Changing from free BA Amex to free Amex Rewards

[PeterDuk]

Hello,
Probably a stupid question, but if I want to change from the free BA Amex to the free Amex Rewards card, to improve flexibility, do I just apply online and assume they will automatically transfer my account across?
Thanks,
Peter

[richard]

These are two different card types, one earns Membership Rewards points, the other earns Avios.

If you apply for the Amex Rewards card your BA Amex will stay open unless you request to end the card agreement and close the account. You can hold both cards if you wish, you just won’t reset the clock on any sign-up bonuses for Avios cards.

[Skywalker]

If you want the Amex rewards card you will need to make a new application. This is because these two cards are not in the same card family – they use different currency: BA uses ‘Avios’ and Amex Rewards uses Membership rewards points.

You can keep both, you don’t have to close one to get the other.

Stick around, someone might provide you with a referral link for the free Amex that might get you something extra if you’re patient (not guaranteed).

[memesweeper]

Skywalker wrote:

Stick around, someone might provide you with a referral link for the free Amex that might get you something extra if you’re patient (not guaranteed).

… or follow one of the links on this site to Amex Gold for year one. This is free during the first 12 months, and has other benefits over the free ARCC card. Switch from Gold to ARCC later to avoid the annual fee.

[buchanan101]

Skywalker wrote:

If you want the Amex rewards card you will need to make a new application. This is because these two cards are not in the same card family – they use different currency: BA uses ‘Avios’ and Amex Rewards uses Membership rewards points.

You can keep both, you don’t have to close one to get the other.

Stick around, someone might provide you with a referral link for the free Amex that might get you something extra if you’re patient (not guaranteed).

Anyone who has an Amex card will get a referral bonus – and the recipient will also get a bonus.

I’d post mine, but I think Rob would rather you follow such links on this site as that’s part of his company’s income

[Carlos]

Personally I would get rid of the free BA card and keep the clock ticking for 24 months until you can rejoin again for the sign up BAPP bonus (instead of getting the free version again) but it entirely depends on the spend you self-target yourself and if the retailer accepts amex or not, if not go to Barclaycard Avios Plus but you missed the 50k bonus. The earn rates are same for the free amex and free barclaycard

[PeterDuk]

Thanks, everyone! All good advice. Interesting about the Barclaycard – I wouldn’t have got the bonus anyway, as I’m fortunate still to have the Hilton BCC.