Big Avios Welcome Bonuses: 90,000 Points on British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus Cards

If you've been eyeing a trip to Europe or beyond, there's some exciting news in the points world. Chase has quietly bumped up the welcome bonuses on three of its Avios-earning credit cards—the British Airways Visa Signature, the Iberia Visa Signature, and the Aer Lingus Visa Signature. Each now offers a hefty 90,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 within the first three months. That's a solid chunk of points, and with a little planning, it could translate into some fantastic redemptions.

Which Card Should You Pick?

All three cards share the same bones: a $95 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and identical earning structures. The real difference comes down to which airline you fly most. The British Airways card is a solid all-rounder, especially if you're based in the U.S. and often hop across the Atlantic. The Iberia card shines if you're heading to Spain or connecting to other parts of Europe via Madrid. The Aer Lingus card is your best bet if Ireland is your gateway, and it throws in priority boarding on Aer Lingus flights.

Think about your travel patterns. If you're loyal to one of these airlines, that's your card. But if you're flexible, the British Airways card might offer the most versatility because Avios can be transferred among BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and even Qatar Airways, giving you more redemption options.

The Math Behind the Bonus

Let's break down what 90,000 Avios is really worth. If you hit the spending requirement with everyday purchases that earn 1x, you'll actually end up with 95,000 Avios. That's roughly 19 Avios per dollar spent on that $5,000—a return that's hard to beat with any other Chase consumer card right now.

But here's the catch: the ongoing earning rates on these cards are nothing to write home about. You'll get 3x on the airline's own flights, 2x on hotels, and just 1x everywhere else. So unless you're putting a lot of spend on the card, it's not a long-term earner. The real value is in the sign-up bonus.

How to Squeeze the Most Out of Your Avios

Avios are surprisingly flexible, and you don't have to fly British Airways to get good value. In fact, some of the best deals are on partner airlines. One of my favorite sweet spots is flying Iberia business class from the U.S. East Coast to Madrid. You can book one-way for as little as 40,500 Avios during off-peak dates, and the fuel surcharges are reasonable—especially compared to BA's own flights.

Another gem is using Avios for short-haul American Airlines flights within South America. You can book non-stop business class for around 22,000 Avios one-way, though availability can be spotty. And if you're dreaming of the Middle East, Qatar Airways business class from the U.S. to Doha is now bookable for about 70,000 Avios with minimal surcharges—a steal for such a premium product.

The key is to avoid using Avios on British Airways metal for long-haul flights. BA is notorious for tacking on astronomical fuel surcharges, which can eat into the value of your points. Instead, save your Avios for partners like Iberia, Qatar, or American Airlines, where the out-of-pocket costs are much lower.

Things to Watch Out For

Before you jump in, there are a few pitfalls to keep in mind. First, Avios expire after 36 months of no activity, so make sure you keep your account active—even a small transfer or earning a few points will reset the clock.

Second, these cards are subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. If you've opened five or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, you'll likely be denied. So check your status before applying.

Third, if you're thinking about buying Avios directly, note that purchases through Points.com don't count as airfare and won't earn bonus points on these cards. It's usually better to earn Avios through transfers from flexible points programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, which can be more cost-effective.

Finally, don't forget the annual fee. It's not waived for the first year, so factor that $95 into your calculations. Even so, with 90,000 Avios in hand, you're still coming out way ahead.

Bottom Line

• 90,000 Avios after $5,000 spend in 3 months is a top-tier welcome offer
• Choose the card that matches your preferred airline: BA, Iberia, or Aer Lingus
• Maximize value by redeeming Avios on partner airlines like Iberia or Qatar
• Watch out for BA's fuel surcharges and keep your Avios active to avoid expiry

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