and even a Sonoma Wine program that gets you free tastings and discounted shipping at top wineries in Sonoma.
9. 24/7 Concierge Access: Another useful Visa Signature perk is their concierge service that 800-953-7392 (U.S.)
630-350-4551 (collect outside the U.S.) that can help with everything from restaurant recommendations and reservations, Travel arrangements, Business-related assistance such as conference and hospitality service and more. Generally only high- annual fee cards like the Amex Platinum provide such services, so to get it on a $95 annual fee card is a nice perk- even if you only use it a couple times.
10. Flexibility in Combining Avios: While not necessarily a perk of the credit card, if multiple people in your family/ circle of friends get the credit card and sign-up bonus, you can pool the miles together in a central account and redeem for awards using British Airways' Household Account feature.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.