Best card for…
Best credit cards for British Airways Avios
By Gary Leff · Updated
The short answer
For most US travelers the best way to earn Avios is a flexible-points card that transfers to British Airways, led by the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Flexible points keep your options open if BA raises award prices or surcharges.
Advertiser disclosure: View From The Wing may be compensated when you apply through links on this page. Rankings are Gary's own and are not reviewed by issuers. Full disclosure. Terms as of October 5, 2026.
Gary's picks
1. Best overallBonus alert · Elevated offer
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Bonus
- 100,000 points
- Spend
- $5,000 in 3 months
- Annual fee
- $95
Why for British Airways Avios: Transfers 1:1 to Avios and also to Hyatt and United. Your options remain open until you transfer; once transferred, points are subject to that program’s rules.
Gary's full reviewApplications unavailable in preview2. Best for business spend
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Bonus
- 100,000 points
- Spend
- $8,000 in 3 months
- Annual fee
- $95
Why for British Airways Avios: Same transferable points, with 3x on travel, shipping and advertising.
Gary's full reviewApplications unavailable in preview3. Best simple option
Capital One Venture Rewards
- Bonus
- 75,000 miles + $300 lodging credit
- Spend
- $4,000 in 3 months
- Annual fee
- $95
Why for British Airways Avios: Miles transfer to British Airways and the card stays under $100 a year.
Gary's full reviewApplications unavailable in preview
How to choose
- Earn transferable points and move them only when you've found the award seat.
- Membership Rewards can also transfer to Avios; this preview does not promote an American Express offer without Gary’s approved product terms.
- Watch fuel surcharges: partner awards on American or Alaska often cost less cash than BA's own flights.
- Look for periodic transfer bonuses to Avios before moving large balances.
Questions readers ask
- Should I get a British Airways co-branded card instead?
- Only if you value its companion voucher and fly BA long-haul often. For most readers, flexible points are worth more.
- Will Avios awards get harder to find after the A380 refit?
- Fewer economy seats do not automatically mean fewer award seats, and more business seats do not guarantee more awards. The final seat map and BA’s award-release decisions will determine availability.