Avios is the currency that is earned by members of the BA Executive Club & Iberia. British Airways Executive Club is a transfer partner for American Express in India. In India, the following American Express Cards offer the ability to convert to Avios:

• American Express Gold Charge Card
• American Express Platinum Charge Card
• American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card
• American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
• American Express Platinum Corporate Card
• American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

Over the years, Amex and Avios have run transfer offers where there is an increased points bonus offered on conversion. In 2013, they offered a 30% bonus. 

25% Avios American Express Bonus

Through July 31, 2018, you can get a 25% bonus when you convert your American Express Membership Rewards to Avios. This bonus is valid for Indian Amex customers only.On a usual day, 2 American Express Membership Rewards points convert to one 1 Avios. However, under the current promotion, you get 1.25 Avios.

Avios are some pretty valuable currency if you’re based where I am. The whole gamut of oneworld partners can be booked using Avios. For instance, I’ve used 37,500 Avios per head to book a business class ticket between Hong Kong to Mumbai.

In 2015, during my #redcarpettrip, I used Avios for a short haul redemption between Washington DC and New York at only 4500 Avios in Economy (since changed to 7500). Even with 7500 Avios, I redeemed them this year as well while being in the USA for trips between New York and Washington DC, and 4500 Avios between Dublin & London per head.

And of course, I redeemed a 100K Avios per head this year for a trip in British Airways’ 787-9 between London and Mumbai on First Class on the trip to London and Dublin this year. The APD did pinch, but it was still a deal as compared to paying full price.

Should you transfer?

There are so many partner airlines that BA deals with, such as Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Alaska Air, American Airlines and so on, that it is a very good offer in my view. I would even be transferring some points speculatively, even though I already have a six-figure balance in my Avios kitty right now with all the flying I’ve been doing on British Airways recently. Also, clubbed with the current 50% off on Avios Redemptions, this is a double dipping sort of promotion.

Bottomline

While your mileage may vary, I do recommend transferring some points to Avios, since these kinds of big bonuses do not come very often.

Do you plan to benefit from the 25% bonus on the transfer of points from American Express to your BA Executive Club Account?