American Express Preferred Rewards Gold vs British Airways American Express Premium Plus
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold wins 4-2. UK spenders who want Membership Rewards points with a free first year. British Airways American Express Premium Plus is still the right call if heavy british airways flyers chasing avios and tier points..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Preferred Rewards Gold | British Airways American Express Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | £195 | · £300 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 1% (general) | 1.25% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 1.25% |
| Forex markup | = N/A | = N/A |
| Welcome bonus | 20,000 Membership Rewards points after £3,000 spend in three months | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | £20,000 | · £35,000 |
| Min credit score | = N/A | = N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
- 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent
- Annual fee £195, £0 in the first year
- Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
British Airways American Express Premium Plus
- 1.25 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases
- From 1 April 2027, 1 British Airways tier point per £10 of eligible spend, up to 3,000 a year
- Travel inconvenience cover, including £200 for flight delay and £750 for delayed baggage
FAQ
›American Express Preferred Rewards Gold vs British Airways American Express Premium Plus: which is better?
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold wins on more dimensions (4 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Preferred Rewards Gold for its best categories, British Airways American Express Premium Plus for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold: 20,000 Membership Rewards points after £3,000 spend in three months. British Airways American Express Premium Plus doesn't list a welcome bonus.