Chase British Airways Card: 90,000 Avios Bonus Is Back—Here's What to Know

If you've been eyeing a trip to Europe or beyond, this could be your moment. Chase has quietly brought back a solid welcome offer on the British Airways Visa Signature card: 90,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 in the first three months. That's a better deal than the 75k offers we've seen recently, and while it's not the 100k-for-$5k glory days, the points-to-spend ratio is still pretty sweet. Let's break down what's on the table and whether it's worth grabbing a 5/24 slot for.

The New Welcome Offer: What You Get

The headline here is 90,000 Avios after you put $5,000 on the card within your first three months. That's a decent chunk of points, especially if you're planning a long-haul flight. Avios are the currency of British Airways' Executive Club, but they're also shared with Aer Lingus and Iberia, so you have options.

For context, 90,000 Avios can get you a round-trip business class ticket to Europe on off-peak dates, or a few economy tickets depending on routes and taxes. It's not the 100k we saw years ago, but it's a better points-per-dollar ratio than the 75k offers that have been floating around.

The offer is live until October 28, 2026, so you have some time to decide, but don't wait too long if you're interested—these things can vanish without warning.

Earning Avios Beyond the Bonus

Once you've got the card, you'll want to know how to rack up more Avios. The earning structure is straightforward: you get 3 Avios per dollar on flights purchased from British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL. That's a solid rate for airline purchases, especially if you're a frequent flyer on those carriers.

You'll also earn 2 Avios per dollar on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel. That's a nice touch—many cards only give you 1x on hotels, so this is a step up. Everything else earns 1 Avios per dollar, which is pretty standard.

One thing to note: the 3x rate applies to the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, but not to taxes and fees from airports or government. So if you're booking a flight with high taxes, keep that in mind.

There's also a 10% discount on British Airways flights originating in the U.S. when you book through the BA website using the promo code in your welcome materials. That's a nice perk, but it's only for new bookings and you have to be a U.S. resident.

Perks That Make This Card Stand Out

Beyond the bonus and earning rates, there are a few benefits that could tip the scales.

First, the Travel Together Ticket. If you spend $30,000 in a calendar year, you get a companion ticket for a reward flight—essentially, you pay the Avios for one person and the other flies for just taxes and fees. That's a huge value if you travel with a partner, but the $30k spend is steep, so it's not for everyone.

Second, there's a reward flight statement credit. When you book a reward flight to London and pay the taxes and fees with your card, you get a statement credit of $100 for economy or premium economy, or $200 for business or first class. You can use this up to three times per year, so that's up to $600 in credits annually. That's a nice little rebate on those pesky taxes.

You also get 2,500 Avios on your card anniversary each year, which is a small but welcome bonus. And there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card abroad without extra charges.

Plus, you get access to oneworld alliance benefits, which means you can earn and redeem Avios on other oneworld carriers like American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. That's a lot of flexibility.

What to Watch Out For

Before you jump in, there are a few things to consider.

First, the annual fee is $95, which is not waived the first year. So factor that into your cost-benefit analysis.

Second, this card is 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 likely won't be approved. That's a big deal if you're a churner.

Third, the bonus is not available if you currently have this card or if you received a new cardmember bonus on it within the last 24 months. So if you've had it before, you might need to wait.

Also, keep in mind that Avios are not as flexible as some other points. They're best for short-haul flights on British Airways or Iberia, or for long-haul business class if you can find availability. Taxes and fuel surcharges can be high on BA award tickets, especially from the UK. So do the math before you commit.

Finally, the $5,000 spend requirement is within three months, which is a bit tighter than the six months we've seen on some offers. Make sure you can hit that without stretching your budget.

Is This Offer Worth It?

If you're looking for a solid Avios balance and you can handle the $5k spend, this is a competitive offer. The points-to-spend ratio is better than the 75k offers we've seen recently, and the card's ongoing perks—like the 3x on flights and the travel together ticket—add real value.

But it's not a no-brainer. The $95 fee, the 5/24 restriction, and the potential for high surcharges on BA awards mean you should think about your travel plans. If you can use Avios for a flight you'd otherwise pay cash for, this could be a great deal. If not, you might be better off with a more flexible travel card.

Personally, I'd say if you have a specific trip in mind and you can meet the spend, go for it. Just be aware of the limitations and make sure you're not just chasing points for the sake of it.

Bottom Line

• 90,000 Avios after $5,000 spend in 3 months is a strong offer, especially compared to recent 75k bonuses.
• Earn 3x on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL flights; 2x on hotels; 1x elsewhere.
• Perks include a Travel Together Ticket (after $30k annual spend), reward flight statement credits up to $600/year, and no foreign transaction fees.
• Watch out for the $95 annual fee, Chase's 5/24 rule, and potential high surcharges on BA award flights.
• Offer ends October 28, 2026—apply through the official Chase page to get this bonus.

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