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Forums Payment cards American Express Companion Voucher — any horror stories after card downgrade?

  • executiveclubber 496 posts

    I just earned my 2-4-1 and thinking about downgrading to the free BA card. I know Rob says don’t give it a second thought. I’m just double checking if anyone’s had vouchers removed, tickets unticketed etc as I remember a couple of users claiming they downgraded and had their vouchers removed.

    Seems unlikely but I of course am keen to retain the voucher!

    JDB 5,794 posts

    @executiveclubber – downgrading as opposed to cancelling allows you to remain within the rules so you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

    Scott 295 posts

    To clarify JDB’s point, there is no rule that says you cannot still redeem your voucher if you cancel your card. The T&C pertinent to paying the fees is:

    “17. The Cardmember is responsible for paying any Taxes, Fees and Charges relating to their Companion Voucher booking. Taxes, Fees and Charges apply per person. All Taxes, Fees and Charges must be paid for using an American Express Card.”

    There’s another T&C from which some folk have interpreted “remain eligible” to mean that you must continue to hold an Amex, but this isn’t actually specified anywhere:

    33. Cardmembers must remain eligible for use of the Companion Voucher in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and the British Airways Executive Club Terms and Conditions at the time of travel.

    The T&C most closely related to eligibility is found under the section “Earning a Companion Voucher”, not under “Using the Voucher”:

    “1. You can only receive a Companion Voucher if you are a Member of the British Airways Executive Club and are the main Account holder within a British Airways American Express Card Account (a “Cardmember”).”

    TGLoyalty 1,228 posts

    Not sure why you would downgrade just cancel and start the 2 year countdown for a massive sub.

    Or sign back up when you need a new voucher via a referral from family member or cashback site.

    ed_fly 358 posts

    No verified reports of vouchers being cancelled. Terms as above not completely clear. Not sure anyone can go beyond that.

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