Pick up 20,000 Avios for getting the BMI credit card

For most of 2011, UK frequent fliers who track the US market could only sit back and stare as credit card sign-up bonuses went crazy.  Ironically, the credit card that BA launched in conjunction with Chase was one of the most extravagant, with a whopping 100,000 Avios sign-up bonus if certain spend targets were hit.  Suddenly 9,000 Avios for getting the UK BA Amex didn’t look quite so exciting after all.

The good news – no, let’s make that excellent news – is that UK credit card sign-ups are getting a lot more interesting.  As of today, you are spoilt for choice between the SPG Amex, Amex Preferred Rewards Gold, Amex Platinum and the BA Premium Plus Amex.  And that is before you look at the better hotel cards, such as the new Hilton card which comes with a free night at any Hilton Group property worldwide – worth £200+ if used widely.

For now, though, the BMI Diamond Club credit card, issued by MBNA, is one to focus on.  Whilst BA now owns BMI and is rapidly converting it to BA, the BMI credit card still exists and still accepts new applicants.  Similarly, BMI’s Diamond Club is still open to new members.  And from July 3rd, you will be able to transfer miles from BMI to BAEC at 1:1.

The card is a combined Amex and Visa, and comes in two versions – a free one, with a 20,000 mile sign-up bonus, and an £85 paid version with a 24,000 mile bonus.  The earnings rate is 1.5 or 2 miles per £1 on the Amex, and 0.75 or 1 mile per £1 on the Visa.

The issuer is MBNA, ie Bank of America.  MBNA is generally very leniant about giving out cards, with none of the high income requirements that Amex wants.  Even my old Mum got these cards, and she is a low-income pensioner.

There is no reason for not jumping on the free version of the card whilst you can – perhaps even persuading your partner and / or parents to get one too (you can create a Family Account via Diamond Club and transfer all the miles to yourself).  You only need to spend £250 to trigger the bonus of 20,000 miles. 

I do not recommend the £85 version, as the additional 4,000 bonus miles are not worth that, and it is unlikely that this card will be around in six months time anyway as BA fully integrates BMI.

Want to earn more points from credit cards? – December 2021 update

If you are looking to apply for a new credit or charge card, here are our November 2021 recommendations based on the current sign-up bonus. 

You can see our full directory of all UK cards which earn airline or hotel points here. Here are the top current deals:

British Airways American Express

5,000 Avios for signing up, no annual fee and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending ….. Read our full review

British Airways American Express Premium Plus

25,000 Avios and the UK’s most valuable credit card perk – the 2-4-1 companion voucher Read our full review

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & two airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

Earning miles and points from small business cards

If you are a sole trader or run a small company, you may also want to check out these offers.

American Express Business Gold

20,000 points sign-up bonus and free for a year Read our full review

American Express Business Platinum

40,000 points sign-up bonus and a long list of travel benefits Read our full review

British Airways Accelerating Business American Express

30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

The most generous Avios Visa or Mastercard for a limited company Read our full review

For a non-American Express option, we also recommend the Barclaycard Select Cashback card for sole traders and small businesses. It is FREE and you receive 1% cashback on your spending:

Barclaycard Select Cashback Credit Card

1% cashback and no annual fee Read our full review