Bits and pieces for Monday 11th June

BA has launched a 30% bonus for buying Avios running to 2nd August.  The maximum 31,000 Avios will cost you £399.  This is, however, still more expensive than the current offer for buying BMI miles that I wrote about recently and which runs to 30th June.

According to this FlyerTalk thread, Amex has changed the conversion rate on the International Dollar Card Membership Rewards scheme from 1:1 into Avios to 3:2.  This closes one of the most interesting loopholes available, whereby you could get an IDC Amex, transfer your UK Membership Rewards balance across, get a bonus equal to the current UK / US$ exchange rate (so roughly a 60% bonus) and still get the same 1:1 transfer rate. 

The airlines are now in line with the hotel IDC transfer rates, which were already about 50% weaker than the UK MR transfer rate.  Delta, SAS and Flying Blue have also moved to 3:2, whilst Malaysian, Iberia, Cathay, Virgin, Finnair and Singapore remain 1:1.  You can of course transfer to Iberia and then to BA Avios (although your IB account must be 90 days old to do this) although it is debatable how long this will last.

---

Want to earn more points from credit cards? – April 2024 update

If you are looking to apply for a new credit card, here are our top recommendations based on the current sign-up bonuses.

In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.

You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:

You can see our full directory of all UK cards which earn airline or hotel points here. Here are the best of the other deals currently available.

Earning miles and points from small business cards

If you are a sole trader or run a small company, you may also want to check out these offers:

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 12th May 2024, the Capital on Tap Business Rewards Visa card is offering a bonus of 30,000 points, convertible into 30,000 Avios. You must have a Limited Company to apply. Click here to learn more and click here to apply.

For a non-American Express option, we also recommend the Barclaycard Select Cashback card for sole traders and small businesses. It is FREE and you receive 1% cashback on your spending.