Compare Business Credit Cards with Air Miles (and Avios)

For UK businesses that travel regularly, a credit card that earns air miles or Avios is more than a perk. It’s a genuine way to reduce the cost of every trip you take. Whether you fly British Airways, use Oneworld partners, or want maximum flexibility across multiple airlines, the right card can turn everyday business spending into free flights and upgrades.

However, the market is more complex than it looks. Card types differ (credit card vs charge card), earning rates vary, and brands are changing their offerings regularly. We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.

We’ve spent time comparing annual fees, interest rates, Avios and air miles earning rates, welcome bonuses, travel perks, and eligibility requirements, and verified every figure against current provider information as of February 2026.

Quick verdict: If you want the best no-fee Avios card, choose Capital on Tap Free. For the highest earning rate on a dedicated Avios card, the BA Amex Accelerating Business is the standout. For flexibility across 17 airline schemes, Amex Business Gold or Platinum earns Membership Rewards points that transfer 1:1 to Avios and Virgin Points.

The Best Business Credit Cards with Air Miles and Avios in February 2026

Card	Annual Fee	Scheme	Earning Rate	Welcome Bonus	Purchase Rate	Best For	Link
Capital on Tap Free Rewards Card	£0	Avios/Virgin Points	0.8 Avios per £1	None	34.65% variable (As low as 13.86%)	Free Avios earning; limited companies only	Visit Site
Capital on Tap Pro Card	£299	Avios/Virgin Points	1 Avios per £1 (1.25 on preloaded)	10,000 Avios on £5,000 spend in 3 months	From 34.65% variable (110.33% rep. APR)	Lounge access and higher Avios rate	Visit Site
BA Amex Accelerating Business	£250	Avios (direct)	1.5 Avios per £1	30,000 Avios on £5,000 spend in 3 months	26.9% variable (105.5% rep. APR)	Highest Avios earning rate; sole traders accepted	Visit Site
Amex Business Gold	£0 yr 1, then £195	Membership Rewards (17+ partners)	1 point per £1 (2x on Amex Travel)	20,000 points on £3,000 spend in 3 months	N/A (charge card); 29.4% with Flexible Payment Option	Multi-airline flexibility; free first year	Visit Site
Amex Business Platinum	£650	Membership Rewards (17+ partners)	1 point per £1 (2x on Amex Travel)	50,000 points on £6,000 spend in 3 months	N/A (charge card); 29.4% with Flexible Payment Option	Premium travel perks; highest welcome bonus	Visit Site

Before diving into the full reviews, use the calculator below to see exactly when each card pays for itself at your monthly spend level, and how many points or miles you could earn in year one.

How we researched this page: we checked all card details, earning rates, fees, welcome bonuses, and eligibility requirements directly against each provider’s official UK website in February 2026. Card terms can change at any time, so always verify current terms with the provider before applying.

What Are Avios and What Are They Worth?

Avios is the rewards currency of the British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club. When you earn Avios on a business credit card, you can redeem them for flights, upgrades, hotels, and car hire across British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar Airways, and other Oneworld partner airlines.

Crucially, Avios is now a unified currency across all these airlines, meaning points earned on a BA card can be used on an Iberia or Aer Lingus flight without any conversion penalty.

Understanding the value difference between the main UK air miles currencies helps you choose the right card:

Loyalty Scheme	Approx. value per 10,000 points	Best used for	Redeemable with
Avios (British Airways Executive Club)	£80–£150	Short-haul European and UK domestic flights	BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar Airways, Oneworld partners
American Express Membership Rewards	£100–£200	Maximum flexibility: transfers to multiple programmes	BA Avios, Virgin Points, Emirates, Etihad, Flying Blue, KrisFlyer, and more (1:1 transfers)
Virgin Points (Virgin Atlantic Flying Club)	£150–£250	Premium-class long-haul flights	Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and partners

Capital on Tap points sit within their own ecosystem but transfer directly to both Avios and Virgin Points. The free card transfers at a 0.8:1 ratio, while the Pro card transfers at a 1:1 ratio.

One important note on tax: air miles and loyalty points earned on a business credit card are generally not treated as taxable income by HMRC, provided they are not converted to cash. If you redeem points as cashback, this may be treated as taxable business income. Always take professional advice if you are unsure.

Air Miles Schemes by Airline

The five cards on this page connect to the following loyalty programmes. Avios is the most relevant scheme for UK business travellers, but Amex Membership Rewards gives you flexibility across all of the following:

Airline	Air Miles Scheme
British Airways	Avios (British Airways Executive Club)
Qatar Airways	Avios (Qatar Airways Privilege Club)
Iberia / Aer Lingus / Vueling	Avios
Virgin Atlantic	Virgin Points (Virgin Atlantic Flying Club)
Emirates	Emirates Skywards
Etihad Airways	Etihad Guest
KLM / Air France	Flying Blue
Lufthansa Group	Miles & More
Singapore Airlines	KrisFlyer
Turkish Airlines	Miles & Smiles
American Airlines	AAdvantage
Delta Air Lines	SkyMiles
United Airlines	MileagePlus
Cathay Pacific	Asia Miles / Marco Polo Club
Qantas	Qantas Frequent Flyer

Capital on Tap Free Rewards Card: Best Card for Avios with No Annual Fee

Our view: The free Capital on Tap card is the logical starting point for any limited company that wants to earn Avios from business spending without paying an annual fee. The 0.8 Avios per £1 rate is lower than the Pro card, but on a £0 card, it represents excellent value, and the zero FX fees make it the clear choice for any business that spends in foreign currencies. If you later decide you want lounge access or a higher earning rate, upgrading to Pro is straightforward.

Not right for: Sole traders (ineligible since January 2026), businesses that want a welcome bonus, or anyone whose primary goal is lounge access.

Capital on Tap Pro Card: Best for Lounge Access and Higher Avios Earning

Our view: The Pro card’s £299 annual fee pays for itself in the first year through the welcome bonus (10,000 Avios = roughly £80–100 of flight value) and the Priority Pass membership alone (retail value approximately £419/year). The higher Avios earning rate makes it worthwhile for heavier spenders. The breakeven versus the free card is around £30,000 of annual spending when comparing earning rates alone, and considerably less once you factor in the lounge and hotel benefits. For businesses that fly 4–5 times a year, Pro almost certainly provides better value.

Not right for: Sole traders (ineligible), businesses spending under £15,000/year who won’t use the lounge access, or those who need Amex acceptance at suppliers.

British Airways American Express Accelerating Business: Best for Earning Avios Directly

Our view: The BA Amex Accelerating Business is the best card on this page for businesses that primarily fly with British Airways or its Oneworld partners and want to earn as many Avios as possible. The 1.5 Avios per £1 earning rate is class-leading, the 30,000 Avios welcome bonus alone covers multiple short-haul return flights, and the annual spend bonuses add serious value for higher-spending businesses. The £250 fee and 2.99% FX charge are the main drawbacks. The FX charge can be easily mitigated by using a zero-FX card abroad. The sole trader eligibility is a significant advantage over every other card on this page.

Not right for: Businesses that spend heavily in foreign currencies without a companion zero-FX card, or those who primarily fly with non-Oneworld airlines such as Virgin Atlantic (where Membership Rewards points offer better flexibility).

American Express Business Gold: Best for Multi-Airline Flexibility

Our view: The Amex Business Gold is the most flexible air miles card on this list. With Membership Rewards points transferring 1:1 to Avios, Virgin Points, Emirates Skywards and more, you’re not locked into a single airline. This is a significant advantage if your routes or preferred airline change over time. The free first year means it costs nothing to try, and the Dell and Indeed credits are genuinely useful for many small businesses. The change in sole trader eligibility from January 2026 is a meaningful restriction; if you’re a sole trader, the BA Amex Accelerating Business Card is your only option on this page.

Not right for: Sole traders (ineligible since January 2026), businesses that primarily fly BA and want the highest Avios earning rate (the BA Amex earns 1.5 Avios per £1 vs 1.0 here), or those who need to carry a balance month-to-month.

American Express Business Platinum: Best for High-Spending Businesses with Premium Travel Needs

Our view: The Business Platinum is a powerful card for the right type of business, specifically those spending £5,000+ per month who can make regular use of the lounge access, hotel benefits, and Amex Travel credits. Until 31 March 2026, it offers exceptional value for businesses that can hit £10,000 of spending per month, as the monthly bonus doubles the effective earning rate. From April 2026, the value proposition weakens considerably for most cardholders, and we recommend reviewing whether the £650 annual fee remains justified. If you are considering applying and can meet the £6,000 welcome bonus target, applying before 1 April 2026 gives you access to the current monthly bonus for the remaining weeks of Q1.

Not right for: Businesses spending under £5,000/month (the Amex Business Gold at £195/year offers better value after April 2026), sole traders (ineligible), or those who won’t make regular use of the lounge and hotel benefits to offset the £650 fee.

Eligibility Summary: Which Card Can You Apply For?

Eligibility requirements changed significantly in January 2026. This table summarises the key restrictions:

Card	Sole traders	Limited companies	LLPs	Financial requirements
Capital on Tap Free	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Min. £24,000 annual business turnover
Capital on Tap Pro	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Min. £24,000 annual business turnover
BA Amex Accelerating Business	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Min. £20,000 personal income; no turnover requirement stated
Amex Business Gold	❌ No (from Jan 2026)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Min. £20,000 personal income; no turnover requirement stated
Amex Business Platinum	❌ No (from Jan 2026)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Min. £35,000 personal income; no turnover requirement stated

If you are a sole trader: the only card on this page available to you is the British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card. For a broader view of options, see our guide on the best business credit cards for sole traders.

What Is the Best Business Credit Card for British Airways Miles?

The BA Amex Accelerating Business Card is the best business credit card for earning British Airways Avios. It earns 1.5 Avios per £1 on all spending, with a 30,000 Avios welcome bonus and annual spend bonuses of up to 30,000 more. Avios earned can be redeemed on BA flights, but also on Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, and all Oneworld partner airlines.

If you want Avios at no cost, the free Capital on Tap card earns 0.8 Avios per £1 with no annual fee and zero FX charges, ideal as a standalone card or as a Visa complement to a BA Amex.

If you want flexibility to transfer points to British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and a range of other airline programmes, the Amex Business Gold (free in year one) or Amex Business Platinum offer Membership Rewards points that transfer 1:1 to Avios and more than a dozen other schemes.

What Are Air Miles Business Credit Cards?

Air miles business credit cards earn rewards for every pound you spend. Those rewards may be called Avios, Membership Rewards points, or proprietary points depending on the card, and they can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotels, and car hire. The more you spend on the card, the more rewards you accumulate.

The key difference between the five cards on this page is how they earn:

• Capital on Tap cards earn their own points that transfer to Avios or Virgin Points at a fixed rate.
• The BA Amex earns Avios directly at a fixed rate of 1.5 per £1.
• The Amex Gold and Platinum cards earn Membership Rewards points, a transferable currency that can be converted to Avios, Virgin Points, or more than a dozen other airline and hotel schemes at any time.

Most of these cards are aimed at businesses that clear their balance each month. Carrying a balance on any of these cards will quickly erode the value of any rewards earned. For a comprehensive overview of how business credit cards work, see our complete guide to business credit cards.

How Do Business Credit Cards with Air Miles Work?

Factor in annual fees and interest. For a rewards card to deliver net value, the rewards you earn must exceed the annual fee. Always clear the balance each month. Interest charges will far outweigh any miles earned.

Earn points for every pound spent. The rate depends on the card. For example, the BA Amex earns 1.5 Avios per £1 on all spending. Capital on Tap earns 0.8 Avios per £1 on the free card, or 1 Avios per £1 on Pro.

Take advantage of welcome bonuses. All cards except Capital on Tap Free offer a sign-up bonus. The largest is 50,000 Membership Rewards points with Amex Platinum; 30,000 Avios with BA Amex.

Redeem your miles. Avios can be used through British Airways or Qatar Airways for flights, upgrades, hotels, and car hire. Membership Rewards points are transferred to your chosen programme at any time via the Amex portal.

Are Business Air Miles Credit Cards Worth It?

For most businesses that travel at least once or twice a year, yes, provided the card is managed correctly. Businesses spending £2,000+ per month who take at least one flight a year will typically get better value from an air miles card than a standard cashback card, particularly if they can use Avios for premium-cabin upgrades where redemption value is highest.

Use the break-even calculator below to see exactly how much your business would need to spend for a specific card to cover its annual fee, and how many Avios you could earn at your current monthly spend level.

A few things to consider before applying:

• Annual fee vs. rewards earned. For the BA Amex (£250 fee), you would need to earn approximately £250+ in Avios value to break even. At 1.5 Avios per £1 and an Avios value of approximately 1p, that requires roughly £16,700 of annual spending just to offset the fee.
• Interest rates. Air miles cards carry higher interest rates than standard cards. If you carry a balance, the interest cost will erase any miles value rapidly.
• Amex acceptance. American Express is not accepted everywhere. If many of your suppliers only accept Visa or Mastercard, a Capital on Tap card is a practical complement.
• Tax treatment. Avios and air miles earned on a business card are not taxable income if redeemed as travel rewards. Converting points to cashback may create a taxable benefit. Take professional advice if this applies to you.
• Points expiry. Avios expire after 36 months of account inactivity. Membership Rewards points do not expire while your Amex account is active.

The Advantages of Air Miles Credit Cards for Business

Annual fee is tax deductible. For limited companies and LLPs, the annual fee on a business credit card is typically a deductible business expense, reducing the net cost.

Savings on travel costs. Accumulated Avios and miles can significantly reduce or eliminate the cost of business flights, particularly on short-haul European routes where Avios offer strong value.

Generous welcome bonuses. The BA Amex offers 30,000 Avios, enough for a return flight to most European destinations in Business Class, or two return Economy flights. The Amex Platinum offers 50,000 Membership Rewards points.

Travel perks. Cards like Capital on Tap Pro and Amex Platinum include Priority Pass lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel benefits that reduce the cost of every trip.

Flexible redemption. Amex Membership Rewards and Capital on Tap points can be redirected to whichever scheme offers the best value at the time. You are not permanently locked into one airline.

Business expense management. Consolidated statements, accounting software integrations, employee cards, and spending controls make these cards useful beyond rewards.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Carrying a balance. At 26.9%+ APR, interest will quickly erase the value of any miles earned. These cards only make financial sense if you clear the balance every month.
• Amex non-acceptance. A significant number of UK suppliers, particularly in the B2B sector, do not accept American Express. Keep a Visa or Mastercard (such as Capital on Tap) available for these situations.
• Booking travel on a different card. If your card includes travel insurance, the policy typically only applies when you book flights with that card. Booking on a different card means you lose the insurance benefit.
• Forgetting to redeem. Miles and points that sit unused represent lost value. Set a reminder every six months to review your balance and plan redemptions.
• Miles expiry. Avios expire after 36 months of inactivity in your Executive Club account. Any earn or redemption resets the clock.
• Chasing rewards with unnecessary spending. Never spend more than you would otherwise in order to hit a bonus threshold or earn more miles.

How to Strategically Maximise the Air Miles on Your Business Credit Card

Strategy	Keep the account active to prevent expiry
Route all eligible spending through one card	Use your air miles card for every business expense that earns rewards: subscriptions, advertising, suppliers, and travel bookings. The more you centralise, the faster points accumulate.
Add employee cards	All five cards offer employee or supplementary cards. Employee spending earns points to the same account. Issue cards to team members who regularly incur business expenses.
Hit the welcome bonus threshold early	Ensure large regular expenses (VAT payments, supplier invoices, advertising) fall within the first 3 months to hit sign-up spend requirements. Apply shortly before a major payment is due.
Use the BA Amex for BA flights specifically	The BA Amex earns bonus On Business points on BA spend on top of Avios, making it particularly valuable for booking your own BA flights and holidays.
Book Amex Travel through the Amex portal	Both Amex cards earn double points (2 per £1) on bookings made through American Express Travel. Consider booking flights and hotels this way when pricing is comparable.
Use Capital on Tap for overseas spending	Capital on Tap is the only card on this page with zero FX fees. Use it abroad or for foreign currency supplier payments to avoid the 2.99% surcharge on Amex cards.
Preload Capital on Tap for large purchases	Pro cardholders earn 1.25 points per £1 (vs 1.0) on preloaded spending. If you have a large upcoming payment, preloading boosts your earning rate without impacting your credit limit.
Transfer points to Avios at peak value	Membership Rewards points and Capital on Tap points hold their value until you transfer. Redeeming Avios for premium cabin upgrades or partner award seats offers the best value per Avios.
Keep account active to prevent expiry	Avios expire after 36 months without activity. Any earn or spend resets the clock. Membership Rewards points don’t expire while your account is open.
Review annually	Product terms and earning rates change. The quarterly Amex Gold bonus and the monthly Amex Platinum bonus are both ending in April 2026. Reassess whether your card is still the best option each year.

How to Choose the Best Air Miles Credit Card for Your Business

1. Check your eligibility first. If you are a sole trader, the BA Amex Accelerating Business is your only option on this page. All other cards now require a limited company or LLP. For a broader set of options, see our guide to the best business credit cards.
2. Decide on Avios-only vs. flexible points. The BA Amex earns Avios at the highest rate but is tied to British Airways and its partners. The Amex Gold and Platinum earn flexible Membership Rewards points that can go anywhere.
3. Match the fee to your spending. A card with a £250–£650 annual fee only makes sense if your annual spending, and the rewards earned, justifies the cost. As a rough guide: the BA Amex fee of £250 pays for itself at around £16,700 of annual card spending; Amex Gold (£195) at around £13,000; Amex Platinum (£650) requires heavy use of the travel and Dell credits to justify.
4. Consider Amex acceptance. If your business spending is predominantly with suppliers who accept Amex, go with an Amex card. If many suppliers are Visa/Mastercard-only, either use Capital on Tap as your primary card, or use both. See our Capital on Tap vs Amex comparison for a direct head-to-head.
5. Factor in travel frequency. Airport lounge access (Capital on Tap Pro and Amex Platinum) and travel insurance (BA Amex and Amex Platinum) add the most value for businesses that travel regularly. If you fly rarely, a no-fee card with a lower earning rate may be a better fit. For travel-focused comparison, see best business credit cards for travel.
6. Think about points flexibility. If you don’t know which airline you’ll want to fly with in two years, Membership Rewards points (transferable to 17+ schemes) or Capital on Tap points (transferable to Avios or Virgin Points) offer more optionality than locking all points into Avios.

Alternatives to Air Miles Credit Cards for Business

Air miles cards aren’t the right fit for every business. Here are the main alternatives to consider:

Multi-currency business accounts. If FX fees are your primary concern, a Wise Business or Revolut Business account typically offers better exchange rates than any credit card, though without the credit facility or rewards.

Cashback business credit cards. These pay a percentage of spending back as cash, typically 1–1.5%. Capital on Tap’s cards also offer 1% cashback (1.25% on preloaded spend with Pro) as a redemption option alongside Avios. Cashback is simpler and more predictable in value, but it is taxable income for your business. See our guide to the best cashback business credit cards for a full comparison.

0% purchase business credit cards. If you need to spread the cost of a large purchase, a 0% introductory period card may offer more value than a rewards card. See our best interest-free business credit cards for current options.

Business charge cards. Both Amex cards on this page are primarily charge cards: the balance must be cleared monthly. This enforces financial discipline but means they are not suitable for businesses that need to carry a balance.

Business debit or expense cards. Cards like Soldo and Pleo are purpose-built expense management tools with no credit facility but strong controls and integrations. Suitable for businesses focused on spend control rather than rewards. See our full guide to best prepaid business expense cards.

FAQs

Can I earn Avios on business spending?

Yes. All five cards on this page allow you to earn Avios (or points transferable to Avios) from business spending. The BA Amex earns Avios directly; Capital on Tap and Amex cards earn their own points that you can convert to Avios at any time.

Do Avios expire?

Avios expire after 36 months of inactivity on your British Airways Executive Club account. Any earning or spending activity resets the clock. American Express Membership Rewards points do not expire while your card account is active.

Are air miles earned on a business credit card taxable?

HMRC generally does not tax air miles or loyalty points earned on a business credit card, provided they are not convertible to cash. If you redeem points as cashback, that sum may be treated as taxable business income. Using points for flights or upgrades avoids this. Always take professional advice for your specific circumstances.

Is the BA Amex Accelerating Business Card open to sole traders?

Yes, it is the only card on this page that accepts sole traders. Capital on Tap, Amex Business Gold, and Amex Business Platinum all require a limited company or LLP as of January 2026.

What is the difference between Capital on Tap Free and Pro for Avios earning?

The free card earns 0.8 Avios per £1 spent. The Pro card earns 1 Avios per £1 (and 1.25 on preloaded spending). The Pro card costs £299/year and also includes Priority Pass lounge access and Radisson VIP status.

What is the best business credit card for airport lounge access?

Capital on Tap Pro offers the most comprehensive lounge access: an unlimited full Priority Pass including £18 restaurant credits, which is not offered by Amex’s Priority Pass. Amex Business Platinum also includes Priority Pass but without the restaurant credit. Both include two free guest passes per year.

Is the Amex Business Platinum still worth it after April 2026?

The monthly spend bonus (10,000 points for spending £10,000+ in a month) ends on 31 March 2026. From April 2026, the card’s value depends on how much you use the travel credits, Dell credit, and hotel benefits. For businesses spending £5,000+ per month who regularly use these perks, it may still be worthwhile. For lighter spenders, the Amex Business Gold at £195/year offers better value from April 2026.

Does the BA Amex Accelerating Business Card include a Companion Voucher?

No. The Companion Voucher (which gives a two-for-one flight redemption after £15,000 of annual spending) is a benefit of the personal BA American Express Premium Plus card only. It is not available on any BA Amex business card.