23 Best Ways to Earn British Airways Avios

British Airways Avios can be earned through eligible flights, credit card spending, transferable bank points, hotel stays, car rentals, online shopping, and selected lifestyle partners. The best strategy is to combine rewards from planned spending with occasional bonuses, rather than paying extra just to collect miles.

Avios is the reward currency used by The British Airways Club and several other airline loyalty programs. Members can use it for eligible reward flights, cabin upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and other rewards. Because Avios is shared across multiple participating programs under specific rules, understanding where to earn it—and how to move it between eligible accounts—can make a meaningful difference to a travel budget.

This guide covers 23 practical ways to build a British Airways Avios balance in 2026, including flying, financial partners, hotel and car bookings, everyday shopping, and promotional opportunities. Partner availability, credit card eligibility, transfer ratios, and promotional terms can vary by country and may change, so members should confirm the current offer before taking action.

Related:  British Airways Club Loyalty Program Guide 2026

What Are British Airways Avios?

Avios are loyalty points collected through The British Airways Club, formerly known as the Executive Club, and other participating programs. They can be earned from eligible travel and partner transactions, then redeemed for qualifying travel and lifestyle rewards.

For example, a traveler might earn Avios on a paid British Airways flight, collect more through a participating hotel booking, and transfer eligible bank rewards to increase the balance. These activities can complement each other, although the best combination depends on the member’s country, available cards, spending habits, and travel plans.

Avios and tier points are not the same. Avios are used for rewards, while tier points help determine British Airways Club membership status. Earning more Avios does not automatically grant a higher status tier.

The 23 Best Ways to Earn British Airways Avios

British Airways Avios can be earned through flights, credit cards, hotel stays, car rentals, online shopping, and eligible travel partners. These 23 strategies help travelers grow their Avios balance efficiently and unlock more opportunities for reward flights and upgrades.

1. Fly With British Airways

Flying with British Airways is one of the most direct ways to earn Avios. Eligible flights can earn rewards based on the applicable fare, ticket conditions, and membership rules. Before booking, members should sign in to their Club account and ensure their membership details are attached to the reservation.

The amount earned may vary by ticket. Fare type, route, marketing airline, operating airline, and applicable earning rules can affect the final total. A discounted fare may earn differently than a flexible or premium ticket, so it’s worth checking the earning estimate before purchasing.

Best for: Travelers who already fly British Airways and want to collect rewards on eligible trips.

2. Fly With Eligible oneworld Airline Partners

British Airways belongs to the oneworld alliance, which includes airlines such as Qatar Airways, Iberia, Finnair, and Japan Airlines. Eligible flights on participating partners may earn Avios when credited to The British Airways Club, subject to the relevant airline and fare rules.

This option helps when British Airways doesn’t operate the route a traveler needs. A passenger flying with an eligible partner can potentially earn Avios without changing the itinerary simply to fly British Airways.

Before booking, check the operating airline, ticketing details, booking class, and applicable earning table. Not every flight or fare necessarily qualifies, and some partner flights may have different earning conditions.

Best for: Travelers who regularly fly with airlines in the oneworld network.

3. Choose Eligible Premium-Cabin Flights

Premium-cabin travel can offer higher earning opportunities on some flights, but the exact calculation depends on the airline, fare, and program rules. British Airways and its partners do not necessarily use one universal formula for every ticket.

For travelers already considering business or first class, comparing the Avios earned across eligible fare options can help clarify each ticket’s value. However, purchasing an expensive fare solely to earn more points usually makes little financial sense: the additional Avios may be worth less than the fare difference.

Best for: Travelers who need a premium cabin for comfort, schedule, or work and want to understand the rewards attached to eligible fares.

4. Credit Eligible British Airways Flights to Your Club Account

A flight earns Avios only when the booking and loyalty-account details meet the program’s rules. Adding a British Airways Club number to an eligible reservation helps ensure the flight is credited to the intended account.

Members should check that their name and membership information match the booking, then review the account after travel. If Avios do not appear, they can consult British Airways’ current missing-Avios process and claim deadlines. Whether they can claim past flights depends on the applicable rules and documentation.

This is less a separate earning channel than an important way to avoid losing rewards from travel that already qualifies.

Best for: Anyone who flies regularly and wants to make sure eligible trips count.

5. Earn Avios Through an Eligible Credit Card

In countries where suitable products are available, a British Airways or Avios-linked credit card can turn eligible purchases into rewards. Depending on the product, cardholders may earn points on everyday spending, with different earning rates or promotional bonuses for selected transactions. British Airways lists eligible card products and other financial partners on its official earning pages.

The right card depends on the applicant’s location, eligibility, annual fee, interest rate, benefits, and spending pattern. Some cards are issued only in particular markets, so a product available in the United Kingdom may not be available to a resident of the United States or India.

A sensible strategy is to use a suitable card for purchases you would make anyway and pay the statement in full. Interest and fees can easily outweigh the value of the Avios earned.

Best for: Eligible cardholders who can manage their balances responsibly and want to earn rewards from routine spending.

6. Transfer Points From Chase Ultimate Rewards

Eligible U.S. Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points, and certain Chase rewards can be transferred to participating airline programs under the issuer’s current terms. British Airways has been a transfer partner, making Chase points a potential source of Avios for eligible account holders. Transfer ratios, card eligibility, and transfer availability must be confirmed directly with Chase before proceeding.

A transfer is most useful when a traveler has identified a suitable redemption and needs additional points. Speculative transfers can reduce flexibility, especially if another airline or hotel redemption later offers better value.

Best for: Eligible U.S. Chase cardholders with a clear plan to redeem Avios.

7. Transfer Points From American Express Membership Rewards

Eligible U.S. American Express Membership Rewards accounts may provide another route to Avios through participating transfer partners. Availability, transfer ratios, and bonus promotions can vary, so members should review the current terms in their account before transferring. Do not assume that every American Express card or every country’s Membership Rewards program has identical partners.

A transfer can be especially useful when an award seat is available, but the Avios balance is slightly short. If a transfer bonus is offered, the extra points may improve the effective return—but only if the planned redemption is worthwhile.

Best for: Eligible cardholders who want to combine bank rewards with an available Avios redemption.

8. Convert Eligible Hotel Loyalty Points Into Avios

Some hotel loyalty programs allow members to convert eligible points into Avios. British Airways lists participating hotel partners and the applicable conversion information on its official hotel-earning page. Rates differ by partner, and transfers may not always represent the best use of hotel points.

Before converting, compare the value of using the points for hotel nights or other hotel-program rewards against the value of the Avios received. A transfer may help when a hotel balance is too small for a practical stay, but it isn’t automatically the most valuable option.

Best for: Travelers with surplus points in an eligible hotel loyalty account.

9. Book Eligible Hotel Stays Through British Airways Partners

Hotel stays can generate Avios through selected British Airways accommodation partners. The earning structure depends on the booking platform, hotel brand, rate, and terms. The official British Airways hotel page identifies participating options, including certain direct hotel partnerships and hotel-booking services.

For example, a traveler planning a city break can compare the total cost of booking a hotel through an eligible Avios partner with the cost of booking directly. The decision should include cancellation terms, breakfast, loyalty benefits, and the number of Avios earned—not just the advertised points rate.

Best for: Travelers who are already booking paid accommodation and can earn Avios without paying more overall.

10. Earn Avios on Eligible Airbnb Bookings

Airbnb appears among the accommodation partners listed by British Airways, with an earning rate published on the airline’s official hotel page. The applicable rate and booking requirements should be checked at the time of reservation because partner terms can change.

This can be useful for trips where a vacation rental suits the group better than a conventional hotel. However, travelers should compare the full price, cleaning charges, cancellation policy, and location before choosing a property based on Avios alone.

Best for: Travelers who already prefer vacation rentals and can access the eligible partner booking route.

11. Book Through Avios Hotels

Avios Hotels is another listed accommodation option for earning rewards. British Airways publishes the current earning arrangement in its hotel-partner information, where you can review the rate and eligibility details before booking.

The key is to compare the total booking cost with other reputable platforms. A larger Avios award is not necessarily a better deal if the nightly price is higher or the booking terms are less flexible.

Best for: Travelers who want to earn Avios from hotel reservations and are willing to compare rates before committing.

12. Earn Through Participating Hotel Brands

British Airways lists selected hotel groups, including Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International, among its accommodation partners. Depending on the brand and arrangement, members may earn Avios directly or convert eligible hotel loyalty points. Rates and transfer rules vary by program.

Travelers who already collect hotel points should compare the benefits of keeping points within the hotel program with converting them to Avios. Hotel points may be better for free nights or elite benefits, while Avios may be better for a planned flight redemption.

Best for: Hotel loyalty members who want to make their existing stays work toward flight rewards.

13. Rent a Car Through an Eligible Partner

Car rentals can generate Avios through participating British Airways partners. The airline’s official earning information lists car hire as one way members can earn rewards, though qualifying companies, booking channels, and rates depend on the current offer.

Travelers who already need a rental car can compare eligible partner prices with direct rental-company offers. The comparison should include insurance, mileage limits, fuel policies, airport surcharges, and cancellation conditions. Booking through a rewards partner makes sense only when the overall deal remains competitive.

Best for: Travelers who already plan to rent a car and can book through an eligible partner without sacrificing important rental terms.

14. Shop Through the Avios Online Shopping Portal

The Avios Shop lets members earn rewards on eligible purchases with participating retailers. British Airways describes its shopping platform as covering more than 2,000 brands online and in-store, although participating retailers and available offers can vary.

The practical approach is to start on the portal before making a planned purchase. Members should follow the retailer’s link, review any exclusions, and retain the order confirmation until the Avios are credited.

For example, someone buying a necessary household item could compare the retailer’s direct price with the price available through the Avios portal. The points are a bonus—not a reason to buy something unnecessary.

Best for: Online shoppers who want to earn Avios on eligible purchases they would make anyway.

15. Collect Avios Through Eligible In-Store Shopping

Avios opportunities are not limited to online purchases. British Airways’ shopping information also references selected in-store partners and linked-card opportunities, subject to the current participating brands and terms.

Where a qualifying retailer supports in-store earning, members should check whether registration, a linked payment card, a specific app, or another tracking step is required. An ordinary purchase at a participating brand does not necessarily earn Avios automatically.

Best for: Members who regularly shop with participating retailers and can activate the offer before paying.

16. Convert Nectar Points Into Avios

In the United Kingdom, the Nectar partnership allows eligible members to convert Nectar points into Avios and vice versa under the current program rules. British Airways’ shopping information gives a conversion example of 400 Nectar points for 250 Avios; members should verify the live ratio and account-linking conditions before making a transfer.

This can be convenient for shoppers who collect Nectar points through participating retailers and services. However, converting points is not automatically the best choice: Nectar points may have other redemption uses, and Avios may be more valuable for some travel plans than others.

Best for: UK-based members who already collect Nectar points and have a reason to move some of them into Avios.

17. Use the Avios App to Find Earning Opportunities

The official Avios app helps members track their balance and recent transactions, discover participating stores, and find ways to collect rewards. British Airways also describes app features for finding reward flights and exploring eligible hotels, car hire, and experiences.

The app is not a separate reward currency or a guaranteed source of bonus points. Its value is in making existing earning opportunities easier to find and monitor. Members can use it to check current options before shopping or planning a trip.

Best for: Travelers who want to monitor Avios activity and identify relevant partner offers in one place.

18. Book Eligible British Airways Holidays

British Airways treats holiday packages as an earning opportunity, with qualifying bookings that may earn bonus Avios under the applicable offer. Package eligibility, promotional amounts, and booking conditions can change, so travelers should read the current terms before paying.

A flight-and-hotel package may be worth comparing with separately booked travel, especially when the package offers convenient arrangements or a competitive total price. Travelers should consider baggage, transfers, hotel cancellation terms, itinerary flexibility, and any Avios bonus.

Best for: Travelers who are already considering a package holiday and want to compare the total cost and rewards.

19. Earn Avios on Eligible Flight Extras

British Airways says members can earn Avios on certain eligible extras, including pre-booked seats, extra baggage, and cabin upgrades on qualifying British Airways- or Iberia-marketed flights. The precise earning conditions depend on the service and current program rules.

This option is most relevant when the extra is genuinely needed. Paying for a seat or baggage allowance solely to earn Avios is unlikely to make sense if the cost exceeds the value of the reward. Members should confirm which extras qualify before purchase rather than assuming every optional fee earns points.

Best for: Travelers who already need eligible flight extras and want to check whether they can earn Avios on them.

20. Use Airport Shopping and Travel Partners

British Airways lists selected travel-related partners that can help members earn Avios, including airport shopping and services such as parking and rail transfers. Its shopping information also describes Heathrow Rewards as a way to earn points from eligible purchases and convert them into Avios.

These opportunities can help people who regularly travel through participating airports. Before purchasing, check whether the service is eligible, whether booking is required, and whether the price is competitive with other providers.

Best for: Frequent travelers who already pay for eligible airport services or make purchases with participating airport retailers.

21. Take Advantage of Limited-Time Avios Promotions

British Airways and its partners may offer limited-time opportunities to earn additional Avios. These can include shopping bonuses, travel promotions, hotel offers, or incentives from financial partners. Availability and terms change, so a promotion should be checked at the time of booking or purchase.

A bonus offer is most valuable when it applies to spending that is already planned. Members should review minimum-spend requirements, eligible dates, exclusions, and the registration deadline. An attractive headline bonus can be poor value if it requires a more expensive booking or spending beyond the original budget.

Best for: Members who can meet the offer requirements through planned purchases and travel.

22. Buy Avios When the Price Makes Sense

British Airways offers ways for members to buy Avios, including options for topping up a balance when they are short of a reward. Buying points differs from earning them through normal spending: you pay directly for the additional currency, and the price may not offer good value for every redemption.

A purchase can be worth considering when a specific reward is available and buying the missing Avios costs less than the alternative. For example, if a member is just short of the amount needed for a confirmed reward flight, the current purchase price can be compared with the cash fare and any taxes or fees due on the award.

Avoid buying a large balance without a clear plan. Reward pricing, availability, and purchase promotions can change, and holding extra points does not guarantee a future redemption at today’s price.

Best for: Travelers who need a small, cost-effective top-up for a specific redemption.

23. Link Eligible Avios Accounts and Move Points Between Programs

Several airline loyalty programs, including The British Airways Club, Iberia Club, AerClub, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, use Avios. Under applicable linking and program rules, eligible members may be able to move Avios between participating accounts. Check the exact process, eligibility, and restrictions with the programs involved.

Moving points between accounts does not create new Avios by itself. Its advantage is flexibility: a traveler may be able to bring an existing Avios balance into the program best suited to a particular redemption, where permitted.

Members should ensure that account details match, follow the official linking procedure, and check the destination program’s redemption rules before transferring. Transfers can be subject to program-specific conditions, and members should not assume that every account or transaction qualifies.

Best for: Travelers who already hold Avios in more than one participating loyalty program and want to consolidate or position their points for an eligible reward.

Which Avios Earning Methods Are Best?

The best earning method depends on where a traveler lives, which financial products are available, and how often they travel. The table below summarizes the main options and what to consider before using them.

Earning method	Best suited to	Main consideration
British Airways flights	Frequent BA passengers	Fare and flight eligibility
oneworld partner flights	Travelers using partner airlines	Booking-class rules
Premium-cabin flights	Travelers already buying premium fares	Higher fare may outweigh reward value
Eligible credit cards	Responsible cardholders	Fees, interest, and local eligibility
Chase Ultimate Rewards	Eligible U.S. cardholders	Current transfer terms
American Express Membership Rewards	Eligible cardholders	Transfer ratio and account eligibility
Hotel points transfers	Members with surplus hotel points	Compare hotel and Avios redemption value
Hotel bookings	Travelers paying for accommodation	Price and cancellation conditions
Car rentals	Travelers already renting a vehicle	Total rental cost and exclusions
Avios shopping portal	Online shoppers	Track eligible purchases correctly
Nectar conversion	UK Nectar members	Compare alternative uses for points
British Airways Holidays	Package-holiday travelers	Package value and qualifying terms
Buying Avios	Members short of a specific reward	Price per Avios and redemption availability

How to Earn Avios Faster Without Overspending

Collecting Avios efficiently is less about using all 23 methods and more about combining the ones that fit normal spending and travel plans.

1. Start With the Spending Already Planned

Check whether upcoming flights, hotel reservations, rental cars, or online purchases qualify for Avios. If two options have similar prices and conditions, the eligible earning option may offer additional value.

2. Compare Transfer Options Before Moving Points

Bank and hotel points can have other redemption uses. Before transferring them to Avios, confirm the transfer ratio, any bonus, the processing time, and whether the intended reward is available. A transfer bonus is useful only if you can use the resulting points effectively.

3. Use Promotions Selectively

Register for relevant offers before making a qualifying purchase, where registration is required. Read the small print for eligible dates, minimum spending, exclusions, and crediting times. Avoid buying more than planned just to unlock a bonus.

4. Keep Track of Every Eligible Transaction

Use the British Airways Club account and Avios app to review balances and recent activity. Keep booking confirmations and receipts until the expected rewards have appeared. If points are missing, check the relevant program’s claim procedure and deadline.

5. Have a Redemption Goal

Avios are most useful when they help pay for a trip or other reward that the traveler genuinely wants. Compare the Avios required, taxes and fees, cash alternative, and availability before transferring points or buying extra Avios.

What Can British Airways Avios Be Used For?

You can redeem Avios for eligible reward flights and other travel options, including cabin upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals. Depending on the program and offer, additional redemption options may also be available.

Reward availability and prices vary by route, date, cabin, and booking conditions. A traveler should compare the total cash cost of an award booking—including taxes and fees—with the cost of buying the same trip outright. A redemption that looks attractive in points may not always deliver the best value.

British Airways and participating programs also have rules for reward bookings, including availability and cancellation or change conditions. Those terms should be reviewed before committing Avios to a reservation.

Read Carefully: The Definitive Guide to British Airways’ Direct Routes From the U.S. Plane Types and Seats

Final Takeaway

The most effective way to earn British Airways Avios is to combine eligible flights with rewards from spending and bookings that already fit a traveler’s plans. Credit cards, hotel partners, shopping portals, and transferable points can help build a balance, while promotions and account-linking options may offer additional flexibility.

Before committing money or transferring points, check the current earning rate, program eligibility, and intended redemption. A large Avios balance is useful only when it helps secure rewards at a value that makes sense for the traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions