Bits and pieces for Monday 11th

BA has launched a 30% bonus for buying Avios running to 2nd August.  The maximum 31,000 Avios will cost you £399.  This is, however, still more expensive than the current offer for buying BMI miles that I wrote about recently and which runs to 30th June.

According to this FlyerTalk thread, Amex has changed the conversion rate on the International Dollar Card Membership Rewards scheme from 1:1 into Avios to 3:2.  This closes one of the most interesting loopholes available, whereby you could get an IDC Amex, transfer your UK Membership Rewards balance across, get a bonus equal to the current UK / US$ exchange rate (so roughly a 60% bonus) and still get the same 1:1 transfer rate. 

The airlines are now in line with the hotel IDC transfer rates, which were already about 50% weaker than the UK MR transfer rate.  Delta, SAS and Flying Blue have also moved to 3:2, whilst Malaysian, Iberia, Cathay, Virgin, Finnair and Singapore remain 1:1.  You can of course transfer to Iberia and then to BA Avios (although your IB account must be 90 days old to do this) although it is debatable how long this will last.

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