Best cards option to build Avios balance please

[smartboyalec]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on how best to build up Avios over the coming months.

So far this year, between my wife and me, we’ve earned two BA Companion Vouchers via the BA free Amex card. I also hold the Amex Platinum and received the welcome bonus. My wife isn’t eligible for the Platinum unfortunately. Given that, I’m assuming I’m not eligible for any further welcome bonuses on Amex cards this year, including the BA Premium Plus—can anyone confirm?

My goal is to accumulate enough Avios to book return flights for a family of four to Asia (e.g. Japan, Thailand) for early next year. Aside from the Barclays Avios Rewards programme, are there other strong options to consider—credit cards or otherwise?

Open to any tips on strategy, stacking opportunities, or hidden gems.

Thanks in advance!

[NorthernLass]

You may have missed the boat as it were for Japan and Bangkok in Q1 next year, even in economy, depending on exactly when you’re hoping to go. If you’ve been reading this forum you’ll know how difficult it is to get seats to certain destinations even if you try to book as soon as they’re released.

You should be well on the way to accumulating enough avios for 2 x economy returns, however, if you both have the free BA card plus a Platinum. The avios Barclaycard with a SUB would also get you closer, and is accepted at more places than Amex.

I think you’re correct in that in terms of avios/MR-earning Amexes you’re not currently eligible for any more SUBs – don’t forget as well you need a 2 year break from holding the cards before you can get one again (see the specific rules around this in Rob’s articles on the various Amex cards on this site).

General advice is to put all possible purchases on an avios-earning card, including things you don’t normally consider like council tax and car tax. Shopping through the e-store can add to your earnings although the avios actually posting can be a bit hit and miss.

[zapato1060]

Note that the points you collect are best used for business class flights as you get the best bang for your buck. Unfortunately using your Avios on Economy doesn’t really make much sense as they would be around or more then it would just cost in cash to get the economy seat. With the 241 the maths could add up. I would suggest as NL said above to keep reading all the guides, keep collecting and collecting wherever possible that you will be able to use your points for worthwhile redemptions. Helsinki to Tokyo with Finnair business class will be 62.5k per way per person for example.

[NorthernLass]

OP has 2 x economy 241s, and is possibly looking to use them in school holidays so the saving could still be significant. Long haul economy can easily hit £1k pp at peak times.

If it’s a long-term strategy, OP might look at having a 2 year break then apply for the BAPP to get the enhanced voucher.