Usually no.
Buying Avios outright is normally one of the most expensive ways to add points
to your account. In most cases, there is a cheaper alternative available.
However, there are situations where buying Avios can make sense.
The key rule is simple:
Only buy Avios when
the value you expect to receive
is greater than the price you are paying for them.
At standard pricing, Avios typically cost between 1.75p and 2.45p each when
purchased directly. If your planned redemption returns less value than that,
you are losing money.
When Buying Avios Makes Sense
1. You Are Just Short of a Redemption
This is the strongest reason to buy Avios. If you have found a premium-cabin
reward seat and only need a few thousand additional Avios to complete the
booking, buying those points can be worthwhile. The important thing is that
you have a specific redemption ready to book immediately.
British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and Finnair regularly run promotions
offering bonus Avios, with typical bonuses ranging from 30% to 50%.
A 50% bonus can reduce the effective purchase price from around 1.78p to
approximately 1.19p per Avios, which can make buying Avios reasonable if you
are planning a premium-cabin redemption that delivers strong value.
3. You Have a Companion Voucher
Long-haul business-class bookings
combined with a Companion Voucher often generate 3p to 5p of value per Avios.
In these cases, buying Avios can still represent good value because the
redemption value is significantly higher than the purchase cost. This is one
of the few situations where buying Avios ahead of a booking can be justified.
When Buying Avios Does Not Make Sense
For most redemptions, buying Avios is poor value.
Avoid Buying Avios For:
- Future speculative trips
- Short-haul economy flights
- Nectar conversions
- Avios Shop purchases
- Hotel redemptions
Avios are a depreciating asset. Airline loyalty programmes regularly increase
award prices, reducing the value of points over time. If you buy points
without a clear plan, there is a risk they will be worth less when you
eventually use them.
Consider Balance Boost First
Before buying Avios directly, check whether Balance Boost is available. If you
have earned Avios in the last 30 days, Balance Boost allows you to purchase
additional Avios at a lower cost.
Typical pricing is around 0.92p per Avios, which is often 50% cheaper than
buying Avios outright. For many collectors, Balance Boost is the cheapest way
to buy additional Avios.
The percentage bonus matters less than the effective price per Avios.
For example:
- 100,000 Avios purchased normally costs around £1,780
- A 50% bonus gives 150,000 Avios for the same price
- The effective cost falls to roughly 1.19p per Avios
A 30% bonus reduces the cost to approximately 1.37p per Avios. Always compare
the effective purchase price against the value of the redemption you plan to
make.
Check Other Avios Programmes
British Airways is not the only place to buy Avios. You can also purchase
Avios through:
- Iberia Club
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Finnair Plus
These programmes occasionally run better promotions than British Airways, and
because Avios can generally be transferred between programmes, it is worth
comparing prices before buying.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Avios?
Typical British Airways pricing is:
| Avios Purchased |
Approximate Cost Per Avios |
| 2,000 |
2.45p |
| 10,000 |
1.95p |
| 100,000 |
1.78p |
The more Avios you buy, the lower the cost per point becomes. British Airways
currently allows members to buy up to 200,000 Avios per calendar year.
How to Buy Avios
The process is simple:
- Log in to your British Airways Club account
- Open the "Collect" menu
- Select "Purchase Avios"
- Choose the quantity you want
- Pay using a debit or credit card
In most cases, the Avios arrive within minutes.
What About Virgin Points?
The same principles apply to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which regularly
sells points and runs bonus promotions.
Buying points only makes sense when the value of the redemption exceeds the
cost of acquiring the points. The strongest use cases are usually
premium-cabin redemptions, such as Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or Delta One.
For lower-value redemptions, buying points is rarely worthwhile.
Check the Value Before You Buy
Every buying decision should start with a simple question:
What value will I get from these points?
If the value per Avios is higher than the price per Avios, buying can make
sense. If not, keep your money.
Most experienced collectors focus on
earning Avios through credit card welcome bonuses, everyday spending
, shopping portals, and promotions before considering a direct purchase.
FAQ
Is It Worth Buying Avios?
Usually no. It only makes sense when you need a small top-up for a specific
booking, when a strong bonus promotion is running, or when you are using a
Companion Voucher for a premium-cabin redemption.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Avios?
Standard pricing ranges from around 2.45p per Avios for small purchases to
around 1.78p per Avios for large purchases. Promotions can reduce the
effective cost significantly.
Can You Buy Avios?
Yes. British Airways Club members can purchase up to 200,000 Avios per
calendar year directly through their account.
How Do You Buy Avios?
Log in to your British Airways Club account, choose "Purchase
Avios," select the quantity required, and complete payment by card.
Is It Worth Buying Virgin Points?
The same logic applies. Buying points can make sense for high-value
premium-cabin redemptions, but is rarely worthwhile for lower-value rewards.
