AMEX British Airways vs Gold Rewards

Legacy_user

Hi, I just got my new (and first) AMEX. The British Airways card.
But I am thinking I maybe made the wrong choice.
The BA card is great if you can hit the 10k/25k spending threshold to get the companion ticket on BA. But I son't think I will manage that. I don't actually spend a lot day to day. Most of my money goes on my mortgage and bills. I don't buy a lot of "things".
I'm now wondering if I should have gone for the Gold rewards card. It gives me 2 lounge visits (if I am not flying BA). and more avios here and there also some other benefits. Also looks nicer. :rotfl:

Do you think I can ask AMEX if I can change or what is best thing to do. I'm pretty sure the Gold is a better all round card if I can't hit the companion voucher threshold.

2ilent8cho

Can you pay for any of your bills with AMEX? I cancelled almost all my Direct Debts and pay via card for my EE phone bill, council tax, water, TV licence, i also put my energy on minimum direct debt and make large payments online every few months. This may help you meet the spend if they accept AMEX.

System

2ilent8cho wrote: »

Can you pay for any of your bills with AMEX? I cancelled almost all my Direct Debts and pay via card for my EE phone bill, council tax, water, TV licence, i also put my energy on minimum direct debt and make large payments online every few months. This may help you meet the spend if they accept AMEX.

Sadly my council don't accept AMEX, my phone bill is only £15 a month. I don't think sticking Energy on it (no water in Scotland) would do it.

madvicker

The Gold card would only make sense for the first year while it's free - after which it doesn't appear you'll get much value out of it for £140 a year. Probably best to keep the free BA card and see if you can get the Gold card as well, just remember to cancel it after the first year and transfer the points where you need them. Amex policy allows you to hold 2 different credit cards I believe.

System

madvicker wrote: »

The Gold card would only make sense for the first year while it's free - after which it doesn't appear you'll get much value out of it for £140 a year. Probably best to keep the free BA card and see if you can get the Gold card as well, just remember to cancel it after the first year and transfer the points where you need them. Amex policy allows you to hold 2 different credit cards I believe.

It does, but it doesnt allow you to collect Avios on both.

madvicker

beany_bot wrote: »

It does, but it doesnt allow you to collect Avios on both.

What are you talking about? Not sure what you mean.

You collect membership reward points on the Gold card which you can then convert into Avios points if you wish - or any number of airline/hotel schemes (amongst yet more options)

1 membership reward point is worth more than an Avios point just because of the flexibility.