Credit cards to accumulate Avios, Agos suspends issuance of new cards

The collaboration between Agos and British Airways seems to have come to an end.

At the end of 2018, the financial company, known for its consumer credit services, had launched, exclusively for the Italian market, Visa credit cards linked to the loyalty programs of British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.

Although all the cards are still advertised on BA's website, the buttons to request the issuance of the new cards have disappeared on Agos' website.

In an official communication received in recent weeks, all cardholders were informed that the cards will cease to accumulate Avios points on January 16.

There were five cards available to Italian consumers: three regular cards and two premier cards.

The most attractive benefit that was offered by these cards was definitely the 10% discount on the purchase of tickets with their respective airlines in addition to the possibility of earning additional Avios each time they detached airline tickets with IAG group companies.

The basic card had an annual fee of €45, while the premier cost €95/year, and offered the following benefits:

British Airways Card

• 4,000 Avios points of welcome bonusor activation
• 2 Avios points For every euro spent on purchases on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Level and Vueling
• 1 Avios point For every euro spent on other purchases
• 1 Avios point for every euro in ATM withdrawals
• 10% discount on British Airways flights
• 25% bonus Avios points every time you book a stay with Kaligo.
• 250 bonus Avios points for rentals with Avis.

British Airways Premier Card

• 10,000 Avios points welcome bonus upon activation
• 3 Avios points For every euro spent on purchases on British Airways, Air Italy, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Level and Vueling
• 1 Avios point For every euro spent on other purchases
• 1 Avios point for every euro in ATM withdrawals
• 10% discount on British Airways flights
• 25% bonus Avios points every time you book a stay with Kaligo
• 250 bonus Avios points for rentals with Avis

Between BA's Premier and Iberia's Premier, there was only one difference.: the Spanish company's card, in fact, also allowed for "Plata" status, the first in the carrier's loyalty program. Status that was, of course, recognized by all OneWorld companies.

For Italians aiming to collect Avios points, surely the news is negative, partly because using these cards compared to American Express cards was considerably more advantageous: both because of the multipliers, the possibility of earning Avios even for ATM withdrawals, but especially because of the 10% discount on all issued tickets. A benefit that is definitely not present on, for example, Alitalia or Lufthansa cards.

• Avios
• executive club