A practical 2026 guide to collecting and spending Avios in the UK — where the points really come from, when to boost, and how to redeem for up to four times the value.
Written by
Richard Viner
The rules have changed. Until recently, most people earned Avios by flying, and a handful of long-haul flights each year could build a respectable balance. That is no longer the case. Today, credit cards dominate Avios earning, and a single welcome bonus can generate more Avios in a few months than years of occasional flying.
This guide explains where Avios really come from in 2026 and how to build a balance efficiently.
When measured by points earned versus effort required, the ranking is clear:
Many collectors focus on flights first and ignore the top of the list, which is why balances grow slowly. The biggest gains come from welcome bonuses and everyday spending.
Welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn Avios. Many generate tens of thousands of points for meeting a spending requirement you would have reached anyway.
| Card | Welcome Bonus | Spend Requirement | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Preferred Rewards Gold | 40,000 Membership Rewards | £5,000 in 6 months | Free Year 1 |
| Amex Platinum | 75,000 Membership Rewards | £10,000 in 6 months | £650 |
| Barclaycard Avios Plus | 25,000 Avios | £3,000 in 3 months | £20 per month |
| BA Amex Premium Plus | 30,000 Avios | £6,000 in 3 months | £300 |
| BA Amex | 5,000 Avios | £2,000 in 3 months | Free |
Membership Rewards points transfer to Avios at a 1:1 rate, making most American Express Membership Rewards cards effectively Avios cards.
The goal is to earn bonuses through spending you would have done anyway.
Most serious collectors use two cards:
This combination covers almost all spending.
The BA Amex Premium Plus earns:
The Barclaycard Avios cards provide a backup whenever Amex is not accepted. The most important habit is straightforward: route every possible purchase through your rewards cards, and always pay the balance in full each month. Interest charges quickly wipe out the value of any rewards earned.
The Companion Voucher is one of the most valuable benefits in the UK points market. The BA Amex Premium Plus issues one after you reach the required annual spending target, and it allows two people to travel for the Avios cost of one — although both passengers still pay taxes and fees.
On long-haul business-class bookings , the value can be enormous, with a single redemption saving more than 200,000 Avios. The key mistake to avoid is triggering the voucher before you are ready to use it, because the expiry countdown begins as soon as it is issued.
The Avios eStore rewards online shopping with additional Avios. You start your shopping journey through the portal and earn Avios on top of your normal credit card rewards.
Popular categories include:
Some retailers offer several Avios per pound spent, so for regular online shoppers the eStore can quietly generate thousands of additional Avios every year.
These simple steps improve tracking accuracy.
Balance Boost is often the cheapest way to acquire additional Avios, letting you multiply recent Avios earnings by paying cash.
| Boost Level | Approximate Cost Per Avios |
|---|---|
| Double | 0.96p |
| Triple | 0.94p |
| Quadruple | 0.92p |
This is usually much cheaper than buying Avios outright. Balance Boost works best when you already have a redemption ready to book and need a top-up — it should not be used to stockpile points.
Flying still earns Avios, but it is no longer the primary earning method. Cheap economy fares generate relatively small amounts compared with credit card bonuses and everyday spending.
That does not mean flying is irrelevant. When booking flights you already plan to take, compare fare classes carefully, as paying slightly more for a higher fare class can sometimes generate significantly more Avios. But flying solely to earn Avios rarely makes financial sense.
Following this approach can realistically generate between 200,000 and 300,000 Avios within a year.
The biggest mindset shift is understanding that flights are no longer the primary source of Avios. Credit card bonuses and everyday spending are now the engines that drive most balances. Flying still matters for travel and status, but the majority of your Avios should come from strategic earning rather than time spent in the air.
Once you have built a balance, the next question is what those points are actually worth. Read our guide to what Avios are worth, or browse more Avios guides and strategies.
Only if a specific redemption is significantly cheaper through Iberia. For many routes, pricing is now similar, so compare before transferring.
Avios are used to book flights and rewards. Tier Points determine your status level within the British Airways Club.
The best use is usually a long-haul premium-cabin booking for two passengers.
Balance Boost is almost always cheaper, provided you have recent qualifying Avios activity.
For travellers who will use the Companion Voucher, often yes. For occasional users, a free Avios card may provide better overall value.
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