In the world of travel rewards, Avios stand as a versatile and valuable currency, offering travellers a gateway to unforgettable experiences and destinations. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a casual adventurer, understanding the intricacies of collecting and spending Avios can significantly enhance your travel experiences. This comprehensive guide will delve into the most effective methods for accumulating Avios.
The BA Shopping Portal allows you to earn Avios by shopping with partner retailers. When you access a retailer's site through the portal, your purchase is tracked, and you earn Avios based on the amount you spend. It's a simple concept: the more you shop, the more Avios you earn. However, to maximise your rewards, it's important to understand the system's nuances. You must always allow all cookies when using the portal and associated links, and do always check the details for each offer to ensure your purchase qualifies.
Create or Log into Your BA Account | Before you begin shopping, ensure you're logged into your British Airways Executive Club account. This ensures that your Avios are correctly credited to your account.
Browse Participating Retailers | The portal partners with hundreds of retailers across various categories, including fashion, electronics, travel, and more. Familiarise yourself with these retailers, as you may be surprised by how many stores you already shop at.
Look for Bonus Avios Offers | The portal regularly features special promotions that offer bonus Avios for shopping with specific retailers or purchasing certain items. These promotions can significantly boost your earnings.
Seasonal Promotions: During peak shopping periods like Black Friday, Christmas, or back-to-school seasons, many retailers offer bonus Avios. Keep an eye on these promotions and plan your purchases accordingly.
New Retailers The portal frequently adds new partners, often launching them with bonus Avios promotions. Stay updated by checking the portal regularly or subscribing to newsletters for alerts.
Stack Your Earnings with Credit Card Rewards To really supercharge your Avios earnings, use a British Airways or other travel rewards credit card when shopping through the portal. This way, you'll earn points from both the portal and your credit card.
Use a British Airways Credit Card: The BA credit card (offered by Barclaycard and American Express) often offers Avios for every pound spent. By using it on the portal, you're essentially earning double.
Consider Other Rewards Cards: If you have a credit card that offers higher rewards for online shopping, travel, or specific categories, consider using it to maximise your Avios and cashback or points from your credit card program. British Airways collaborates with several credit card providers, offering lucrative sign-up bonuses and Avios for everyday spending. For instance, the British Airways American Express card is renowned for its generous welcome offer after meeting a minimum spend requirement. Using these cards for routine purchases, particularly in high-earning categories such as travel and dining, can rapidly increase your Avios balance. Please note that interest charges on these cards can be very high and it is absolutely imperative that you pay off the credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Be Strategic with Big-Ticket Purchases Big-ticket items, such as electronics or luxury goods, are perfect for maximising Avios earnings. Since the number of Avios you earn is often tied to the amount you spend, these purchases can offer substantial rewards.
Plan Your Purchases: If you're planning to buy an expensive item, check the portal first to see if a retailer offers Avios. The difference between earning 1 Avios per £1 and 5 Avios per £1 can add up quickly with larger purchases.
Watch for Sales: Combine sales with Avios earnings. For instance, buying a high-end laptop during a sale through the portal could earn you a significant amount of Avios, especially if bonus promotions are also in play.
Don't Forget About Everyday Purchases While big-ticket items offer significant Avios, don't overlook the power of everyday spending. Groceries, clothing, and household items all contribute to your Avios balance when purchased through the portal. For example, shopping at Sainsbury's will earn you extra Avios, the points accrued on your Nectar Card can also be linked and converted to Avios, and using a BA credit card will mean you earn three times for one online food shop.
Small Purchases Add Up: Even if you're only earning a few Avios per purchase, frequent shopping can quickly boost your balance.
Use Subscription Services: Many subscription services, such as meal kits, streaming services, or beauty boxes, can be purchased through the portal. Since these are recurring expenses, they represent a consistent source of Avios.
Monitor Your Avios Earnings After making a purchase, it can take some time for Avios to be credited to your account. Keep track of your purchases and regularly check your Avios balance.
Track Pending Avios: The portal usually provides an estimated time frame for Avios to appear in your account. If they don’t post within the expected time, reach out to customer service with your purchase details.
Refer Friends and Family Many rewards programs, including the BA Shopping Portal, offer referral bonuses. By inviting friends or family to join the portal, you can earn additional Avios when they make their first purchase.
Maximise Referrals If you have friends or family members who are also frequent online shoppers, encourage them to join the portal through your referral link. You’ll both benefit from the extra Avios.
Understanding How the BA Shopping Portal Works
Other Ways to Earn
Buying wine through The Wine Flyer Collecting Avios through The Wine Flyer is a simple and enjoyable way to earn rewards while indulging in quality wines. By shopping through The Wine Flyer, you can earn Avios points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related rewards. This service often features special promotions and exclusive offers, allowing you to maximize your Avios collection while exploring a curated selection of wines from around the world. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking to boost your Avios balance, The Wine Flyer provides a seamless and rewarding shopping experience.
Earn Avios for hotel stays Collecting Avios through Avios Hotels is an excellent way to boost your rewards balance while enjoying comfortable and luxurious stays around the world. By booking your accommodation through Avios Hotels, you will earn at least 10 Avios per pound for every night spent at a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to premium resorts. Many global hotel chains, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, provide opportunities to earn Avios for each stay. You can either collect Avios directly or transfer hotel loyalty points into Avios.
Flying with British Airways and Oneworld Partners The most straightforward method of collecting Avios is by flying with British Airways or its esteemed Oneworld alliance partners, including American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Your Avios earnings are based on the distance traveled, the class of service, and your tier within the British Airways Executive Club. Opt for higher fare classes like Business or First, which not only enhance your travel experience but also earn you more Avios. Additionally, if you hold Gold or Silver status, you benefit from bonus Avios on every flight.
Car Rentals and Other Partnerships You can also earn Avios through car rentals with partners like Avis and Budget. Additionally, British Airways has various other partnerships where you can collect Avios, including insurance companies and telecom providers. Always review the Avios earning rates and promotional offers from different partners to ensure you're making the most of your spending.
