If you travel regularly for work, using an Avios business credit card could be a big benefit to your company.
Travel expenses such as hotel stays and flights can accumulate quickly with each trip, but one effective way to cut costs is by using an Avios business credit card.
There are several cards to choose from, and they allow you to collect points when you use them, which can be redeemed for future travel and accommodation.
In this article, we will explore the best Avios business credit cards, looking at how they work, their pros and cons, and how to pick the right one.
| Service | Score | Register |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Capital on Tap Business Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 2. American Express Business Gold Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 3. American Express Business Platinum Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 4. Barclaycard Premium Plus Business Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 5. British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 6. RBS Business Plus Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
What are Avios business credit cards?
Avios business credit cards allow you to accumulate Avios points with each business expense.
These points can be redeemed on business expenses, offering savings for your business. You can use these points for various expenses such as hotel stays, flights, car rentals, shopping vouchers, and other travel rewards.
Avios business credit cards differ significantly from personal credit cards, particularly in terms of their rewards structure and specific features. According to Forbes, 88.61% of new business owners have at least three business credit cards, many of which include flight rewards.
How does an Avios business credit card work?
Avios business credit cards work by allowing you to receive points when you use the card for specific purchases, and you can build points in multiple ways.
For example, you may spend money on retailers or flights with airlines that are partnered with your Avios business credit card.
In most circumstances, you will earn one point per pound you spend with partnered retailers. However, each card is different, so you may earn more depending on the provider. If you collect or spend a minimum of one point every 36 months, the points will not expire.
You can join Avios by selecting a partner airline club. The card issuer will then provide you with a credit card and number, which you provide to each retailer when you make a purchase.
What are the main credit card features to consider?
The following features are worth looking at when considering which card to choose.
- Annual fee: Make sure you consider the required annual fee. Consider whether you can afford this expense and if the ratio of points to expense is worth it for your business.
- Transaction fees abroad: Some Avios cards have lower, or no, transaction fees when you use them abroad.
- Flexibility: Some Avios credit cards for businesses are more flexible. For instance, you can convert 300 Avios points to 400 Nectar points to redeem in other ways, allowing you to spend your points on other expenses.
- Additional perks and advantages: Some perks may be included such as travel insurance and access to airport lounges.
- Bonuses for referrals: There might be a referral bonuses which lets you earn Avios points when you refer another business.
The pros and cons of Avios business credit cards
Before we get to our list of the best Avios business credit cards for businesses, we have explored the essential advantages and disadvantages of this business credit card type.
Here are the pros and cons to consider and look for.
Pros
✔️ Various rewards available — From reward flights and wine to airport lounge access and hotel stays, a wide array of rewards are available.
✔️ Receive additional cards — You can receive additional cards for each of your colleagues. Each colleague can also set up an individual account to build Avios points.
✔️ Introductory bonus — In some cases, if you join Avios at the correct time, and follow the conditions of the card, you can benefit from an introductory bonus.
Cons
❌️ You cannot accumulate points in one account with every provider — While it's possible for each colleague to build Avios points in a separate account, you cannot collectively build them in one account.
❌️ High annual fees — Fees may be higher with Avios cards.
❌️ High borrowing fees — If you need to borrow money using a business credit card with Avios this can also come with high fees.
Best Avios Business Credit Cards
This section contains the best six options, including their advantages and disadvantages.
| Credit Card | Standout Feature | Interest-Free Period |
| Capital on Tap Business Credit Card | £250,000 credit limit; 10,000 bonus Avios | 42 days |
| American Express Business Gold Card | Up to 99 complimentary Employee Cards | 56 days |
| American Express Business Platinum Card | Annual £200 travel credit; Access to 1,200 lounges | 55 days |
| Barclaycard Premium Plus Business Credit Card | 0.5% cashback on all spend, up to £400 per year | 56 days |
| British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card | Earn double points on BA flights | 56 days |
| RBS Business Plus Credit Card | 3% cashback on eligible fuel and travel arrangements | 56 days |
1. Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
Credit Limit
Representative % APR (variable)
As low as 15.5% APR
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Earn Avios points on every purchase.
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Uncapped 1% cashback on all spend.
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Exclusive offers like savings at Hertz, Zoom, Superscript, and more.
Representative Example – Your APR and credit limit vary depending on your circumstances.
An interest-free period of 42 days applies to the Capital On Tap Avios credit card for businesses.
Choosing the Free Rewards option with Capital On Tap means you won't pay an annual fee. However, opting for Avios rewards incurs a £99 annual fee, and you'll receive 10,000 bonus points if you spend £5,000 within the first three months.
Capital On Tap offers a credit limit of up to £250,000 as your business grows, along with numerous benefits. For instance, you can earn points redeemable for gift cards, cashback, and other perks with every purchase.
This card provider also allows you to issue multiple free cards for your employees. Additionally, it supports integration with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or FreeAgent, facilitating easy payment synchronization.
The application process for Capital On Tap is straightforward, and their flexible eligibility criteria increase your chances of approval when you apply for their business credit card.
Advantages of Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
✔️ This credit card provider offers a generous sign-up bonus.
✔️ Capital On Tap offers an interest-free period of 42 days.
Disadvantages of Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
❌️ High interest rates apply to cash withdrawals.
2. American Express Business Gold Card
American Express Business Gold Card
Credit Limit
None
Representative % APR (variable)
None
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Annual fee £195 (£0 in the first year).
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Membership Rewards® points.
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Up to 99 complimentary Employee Cards.
Turn business purchases into rewards and keep your cashflow flowing.
The American Express Business Gold card offers several benefits ideal for small business owners.
Upon signing up and spending £3,000, your business can earn 20,000 membership rewards points and enjoy no annual fees for the first year. Afterward, the annual fee is £195.
This card allows you to earn two points for every £1 spent on American Express travel and one point per £1 on other purchases. These benefits extend to your employees when they use their cards for business expenses.
Additional perks include earning 10,000 points for every £20,000 spent quarterly and up to 9,000 points for each business you refer, with a maximum of 90,000 points per year. The card also offers a 56-day interest-free period.
You'll also benefit from annual discounts of £500 at select retailers such as Airbnb, Amazon, and British Airways, making it easier to save money.
American Express provides purchase protection, covering the cost of replacing or repairing faulty goods up to £2,500 per item.
The card comes with a convenient app for uploading, scanning, and managing expenses. It supports integration with your accounting software, enhancing its utility as one of the best business credit card choices.
Advantages of American Express Business Gold Card
✔️ This business credit card provider offers an app to upload and scan expenses.
✔️ Repair and replacement costs apply to faulty goods with this provider.
Disadvantages of American Express Business Gold Card
❌️ An annual fee of £195 applies after one year.
3. American Express Business Platinum Card
American Express Business Platinum Card
Credit Limit
None
Representative % APR (variable)
None
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Annual fee £650.
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Membership Rewards® points.
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Business Premium Services.
Enjoy a world of premium business benefits.
The American Express Business Platinum card is highly suitable for business travellers with substantial expenses. For every £1 spent, your business earns a point towards rewards like access to over 1,200 airport lounges across more than 130 countries.
Upon joining and spending £6,000 within the first three months, you can earn a sign-up bonus of 40,000 points. The annual fee for this card is £650.
Purchases over £10,000 a month earn double points, enhancing the card's value. Additionally, you'll receive an annual £200 travel credit for purchases made at American Express Travel, making this one of the premier business credit cards for flight-related rewards.
Using this card for hotel bookings unlocks complimentary perks such as room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.
The card also offers travel insurance, covering up to 120 days per business trip. Moreover, there is a 55-day interest-free period available, adding to its benefits for frequent business travellers.
Advantages of American Express Business Platinum Card
✔️ This business credit card provider offers an app to upload and scan expenses.
✔️ Double points incentive applies when you spend more than £10,000 in a month.
Disadvantages of American Express Business Platinum Card
❌️ This provider expects high annual fees of £650.
4. Barclaycard Premium Plus Business Credit Card
Barclaycard Premium Plus Business Credit Card
Credit Limit
Minimum £1,000
Representative % APR (variable)
56.8% APR
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Up to 56 days’ interest-free credit when you pay in full and on time.
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£150 annual fee.
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0.5% cashback on all eligible spend, up to £400 per year.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 20.2% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 56.8% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
The Barclaycard Premium Plus Business credit card comes with an annual fee of £150 and offers a 56-day interest-free period, provided you make repayments on time. There are numerous other benefits to consider with this card.
Choosing this card allows you to save on business-related foreign exchange fees — specifically, you'll save 2% on transactions made with overseas merchants. Additionally, you'll earn cashback on all eligible business spending and have access to travel insurance options.
This card also provides specific rewards for frequent flyers, such as airport lounge access when used as a priority pass. You can enjoy two complimentary lounge visits when you opt for this business credit card.
The Barclaycard Premium Plus Business credit card allows you to issue multiple cards for your employees, which can be managed through the MyControls feature. Rest assured, Barclaycard monitors your account for suspicious activity and will alert you immediately if anything unusual is detected.
As an example of their terms, Barclaycard indicates that for a credit limit of £1,200, the annual percentage rate (APR) is 56.8%. This means if you carry a balance, the interest rate applied over the year would be 56.8%.
Advantages of Barclaycard Premium Plus Business Credit Card
✔️ This credit card provider offers a 56-day interest-free period.
✔️ You can save on business-related foreign exchange fees with this provider.
Disadvantages of Barclaycard Premium Plus Business Credit Card
❌️ This card does not offer a bonus for signing up.
5. British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card
British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card
Credit Limit
Minimum £1,500
Representative % APR (variable)
108.4% APR
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Get up to 56 days without interest on purchases.
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Annual fee £250.
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Complimentary Employee Cards for your employees.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 28.5% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 108.4% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
The British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card will offer you 1.5 points for every £1 you spend with your card. You can also get 10,000 extra Avios points as a bonus when you spend £20,000 three times during the year and earn double points for each pound when you spend your money on eligible British Airways flights.
Another advantage of this business credit card is the chance to get 56 days for an interest-free period when you repay your balance on time and in full.
You can receive 20 cards for your employees with the British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business credit card, and you can consolidate all expenses in one account.
You can spend Avios points you earn as a business from this provider on eligible British Airways bookings. Examples of how you can spend your points include arranging reward flights and more through British Airways and a couple of other eligible airlines such as Iberia and American Airlines.
Additional features are available with the British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card. You can receive travel accident benefits of up to £250,000 if you travel by public transport to take part in a business trip. It's possible to receive £200 in terms of cover if you miss your connecting flight or experience delays.
The On Business British Airways Loyalty Programme also applies, meaning you can upgrade flights 24 hours before your first flight departs. You won't receive cancellation fees and can save money more easily.
Advantages of British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card
✔️ This provider offers a 56-day interest-free period.
✔️ You can receive travel accident benefits of up to £250,000.
Disadvantages of British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card
❌️ Foreign exchange transaction fees apply.
6. RBS Business Plus Credit Card
RBS Business Plus Credit Card
Credit Limit
Min. £500
Representative % APR (variable)
29% APR
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Up to 56 days interest-free credit period on purchases.
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No foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad.
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£70 annual fee per cardholder.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 13.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 29% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
RBS Business Plus credit card is not strictly an Avios credit card, but it makes this list for its fee-free overseas feature and travel perks. You can use this credit card abroad in many locations and avoid being charged fees.
This feature means you will not receive non-sterling transaction fees when you travel or make purchases abroad, making it the ideal option if your employees need to travel internationally.
A couple of the RBS Business Plus credit card's features include that you can also earn 3% cashback on eligible fuel and travel arrangements, which includes airline cashback, vehicle rental hire and rail travel and receive an interest-free period of 56 days when you pay your balance in full.
The annual fee for the RBS Business Plus Credit card is £70 for each card. In their representative example, RBS states that for a credit limit of £1,200, the APR is 29%, and the purchase rate is 13.9%.
Advantages of RBS Business Plus Credit Card
✔️ Airline cashback perks apply to this business credit card.
✔️ No non-sterling transaction fees apply to purchases abroad.
Disadvantages of RBS Business Plus Credit Card
❌️ Annual fees apply to this card.
Best Avios Business Credit Cards: The Verdict
Choosing the right option will require you to consider your business's specific needs and match them to the appropriate credit card.
By reviewing this list, you'll easily identify some of the best options for travel perks and Avios points that can benefit your business trips.
Top choices include the American Express Business Gold Card and Capital On Tap. However, make sure to thoroughly research the available cards to find the one that best suits your business and employee needs.
