New BMI award chart published

A new partner award chart has quietly appeared on the BMI website.

Now, this is odd.  Remember that from 3rd July, Avios and Diamond Club miles will be interchangeable.   What is the point, then, of having different redemption levels for certain zones?  Tokyo is 200k DC in J, but only 120k Avios.  Singapore is 160k vs 140k using Avios, as is Buenos Aires.

That said, at the ‘100k for long-haul Business’ level, the miles needed appear the same – 100k to the US (albeit New York and other East Coast destinations are now just 80k with Avios), South Africa, India, Caribbean etc.

I also have no idea why there is 27,000 mile price for First Class near-Europe flights, since no such cabin exists!

The good news is that Virgin remains on the list as a partner.  Whether it is still there on 3rd July when you will be able to transfer in Avios remains to be seen. 

It would be very odd if you were able to spend BAEC miles on VS flights, and the odd date of 3rd July to start Avios to DC transfers makes me think that this date was picked to match a break point in BMI’s contract with Virgin.

How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (December 2021)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!

There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:

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

You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points, such as:

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

Run your own business?

We recommend Capital On Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, along with a sign-up bonus worth 10,500 Avios:

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

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

You should also consider the British Airways Accelerating Business credit card. This is open to sole traders as well as limited companies and has a 30,000 Avios sign-up bonus:

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

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.

(Want to earn more Avios?  Click here to visit our home page for our latest articles on earning and spending your Avios points and click here to see how to earn more Avios this month from offers and promotions.)