CHICAGO- American Express has announced major changes to its British Airways (BA) American Express Premium Plus Card, reducing the rewards cardholders receive on everyday spending while introducing a revised system for earning British Airways Club tier points.
The changes will take effect from October 7, 2026, and will affect thousands of travelers who use the premium co-branded credit card to collect Avios.
The updated policy changes the value proposition of one of the UK’s most popular airline credit cards.
While the Companion Voucher benefit remains unchanged, the lower Avios earning rate and the removal of bonus rewards on British Airways purchases narrow the gap between the £300 annual-fee Premium Plus card and the free British Airways American Express Credit Card.
Amex BA Avios Rewards Reduced
Beginning October 7, 2026, the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card will earn 1.25 Avios per £1 spent instead of the current 1.5 Avios per £1.
American Express will also discontinue the enhanced earning rate on purchases made directly with British Airways and British Airways Holidays. Previously, eligible spending earned 3 Avios per £1, but those transactions will now receive the standard rate of 1.25 Avios per £1.
The revisions significantly reduce the rewards available to frequent British Airways customers who regularly book flights and holiday packages using the card.
Under the updated structure, the Premium Plus card still carries a £300 annual fee, while the free British Airways American Express Credit Card continues to earn 1 Avios per £1 without an annual charge, Head for Points reported.
The Premium Plus card continues to offer a more flexible Companion Voucher with a two-year validity, access across all cabins, and additional business class reward seat availability, distinguishing it from the economy-only voucher available on the free version.
Tier Points Increase
Alongside the reduced Avios rewards, American Express confirmed improvements to how British Airways Club tier points will be earned from April 1, 2027.
Cardholders will continue earning one tier point for every £10 of qualifying spending, but the annual maximum will increase from 2,500 to 3,000 tier points.
Another notable change is that tier points will now accumulate continuously instead of being awarded only after spending thresholds are reached. This means even moderate spenders will begin collecting tier points throughout the year rather than waiting until specific milestones.
The revised system could allow members to come close to British Airways Club Bronze status primarily through credit card spending, provided they supplement their account with a relatively small amount of eligible airline spending or other qualifying activities.
Card Value Debate
American Express said the revisions followed a review of its rewards structure, costs and customer benefits, adding that the expanded tier point offering is designed to help members achieve or maintain status in the British Airways Club through everyday spending.
The announcement is likely to prompt comparisons with competing airline rewards cards, including products that currently offer higher airline points per pound spent.
However, for many existing cardholders, the Companion Voucher remains the primary reason for keeping the Premium Plus card.
Although users will earn fewer Avios on daily purchases, the voucher’s flexibility, premium cabin eligibility and expanded redemption options continue to differentiate the product from both the free British Airways card and several competing travel credit cards.
Whether the reduced earning rate leads to widespread downgrades or increased competition from rival airline cards will become clearer after the new rules take effect later this year.
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