Know your spend
Estimate what you can comfortably put on the card and repay in full each month. Interest quickly outweighs the value of points.
Make every pound take you further
Turn everyday spending into your next escape.
Compare UK air miles credit cards by rewards, fees and real travel benefits—without the jargon.
4credit cards compared
2026rates checked
£0to use this guide
LDNLondon
JFKNew York
HNDTokyo
AIR•••• 7812
↗ALTITUDE
FLY FURTHER
••••••••••••2026
+30,000welcome Avios
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Provider-checkedCurrent facts and fees
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Plain EnglishFees and catches included
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Independent guideNo pay-to-rank placements
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Regularly reviewedLast checked 15 August 2026
The shortlist
Best air miles credit cards for 2026
There is no single “best” card. The right choice depends on how much you spend, which airlines you use and whether you value benefits enough to cover the fee.
| Card | Best for | Earn rate | Annual fee | Representative APR | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 BA Amex Premium PlusAmerican Express | Frequent BA flyers | 1.5 Avios/£1; 3 Avios/£1 with BA or BA Holidays | £300 | 135.7% representative APR variable | → |
02 BA Amex Credit CardAmerican Express | Fee-free Avios | 1 Avios per £1 | £0 | 29.1% representative APR variable | → |
03 Amex Preferred Rewards GoldAmerican Express | Flexible travel points | 1 point/£1; 2 with airlines; 3 with Amex Travel | £0 year one, then £195 | 85.8% representative APR variable | → |
04 Amex PlatinumAmerican Express | Premium travel benefits | 1 point/£1; 2 with Amex Travel | £650 | 685.3% representative APR variable | → |
Representative examples assume a £1,200 credit limit. Rates and offers can change. Always check the provider's full terms before applying.
Our top pick for BA regulars
High Avios potential
British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card
The strongest Avios earning card here for regular British Airways spend, with a companion voucher that can be used in any cabin.
Welcome offer30,000 AviosSpend £6,000 in 3 months
Everyday earn1.5 Avios / £13 Avios with BA*
Annual fee£300135.7% representative APR variable
18+, subject to status. Terms apply. Welcome offer eligibility rules apply. *Earn rate changes from 7 October 2026.
!
Upcoming Premium Plus changeAmerican Express says the earn rate will change to 1.25 Avios per eligible £1 from 7 October 2026, including BA spend.
Rewards estimator
What could your spending earn?
Adjust your monthly spend to see an illustrative first-year points total.
Enhanced travel means BA/BA Holidays for Premium Plus, and direct airline spend for Gold. Other products use their standard rate here.
Illustrative first year32,400Avios
From spend32,400
Welcome bonusNot included
Annual spend£18,000
Annual fee£300
Points are not cash. Eligibility, excluded transactions and provider terms apply. This is an estimate, not financial advice.
Start with the basics
Choose a card in three steps
Pick your rewards
Choose Avios for BA-focused travel or flexible points if you want a wider range of airline transfer partners.
Price the benefits
Only pay an annual fee when lounge visits, vouchers and other benefits are genuinely worth more to you.
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The golden rule
Pay your statement balance in full and on time. Rewards are never worth paying credit-card interest for.
Also worth knowing
Not every travel product is a credit card
Revolut Ultra appeared in the old comparison, but it is a paid current-account plan. We have kept it separate so the comparison stays accurate.
Current account
Revolut Ultra
1 RevPoint per eligible £1, unlimited access to 1,600+ lounges and 3GB monthly global eSIM data.
Plan fee£55per month
See detailsQuick answers
Air miles credit card FAQs
What is the best air miles credit card in the UK?
For frequent British Airways flyers who can use the companion voucher, Premium Plus can be compelling. For fee-free Avios earning, the standard BA Amex is simpler. Your best choice depends on your spending and travel habits.
Are air miles credit cards worth it?
They can be, if you repay in full every month and use the rewards. If you pay interest or buy more than you otherwise would, the cost can outweigh the benefit.
Do Avios expire?
Avios generally remain active while you collect, spend, purchase or share at least one Avios every 36 months. Check the current programme terms.
Will checking eligibility affect my credit score?
Providers may offer an eligibility check using a soft search. A full application typically involves a hard credit search. Read the provider's explanation before continuing.
Ready when you are
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