The Free British Airways American Express Welcome Bonus Increased to 10,000 Avios
- Helena
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Yesterday, we covered the increased bonus to the British Airways Premium Plus card, but not to be forgotten, British Airways have also quietly increased the welcome bonus on its free British Airways American Express Credit Card, doubling it from the usual 5,000 Avios to 10,000 Avios. While this card doesn’t come with a hefty annual fee or flashy perks, it does offer an easy route into Avios collecting, and access to a Companion Voucher once you spend enough.
To qualify for the enhanced bonus, you must apply via the correct link by 24 February 2026. Apply elsewhere and you may only receive the standard bonus. More on that below.
Just a quick heads-up: Points Well Made is here to dish out the juicy details on miles and points, but we’re not your financial advisers. Any decisions you make regarding products featured on this site are your own responsibility, and you should always consider whether a product suits your personal circumstances. While we chat about all manner of lender goodies, we’re not a lender ourselves. Remember, you know you best.
Fees & Requirements
Annual fee: £0
Representative APR: 29.4% variable
Eligibility: 18+, UK resident, good credit history
Welcome bonus restriction: You must not have held any personal American Express card in the last 24 months
You must not currently hold: British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
As always, this is a credit card. We cannot stress enough that you should always pay the balance off in full every month. Interest rates are high, and carrying a balance can quickly wipe out the value of any Avios earned. Not to mention if you don't pay it off in full you won't get the bonus Avios, or any Avios.
A Solid Welcome Bonus (For a Free Card)
10,000 Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months
Normally just 5,000 Avios, so this is a 100% increase
It won’t get you to Los Angeles in Club World on its own, but that’s not really the point of this card, its your gateway into the world of Avios.
It should be noted that this is not the highest offer we have seen on this card in recent months. If you applied by 11 November last year, the welcome bonus on offer was 15,000 Avios. You can read all about that offer here.
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How Many Avios Do I Earn on Normal Spending?
You will earn 1 Avios per £1 spent on all purchases.
Simple, predictable, and ideal for beginners. No bonus categories, no mental maths.
Companion Voucher – Still the Star of the Show
Once you have spent £15,000 in a card membership year, you’ll earn a Companion Voucher, this allows you to:
Use it to take a companion in economy on the same reward flight for no additional Avios (just pay taxes/fees)
Or, if travelling solo, get a 50% discount on the Avios price
Valid on British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia
The key limitation? Unlike the Premium Plus card which can be used in all cabins, this voucher is economy-only. That said, for a free card, it’s still a very powerful perk.
How to Apply
For the 10,000 Avios welcome bonus, you either need to apply via the British Airways website or you can be referred by us for the same sign up bonus and we get a few Avios too! If you would like to be referred by us, simply go to this link here. If you go via the American Express website to apply, this will not show you the bonus offer, so do not apply via the Amex website.
Once approved for the credit card, after spending £2,000 within the first three months, the 10,000 Avios are automatically credited to your British Airways Club account.
Do be aware, getting this card (or any other American Express) can stop you from getting a sign-up bonus on other American Express cards if you decide to take those out. Within the T's&C's of each card will state the requirements to get the sign up bonus, for instance if you wish to take out the Gold Card, then you cannot have held any personal American Express card within the last 24 months if you want the welcome bonus. We've just written a whole guide on this exact topic, which you can read here.
Is This the One?
This is the exact card we used to start our own Avios journey. There’s no annual fee, the earning structure is simple, and it’s an easy way to dip your toe into both Avios and credit cards without committing to anything expensive or complicated.
That said, this card isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. If credit cards aren’t a good fit for you, or if there’s any risk you’d carry a balance, then the Avios simply aren’t worth it. You know your own habits better than anyone else.
But if you’re comfortable paying your balance off in full each month and want a low-risk way to get started, this free British Airways American Express Credit Card is a solid first step.
With the welcome bonus currently doubled, it’s about as good a time as any to begin, just make sure you apply before 24 February 2026 if you decide it’s right for you.
Helena
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