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.

Cathay Pacific Business Class 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.

First Class on British Airways Boeing 787-9

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?

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