Yahoo Finance 'I was duped into thinking I would earn more Avios points than I did'
I, like thousands of others, have credit cards that credit us Avios points to help pay for British Airways flights.
The statement I had in 2014 in respect of my Lloyds Duo Avios account advised that we can earn up to 1.5 Avios points for every £1 of eligible spend. I took the reasonable decision not to wade through the massive website when it was clearly stated I would receive “up to 1.5 points”.
On this basis, I used my Avios American Express card for 95pc of transactions. Then three years later, I discovered I had only been earning one Avios point for every £1 spent.
WO, somerset
You are 77 and say the disappointment over the number of points acquired will hinder your plans to visit your two children who work abroad.
I understand that the statement you referred to covered a range of accounts with different amounts of Avios points awarded. The relevant earn rate was covered in the terms and conditions of your particular product.
The Duo Avios American Express card at issue here was giving one Avios per £1 spend for most transactions while a few, that were not applicable to your spending, such as those in a foreign currency, could earn more. The Premier Avios product also attracted a better earn rate.
You had taken the headline offer to pertain exclusively to your situation and were disappointed when you eventually realised you had never earned more than 1 point per £1 spend.
The wording “up to” should, I feel, always be regarded with suspicion, particularly where it could be qualified within a raft of very small print. I have spoken to the bank but sadly cannot change this for you.
You still feel bitter and believe that the paperwork should have been clearer. Changes are afoot.
Recently Avios has decided to close its UK travel rewards programme. Most members will be transferred to the British Airways executive club. Their Avios balances will be moved across once the new arrangements are in place. Customers can continue to collect and spend their Avios points.
Meanwhile the Lloyds Avios credit cards are no longer available to new customers
