Earn Avios from business travel

Understanding Avios for Businesses: Personal vs. On Business

Many small business owners are familiar with earning personal Avios through their everyday spending, but few realise the potential to earn a second, separate stream of Avios directly for their business travel. This dual-earning capability is what makes Avios so powerful for UK businesses. The key distinction lies between personal Avios, which the individual traveller collects, and On Business Points, which are accrued by the company.

When an employee or business owner travels, they will typically add their personal frequent flyer number (e.g., British Airways Executive Club) to their booking. This ensures they collect personal Avios and Tier Points based on the fare class and distance flown, just as they would for leisure travel. These personal Avios can be redeemed for personal flights, upgrades, or other rewards.

However, the brilliant complement to this is the British Airways On Business programme. This is a loyalty scheme specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses. By enrolling your company, you can earn On Business Points whenever your employees fly with British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, or Aer Lingus on eligible fares, regardless of who pays for the ticket. These On Business Points accumulate in a separate business account and can be used for flights, upgrades, or even discounted flights for anyone within your organisation.

The beauty is that these two systems work in parallel: the traveller still earns their personal Avios, and the business simultaneously earns On Business Points. This effectively doubles the Avios earning potential from a single business trip, making every journey more rewarding for both the individual and the company's bottom line.

• **Personal Avios:** Earned by the individual traveller, linked to their Executive Club account. Used for personal flights, upgrades, or car hire.
• **On Business Points:** Earned by the registered business, linked to the company's On Business account. Used for business flights, upgrades, or name changes on tickets.
• **Dual Earning:** Both personal Avios and On Business Points can be earned from the same flight booking when eligible.
• **Eligibility:** On Business is for businesses with varying travel spend, not individuals. Terms and conditions apply.

Maximising On Business Points: Key Strategies

Enrolling in the British Airways On Business programme is the first essential step. It's free to join, and once registered, you'll receive an On Business Account number. This number must be added to eligible flight bookings at the time of reservation or via 'Manage My Booking' for the business to accrue points. Consistency is crucial; ensure all company travel managers or bookers are aware of the programme and the importance of including the On Business number.

The rate at which you earn On Business Points depends on the airline, fare class, and the amount spent. Generally, the more premium the fare, the more points you'll earn. British Airways, Iberia, and American Airlines are direct partners within the programme, meaning flights on these carriers are straightforward for earning. Aer Lingus is also included through a partnership. Focus your business travel on these airlines whenever possible to consolidate your earnings.

Many businesses mistakenly overlook the programme or simply forget to add the On Business number. Setting up a robust internal process, perhaps by mandating that all business travel is booked through a specific portal or travel agent who understands On Business, can prevent missed opportunities. Regularly review your On Business account statements to ensure points are being correctly credited and address any discrepancies promptly with British Airways.

• **Enrollment:** Free to join the British Airways On Business programme online for UK businesses.
• **Booking Code:** Always include your On Business Account number (e.g., 'OBXXXXXXX') when booking eligible flights.
• **Partner Airlines:** Earn On Business Points flying with British Airways, Iberia, American Airlines, and Aer Lingus.
• **Earning Rates:** Vary by airline, fare class, and spend. Higher fares typically yield more points.
• **Reporting:** Monitor your On Business account regularly to track points and ensure correct crediting.

The Role of Business Credit Cards: Points on Every Spend

Beyond earning Avios directly from flights, a critical component of any comprehensive Avios-earning strategy for businesses is using the right business credit card. These cards allow you to earn points on virtually all your business expenditure, from office supplies and utilities to, crucially, travel bookings. Many business credit cards offer rewards that can be directly converted into Avios, or provide their own proprietary points currencies that offer excellent redemption value. It's vital to choose a card that aligns with your company's spending patterns and reward preferences.

For example, cards like the Capital on Tap Business Credit Card offer rewards on all eligible business spending. They often provide flexible points that can be redeemed for Avios or cashback, giving businesses greater control over their rewards. Other cards, such as various American Express Business Cards, might directly earn Avios or Membership Rewards points which convert at a favourable rate, often with premium benefits like airport lounge access or travel insurance. Always compare the annual fees, interest rates, and reward structures to find the best fit for your business.

When selecting a card, consider not only the earning rate but also any sign-up bonuses, ongoing benefits, and the typical APR. While reward cards can be extremely beneficial, it's essential to use them responsibly. Always aim to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which can quickly negate the value of any rewards earned. Eligibility for business credit cards varies, with providers assessing factors like company turnover, credit history, and directorship details.

• **Diversified Earning:** Earn points on all business expenses, not just travel, with a suitable business credit card.
• **Avios Conversion:** Many business credit cards offer points that convert directly to Avios or have other high-value redemption options.
• **Examples:** Capital on Tap provides flexible points; American Express offers Avios or Membership Rewards.
• **Responsible Use:** Pay balances in full monthly to avoid interest and maximise rewards.
• **Eligibility:** Credit score, business turnover, and trading history are key factors for card approval.

Strategic Payment Methods for Flight Bookings

Once your business is enrolled in On Business and you have a rewards-earning business credit card, the next step is to strategically combine these. Always pay for eligible British Airways, Iberia, American Airlines, or Aer Lingus flights using your chosen business credit card. This ensures you earn both the On Business Points for the company and the credit card points (which can convert to Avios) simultaneously. It's a simple, yet highly effective 'double-dip' strategy.

Some airlines or travel agents might charge a fee for credit card payments. Factor this into your decision-making. Often, the value of the points earned will outweigh a small credit card surcharge, especially for higher value tickets. However, if the fee is significant, consider alternative payment methods offered by your card provider, such as linking it to a digital wallet that might bypass certain surcharges while still earning points.

When using a third-party Online Travel Agent (OTA) or a corporate travel booking platform, ensure that both your personal frequent flyer number and the business's On Business number can be accurately added to the reservation. Some platforms may make this process easier than others. Always double-check your booking confirmation to verify that both sets of numbers are present and correct before travel. This proactive approach prevents the headache of retrospectively claiming missing points.

Beyond Flights: Hotels, Car Hire, and More

Earning Avios isn't limited to flights; your business's entire travel ecosystem can contribute. Many hotel chains have loyalty programmes that allow you to earn points directly from stays. Some of these, such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, partner with Avios or other airline loyalty programmes, allowing you to convert your hotel points into Avios. When booking business accommodation, prioritise hotels within these partner chains where possible. Alternatively, some business credit cards offer enhanced earning rates or specific rewards when booking hotels through their portals.

Car hire is another often-overlooked area. Companies like Avis and Budget are direct partners with British Airways Executive Club. By linking your Executive Club account or quoting your membership number when booking, you can earn Avios on car rentals for business trips. Again, paying for these rentals with a rewards-earning business credit card further amplifies your earning potential.

Don't forget about other business expenses that might indirectly contribute. For instance, some utility providers, telecoms companies, or office suppliers offer rewards schemes themselves. While not always directly Avios, the cumulative rewards from spending across various business categories, all paid for with a points-earning business credit card, can be significant. Regularly review your business's outgoings and identify all opportunities to earn points, whether direct Avios or convertible currencies.

Practical Implementation and Pro Tips

To embed Avios earning into your business operations effectively, designate an individual or team responsible for managing travel bookings and loyalty accounts. This ensures consistency in adding On Business numbers, frequent flyer numbers, and using the correct business credit card. Provide clear guidelines and training, particularly if multiple staff members are involved in booking travel. Regularly audit travel expenses and points statements to identify any missed opportunities or discrepancies.

Consider using a business account that integrates with expenses management, such as Tide. While Tide focuses on banking services with seamless expense tracking rather than direct Avios earning, it provides a solid foundation for managing business finances. You could potentially use a Tide account to streamline payments, and then use your rewards credit card for specific transactions where you want to earn points. For new users, Tide often has introductory offers, for example, using the code REFER200 could offer a cash incentive, though terms and conditions always apply. This helps in separating personal and business finances clearly, which is vital for HMRC.

Finally, always be mindful of the terms and conditions associated with any loyalty programme or credit card. Earning rates, redemption values, and eligibility criteria can change. Stay informed to ensure your strategy remains optimal. Business credit cards, like the Capital on Tap Business credit card, can offer robust rewards, and if you're looking to sign up, a code like SETTINGUP might provide an introductory bonus, subject to their current offers and eligibility. Remember, credit cards are a powerful financial tool, but responsible usage is paramount. Always ensure you can meet repayment obligations to avoid high interest charges and damage to your business's credit rating.