BUILD YOUR BALANCE

How to earn Avios in the UK

Start with spending you already plan to make. Flights, cards, shopping and travel partners can all contribute, but fees should never outweigh the reward.

Written by Rob GibbsBritish Airways Club member & Avios collectorLast reviewed August 2026

The main ways to collect Avios

  • Flights: eligible BA-marketed flights generally earn from the eligible fare and your Club tier; partner methods can differ.
  • Credit cards and banking: compare annual fees, interest and benefits with your normal spending.
  • Shopping: use official shopping portals or linked-card offers when the retailer and price already suit you.
  • Hotels, car hire and holidays: add your membership number and check whether booking direct is required.
  • Transfers and conversions: check the rate and whether you are giving up a more useful reward currency.

Calculate flight earnings

Use the Avios earning calculator for BA-marketed flights. It separates eligible fare from taxes and applies the current 6, 7, 8 or 9 Avios per £1 tier rate.

Avoid unnecessary purchases made only for points. Interest, subscription costs and inflated partner prices can erase the value of the Avios earned.

Frequently asked questions

For BA-marketed flights, earnings are generally based on eligible spend and your British Airways Club tier. Current rates are 6 Avios per £1 for Blue, 7 for Bronze, 8 for Silver and 9 for Gold.

Yes. Depending on eligibility and current partner terms, common routes include credit cards, shopping portals, linked cards, hotels, car hire, holidays and financial partners.

British Airways currently allows eligible flight claims up to six months after travel. New members may be able to claim eligible BA flights taken in the three months before joining.

Sources & further reading

The Avios figures, fees and tier-point details on this page are based on official British Airways and Avios information, reviewed and refreshed regularly. British Airways can change reward pricing and availability at any time, so always confirm current figures with British Airways before booking.

Independent guidance only. Check live pricing, availability and terms with British Airways before acting. How this site is maintained.

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