Summary
- Cardless offers lucrative sign-up bonuses with Avios points on premium credit cards by Chase.
- Qatar Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus are top airlines offering highest Avios sign-up bonuses.
- Card benefits range from no foreign transaction fees to future travel discounts when card thresholds are met.
Lately, more airlines have offered co-branded credit cards with exciting sign-up bonus offers to attract more customers. A lucrative sign-up bonus means cardholders get a head start on their journey to points and benefits. This article notes five credit cards that offer the highest sign-up bonus for Avios points. All of these credit cards are supported and protected by VISA, and they are from Chase and Cardless.
5
Qatar Airways Signature Credit Card by Cardless
Sign-up bonus: 40,000 Avios
| Credit card details | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 |
| Avios after the first transaction | 20,000 |
| Avios after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days | 20,000 |
| Avios on Qatar Airways | 4x |
| Avios on dining | 2x |
| Avios everywhere else | 1x |
| For every 2,000 Avios earned using the card | Get 2 Qpoints |
The Middle Eastern giant Qatar Airways offers two credit cards by Cardless that offer some of the highest Avios points for signing up. The Signature credit card automatically gets you 20,000 Avios after the first transaction, with an additional 20,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen | Shutterstock
Cardholders also enjoy Privilege Club Silver for the first year, unlocking a range of other benefits. The credit card-earned miles stay active as long as the card is active and in use. The card offers no foreign transaction fee and includes travel insurance coverage and roadside dispatch assistance.
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4
Qatar Airways Infinite Credit Card by Cardless
Sign-up bonus: 50,000 Avios
| Credit card details | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $499 |
| Avios after the first transaction | 25,000 |
| Avios after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days | 25,000 + 150 Qpoints |
| Avios on Qatar Airways | 5x |
| Avios on dining | 3x |
| Avios everywhere else | 1x |
| For every 1,500 Avios earned using the card | Get 2 Qpoints |
The Infinite credit card automatically gets you 25,000 Avios after the first transaction, with an additional 25,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. Upon completion of the spending, cardholders also receive 150 Qpoints as an added bonus, making the Infinite card significantly more appealing.
Photo: Joanna Bailey | Simple Flying
Cardholders also enjoy Privilege Club Gold for the first year, offering a wife range of added benefits with Qatar Airways and its partner airlines. The credit card-earned miles stay active as long as the card is active and in use. The card offers no foreign transaction fees, includes travel insurance coverage and roadside dispatch assistance.
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3
Iberia Visa Signature Credit Card by Chase
Sign-up bonus: 75,000 Avios
| Credit card details | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 |
| Avios after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days | 75,000 |
| Avios for every $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia flight purchases | 3 |
| Avios for every $1 on hotel accommodations | 2 |
| Avios for every $1 on everything else | 1 |
The Spanish flag carrier Iberia is one of three IAG-based airlines offering credit cards with the most Avios points upon signup. While most perks of these credit cards are similar, members can maximize their benefits based on the airline they fly the most.
Photo: Mikel Dabbah | Shutterstock
For example, passengers planning to fly with Iberia could receive a 10% discount on Iberia flights from any destination when booked through the airline’s website and using the Iberia credit card.
Moreover, credit card members who spend $30,000 or more in a calendar year can receive a $1,000 voucher valid towards flight tickets on eligible Iberia flights. Members can purchase two tickets on the same flight, including one for a companion.
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2
Aer Lingus Visa Signature Credit Card by Chase
Sign-up bonus: 75,000 Avios
| Credit card details | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 |
| Avios after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days | 75,000 |
| Avios for every $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia flight purchases | 3 |
| Avios for every $1 on hotel accommodations | 2 |
| Avios for every $1 on everything else | 1 |
The Aer Lingus signature credit card shares most benefits with Iberia’s credit card; however, it is the only airline among the IAG group to offer priority boarding on Aer Lingus flights between its base in Ireland and the US. Priority boarding is also offered to other authorized users (such as the spouse) on the account.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
It is an ideal credit card in terms of benefits, particularly if you fly in and out of Ireland. Moreover, spending $30,000 or more in a calendar year allows the passenger to bring a guest along at no charge when an eligible paid Aer Lingus economy ticket is purchased. Notably, the guest does not even pay taxes and fees on the fare.
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1
British Airways Visa Signature Credit Card by Chase
Sign-up bonus: 75,000 Avios
| Credit card details | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 |
| Avios after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days | 75,000 |
| Avios for every $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia flight purchases | 3 |
| Avios for every $1 on hotel accommodations | 2 |
| Avios for every $1 on everything else | 1 |
The British Airways Visa Signature Credit Card is ideal for those who fly between the UK and the US. Like Iberia, British Airways offers a 10% discount on its flights originating in the US when booked through the airline’s website and using the British Airways credit card and promo code CHASEBA10.
Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock
Passengers can unlock the Travel Together Ticket after spending $30,000 or more in a calendar year. The ticket allows you to bring a companion at no cost, but after paying taxes and fees on British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus flights. Passengers can trade in the ticket for a 50% discount on Avios prices when flying solo.
Another perk is when the credit card is used to pay taxes and fees on Award flights with British Airways, a $100 reimbursement is received for Economy and Premium Economy, or a $200 for Business and First Class fares, up to a maximum of three times a year or $600 total.