Maximising Avios points

Leard91

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to refine my strategy for maximising Avios via credit card rewards. Currently, I use an Amex Premium Cashback card, but I’d like to switch to a new Amex to take advantage of a sign-up bonus.

My understanding is that to qualify for a new member bonus, you must not have held a personal Amex card for at least two years. (Is this still the case, or have the rules shifted recently?)

My proposed plan:

1. Close my Amex Cashback account.

2. In the meantime, switch to a Barclaycard Avios Mastercard as my primary card.

3. Use the Barclaycard for two years to "reset" my Amex eligibility.

4. After the two-year gap, re-apply for an Amex to secure a fresh sign-up bonus.

Given that many retailers are increasingly refusing Amex, having a solid Mastercard/Visa alternative seems sensible anyway.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on a few things:

• Does this "wait-and-switch" plan seem like the most efficient way to do it?

• Are there other ways to maximise Avios that I might be missing?

• Is there a better alternative to Avios for general spending rewards that offers superior value?

Note: I’m a responsible spender and pay my balance in full every month. I’m interested purely in the rewards/points analysis, so please no lectures on credit limits or APR, I'm well aware of how to manage the accounts!

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and any analysis you can share.

MyRealNameToo

The world must be increasingly different outside London as here AmEx is ever more supported. Even our local market most the traders now use Square, SumUp or Zettle and so all accept AmEx. 

You would need to look at which AmEx card you are thinking of getting, what their rules are for earning points. Combining that with your proposed spend will tell you if you are better off having the Barclays and no AmEx for 2 years to qualify for the signup bonus or if you are better off earning more points now by having the AmEx that it outweighs the signup bonus.

If you do go for the dump and wait approach then get someone to recommend you for the card, you may get a better signup bonus but it does vary depending on the status of the person referring you. 

You can forgo cash back and get Avios instead via https://www.avios.com/en-GB/collect-avios/?opco=BA, You can convert Nectar points to Avios if you shop in Sainsburys etc. there are various services (TV, mobile, utilities) that offer avois too either as a sign up bonus or based on ongoing spend. 

With a lot of these other methods obviously check the option with Avios is better value than buying elsewhere for a lower price without Avios

sausage_time

This article talks about maximising Avios earnings:

https://www.headforpoints.com/2026/01/05/10-tips-for-earning-and-redeeming-avios-2/

In turn, the article has links to Barclays and Amex strategies.