Thursday Travel Tips: Things You Didn’t Know - Earn Avios In-Store by Registering Your Cards

Hello, and welcome back to our new series: Thursday Travel Tips – Things You Didn’t Know.

Last week we talked about how to rack up Avios by booking your holiday accommodation smartly.

This week, we’re staying closer to home and focusing on something that can make a huge difference to your points balance: registering your credit or debit cards with the Avios store to earn points when shopping in-store.

Bagels could mean points, and points mean flights!

Yes, you read that right. Just by linking your cards to your account, you can turn everyday purchases, that flat white, that new pair of jeans, or even that cheeky takeaway, into points towards your next trip.

Thursday Travel Tips – Things You Didn’t Know: Earn Avios In-Store by Registering Your Cards?

What is do good about this I hear you cry? This might just be the most effortless way to collect Avios. We’re talking about points you can earn without changing your habits. You shop the way you normally would, pay with your registered card, and the Avios roll in, no codes, no vouchers, no need to remember anything after the initial setup.

What kind of shopping counts?

Pretty much everything. There are hundreds of participating retailers and brands across the UK, covering:

• Fashion: from high street to high-end labels

• Food & drink: restaurants, cafés, pubs, and even wine merchants

• Entertainment & experiences: including days out, event tickets and gift experiences

• Beauty & wellness: salons, spas, beauty counters

• Home: furniture, decor, kitchenware — you name it

Just a few of the places you can earn Avios in store.

So whatever you are spending your money on, there’s a good chance your spend could be earning you points.

How Does It Work?

It’s beautifully simple. The Avios system tracks eligible in-store purchases via your registered credit or debit card. This means that once your card is registered, every time you shop at a participating retailer and pay with that card, your transaction is logged and Avios are credited to your account automatically.

The system works through secure payment tracking. No loyalty cards to scan, no checkout codes, just good old-fashioned tap-and-go.

Important thing to note. You will only gain points from your transactions at stores on the "In Store List". You won't earn points on every transaction on that card alas.

Step-by-Step Guide: Registering Your Card

This is the only step that requires effort - and it’s five minutes max. Do it once and you’re done.

Step 1: Join the British Airways Club

If you haven’t already, head to the British Airways Executive Club site and create a free account. This is where all your Avios will be collected.

Step 2: Download the Avios app

The app is available for iOS and Android and is by far the easiest way to manage your account, track offers, and register cards. You can also do this via the website if you prefer.

Step 3: Navigate to ‘In-Store Offers’

Open the app and go to:

• ‘Collecting Avios’

• Then tap on ‘In-store offers’

Head on over to the Avios website and and under Collect Avios select Shopping In Store

This section will show you which retailers are currently offering in-store Avios, and it’s also where you’ll register your cards.

You want to select "My Registered Cards"

Step 4: Add your payment cards

You’ll be prompted to enter your debit or credit card details. This is completely secure, we wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't! Avios uses encrypted tokenisation so your full card details are never shared or stored.

The page will appear like this.

You can register more than one card and we recommend doing so, especially if you have a rewards credit card.

All card details are stored securely

Step 5: That’s it – start spending!

Once your card is registered, you're ready to start earning.

The next time you shop with an eligible in-store partner and pay using your registered card, you’ll automatically earn Avios. Most offers state how many Avios you’ll earn per £1 spent, and many rotate monthly, so check back often.

How to Find In-Store Avios Opportunities

This is where many people miss out. Not all retailers offer Avios all the time, and the best way to maximise your earnings is to plan ahead. Here's how:

Use the app or website to check current partners:

• Go to the Avios eStore via the website or app

• Filter or browse by “In-Store Offers”

• Click into each offer to see details, such as:

  • Minimum spend required (if any)

  • Offer duration

  • Avios per £1 rate (can be up to 15 per £1 in some cases!)

  • Exclusions (e.g. sale items or gift cards)

It’s worth having a quick look before you head out on a shopping trip as you might even discover a few new favourite places to earn!

Pro Tips to Maximise Your Avios

Here are a few ways to really make your spending work harder:

1. Stack it with a points-earning credit card

We know, we say this all the time, but for anyone new here (and to serve as a gentle reminder to our followers) if you have a British Airways Amex, Barclaycard Avios, or any other rewards card, you’ll earn Avios from the card and from your in-store shopping... double win!

2. Save receipts (just in case)

Occasionally, points may not track properly. Having a receipt means you can follow up and claim your missing Avios.

3. Check your offers monthly

Offers change frequently and are sometimes seasonal or promotional. It’s worth a monthly check-in to see what’s new.

4. Watch for bonus promos

Keep an eye out for special bonus events as occasionally Avios will offer extra Avios at certain stores.

Why This Matters for Travellers

My siblings, my brethren. This is your stealthy side hustle now. This, is going to be what gets you on your next holiday. You’re not spending anything extra. You’re just shopping the way you always would, but getting rewarded and let me tell you those small amounts really do add up over time.

Let’s say:

• You spend £100 on clothes at a store offering 8 Avios per £1 → that’s 800 Avios

• You treat a friend to dinner for £60 at a restaurant offering 10 Avios per £1 → another 600 Avios

• You grab a £25 bottle of wine from a merchant offering 6 Avios per £1 → 150 Avios

That’s 1,550 Avios in a weekend. Do this regularly and you’ll be booking flights with points sooner than you think.

Final Thoughts

Registering your cards is the one of the easiest travel hacks out there. It’s quick, it’s free, and it works silently in the background every time you shop. Think low effort, high yield... which is what we all want! Our lives are ridiculously busy these days, we have work, the gym, kids to look after, socialising, side hustles, families, friends all to do and see. This is a free investment into your future travel plans and the best part is, once those cards are registered, all you have to do is spend the money you were going to spend anyway!

Let’s face it, we all love a good holiday. You wouldn't be following us if you didn't! But what makes that Aperol spritz in Rome or that rooftop bar in Lisbon even sweeter? Knowing your last trip to Boots and brunch at Bill’s helped pay for it.

You could earn Avios on that next round at the pub!

So if you haven’t already, go now my beauties and register your cards, browse this month’s in-store offers, and start earning.

Until next Thursday, happy travel, and even happier collecting.

Helena

Points Well Made is a passion project of Sam and Helena with a loyal following. If you like what we do, and wish to help us continue to create the content you love, please consider buying us a Kofi, or subscribing monthly. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.