Best cards for London on points & miles

British Airways Avios uses off-peak and peak pricing. Off-peak dates (most of winter, early spring, late fall) run 27,500 Avios OW economy from the East Coast. Check the BA off-peak calendar before booking — the difference is 5,500 (economy) to 11,000 (business) Avios per person.

Fuel surcharges on BA metal run ~$400–$500+ one-way in business. Aeroplan can't book BA, but books Air Canada/United to London without surcharges. Chase UR and Capital One both transfer to Aeroplan at 1:1.

Check the live panel above for current transfer bonuses before moving points.

Cards are accepted everywhere including the London Underground (contactless Visa/MC works for the Tube). Amex has lower acceptance at pubs and smaller shops — carry a Visa/MC backup. GBP, not EUR.

Hyatt is the best value per point: Andaz London Liverpool Street, Great Scotland Yard and Hyatt Regency London The Churchill are Category 6 (20,000–40,000 a night), and Park Hyatt London River Thames is Category 8. IHG has the widest central London coverage at lower value (~0.7¢ a point). Marriott and Hilton also have central properties.

LHR has significantly more award availability than LGW. Most transatlantic award seats land at Terminal 3 or 5 (British Airways). Budget for the Heathrow Express (~£25 one-way) or Elizabeth Line (~£15.50) to central London.