The Upgrade Blueprint
You are already spending the money. The only question is which card it goes through. Tell me what you put on a card in a normal month and I will tell you where to start.
Groceries, fuel, bills, insurance, subscriptions, eating out. Everything that could go on a card. Do not include the mortgage or rent.
If you are genuinely flexible, pick that. It changes the answer.
The 24-month rule is family-specific, so which one matters. The British Airways cards look back only at personal British Airways Amex cards. The Gold looks at any personal Amex at all. Corporate and Business cards, and being a supplementary cardholder on someone else’s account, never count.
A fee is worth paying when the perk beats it. It usually does, but only if you use the perk.
The free UK Points Starter Guide walks through the whole thing in order: the credit check before you apply, which card comes second, and the redemption rule that stops you wasting what you earn.
The guide, then occasional emails about UK points and travel. Unsubscribe whenever you like.
Check your inbox and click the confirmation link. The guide lands as soon as you do.
Card terms verified against issuer websites on 7 September 2026. Subject to change without notice. Welcome bonuses in particular move often, and eligibility depends on your circumstances and credit file. Always check the issuer's own site before applying. Points valued at a working benchmark of 1p each, which is a floor for a good redemption rather than a promise. This is educational content about loyalty programmes, not financial advice, and applying for credit affects your credit file.