Which US Avios Credit Card Should You Apply For?

OMAAT offers a referral bonus to anyone who has been approved by using the links below. This is in the interests of full disclosure. These are the best public offers we found (terms apply). These opinions are solely the author's and not the views of any bank, credit card issuer or airline. They have not been approved or endorsed by any entity. For more information about our partners, please see our advertiser policy. Thank you for your support!Three credit cards are available in the United States that allow you to earn Avios. This is the points currency used by International Airline Group (IAG), carriers. These cards include:Because they are all associated with different airlines, you might think there are many differences. The similarities are greater than the differences between these cards.All three cards received extraordinary new welcome bonuses totaling up to 100,000 Avios. I thought it would be interesting to share my thoughts on which card makes the most sense.All Avios points currencies the sameAll three cards are eligible for Avios. However, they can earn different types of Avios.AerLingus AerClub Avios are earned by the AerLingus CardBritish Airways Executive Club Avios are earned by the British Airways CardIberia Plus Avios are earned by the Iberia CardThese are separate frequent flyer programs. However, Avios can be transferred between the three programs free of charge, provided your frequent flyer accounts were open for at least 90 calendar days.When choosing between these cards, I would not be concerned about the program you are earning Avios with. You can transfer Avios freely between programs.Transfer Avios from any of the three programs is freeWhat do all three Avios credit card cards have in common?The three credit cards that earn Avios have many things in common.A 100,000 Avios welcome bonus after you spend $5,000 within the first 3 months. These are the most amazing bonuses we've ever seen for these cards.A $95 per year feePurchases with British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus are eligible for 5x Avios, as well as LEVEL, for the first 12 month after account opening. Then, 3x Avios will be available for those purchases.For the first 12 months after account opening, you will receive 3x Avios for hotel accommodation purchases. After that, you will get 2x Avios for any subsequent purchases.All other purchases qualify for 1x AviosThere are no foreign transaction feesPurchase and travel protectionThese welcome bonuses are exceptional, considering the fact that you only need to spend $20,000. To earn 100,000 Avios, I cannot stress enough. These cards have offered up to 100,000 Avios in the past. However, they generally require spending $20,000. This offer is far superior.Each card is considered a separate product, and you could be eligible for each card, including the welcome bonus. Keep in mind Chase's credit card application guidelines, which include the 5/24 rule.All three cards offer welcome bonuses of 100,000 AviosWhat is different about Avios credit cards?Many airline credit cards provide travel perks. This is why you will want to keep these cards. Each credit card has travel perks that are specific to each airline.Every card comes with at least one benefit, which you get just for owning it. There is no need to spend any money.Every card comes with one benefit: you get it if you spend $30,000 in a calendar yearLet's compare these benefits.The Aer Lingus Visa: AdvantagesThese travel perks are available with the Aer Lingus Card:You get priority boarding on Aer Lingus flights between the US and the UK just for carrying the cardYou will receive an Aer Lingus companion ticket for every $30,000 you spend on the card over a calendar year. This ticket allows you to take your companion along with you when you book one of our economy tickets.A complete review of the Aer Lingus Card.Priority boarding on Aer Lingus FlightsBenefits of the British Airways VisaThese travel perks are available with the British Airways Card:Full review of the British Airways Card.You can earn a companion coupon that you can use for first classThe Iberia Visa AdvantagesThese travel perks are available with the Iberia Card:You get a 10% discount for paying Iberia flight tickets just by having the cardYou will receive a $1,000 Iberia flight voucher for spending $30,000 in the card over a year. This can be used to book two tickets in the same class on the same flight.The complete review of the Iberia Card.Get a $1,000 Iberia flight voucherWhich Avios card should you apply to?Avios points can easily be transferred between programs and all three cards offer the same extraordinary bonus of 100,000 Avios. I recommend that you choose the card that offers the most perks to you. Each person will be different in their opinion of which of these perks are the most valuable, depending on which airline they're loyal to.Personally, I would rank the card perks like this:The British Airways Card has the best perks. It offers 10% off all paid flights, and up to $600 award rebates. The Iberia Card also offers the best perks. The reward for spending $30,000 (a $1,000 Iberia discount coupon) is very valuable. The Aer Lingus Card provides the least perks.These bonuses can help you earn a lot of AviosWhen deciding which card to apply for, keep in mind that you could be eligible for any of the cards. I have the British Airways Card and I intend to get the Aer Lingus Card and Iberia Card. This could be another factor that will decide between these cards.Which Avios credit product do you most value?