Wondering how to earn Avios points? Well, there are plenty of things to do besides flying with British Airways. You can book hotels, rent cars, shop online, link your Uber account, and even use a special credit card to earn Avios by doing the simplest of things. Proper planning will allow groceries, commutes, and even filling out opinion surveys to become your ticket to a holiday.
Understanding Avios – The Basics
Avios is the shared loyalty fund of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. There is seamless integration with the Oneworld alliance. Hence, flying with partners like Qatar Airways, American Airlines, or Cathay Pacific will increase your balance.
Avios is more than flying. In more straightforward terms, these currencies pertain to a lifestyle. Avios can be earned by purchasing trainers online, renting cars for weekend trips, or even taking a taxi home late after dinner. This versatility has made Avios a very potent tool for both tourists and everyday earners.
Earn Avios While You Travel
Flights with British Airways and Partners
Flying remains the most obvious way to collect Avios. Book a seat with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, or any Oneworld partner, and you’ll see points land in your account. Pro tip: higher fare classes and longer flights usually earn more. Yes, even your “economy plus” splurge to New York will give you more than the bare minimum.
Hotel Stays That Reward You Twice
Book your hotel through the Avios portal or partner networks, and you’ll collect Avios on top of any hotel loyalty points. That means you could be getting Hilton Honours points and Avios in one booking—like a two-for-one dessert deal you didn’t expect. Even Airbnb bookings sometimes come with Avios opportunities.
Car Rentals, Trains & Extras
Need a rental car? Partners like Avis and Budget will top up your Avios balance when you book. Even train tickets, airport transfers, and airport parking can be eligible. Think of it as making your commute work overtime.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
If you are also an Uber passenger and you may link your account to earn Avios on every ride taken. So next time you are stuck in traffic, remember that you are technically earning points while looking at brake lights.
Everyday Spending that Builds Your Avios Balance
Shop Online with the Avios eStore
The Avios eStore is like a backstage pass to hundreds of retailers. You click through their portal to your favourite brands, buy what you were already going to buy, and collect Avios on top. It’s almost like cashback, except the reward comes in the form of travel currency.
In-Store Shopping with Linked Cards
Register your debit or credit card once, and then shop at participating retailers like John Lewis & Partners or Marks & Spencer. Your points will stack automatically, so you don’t need to wave your loyalty card around at checkout.
Bonus Promotions Worth Watching
Avios loves seasonal campaigns—sometimes doubling or tripling your earnings. From extra Avios on Apple products to insurance tie-ins, keeping an eye on the Avios site is like checking for surprise gifts.
Banking, Credit Cards & Points Transfers
Co-Branded Avios Credit Cards
Credit cards like the British Airways American Express® let you earn Avios on everyday spending. Many come with generous welcome bonuses—spend a certain amount in three months, and you’ll have enough Avios for a short-haul trip already.
Everyday Banking & Bills
Certain banking partners let you earn Avios for your everyday financial activities, including paying bills. Yes, even your electricity bill can inch you closer to a holiday.
Transfer from Other Loyalty Programs
Avios plays well with others. Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and even Nectar points can all convert into Avios. This is where strategy kicks in—sometimes, transferring during a bonus promotion means you get far more Avios than usual.
Creative & Lesser-Known Ways to Earn Avios
Surveys & Opinion Panels
Through Avios for Thoughts, you can literally earn by sharing your opinions. Answering questions about your favourite cereal might not sound glamorous, but hey, if it funds a flight to Madrid, why not?
Referrals and App Engagement
Invite-a-friend bonuses and app-specific rewards are small but steady ways to boost your balance. It’s a bit like convincing your mate to join your gym, except this time you’re rewarded with travel currency instead of a free water bottle.
Purchase, Boost, or Subscribe
You can buy Avios outright if you need to top up for a redemption. While buying points in bulk isn’t always the best value, strategic top-ups can make sense—especially when you’re just a few thousand Avios short of that dream upgrade.
Smart Strategies to Maximise Your Avios
- Align your shopping with Avios partners whenever possible.
- Double-dip: book hotels that let you earn both their loyalty points and Avios.
- Track seasonal campaigns for bonus earnings.
- Keep your account active—earning or spending occasionally—to avoid expiry.
The bottom line: with a little awareness, your everyday life can double as an Avios factory.
What This Means for You
Now you know how to earn Avios points, you can see it’s much more than airline miles—it’s about turning your lifestyle into loyalty. From your weekly shop to your next Uber ride, Avios can quietly stack up in the background until you’re ready to redeem them for something far more exciting than a grocery run.
And when the time comes to turn those points into real-world value, that’s where we step in. At CashForMyMiles.com, we make it simple to sell Avios points for cash. Whether you’ve collected through flights, credit cards, or shopping, we provide a fast, secure, and reliable way to cash out—often within minutes. Because let’s face it: sometimes cash in your pocket is worth more than a flight you may or may not take.
