First US Credit Card for Avios Points as an International PhD Student

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I’m about to open my first bank account in the US as an international PhD student. I’m also planning to get a credit card that can help me collect more Avios points and save money since I plan to stick to BA/AA for traveling back home to Europe 1-2 times a year. I have some savings to start with, but no credit history in the US or my home country. While I may not be able to get such a credit card right away, perhaps after a year with another card, I can.

I was wondering if you think it’s worth it. Also, since I have to pick a bank to open a student savings account (and the main US banks have similar deals), it would be best to consider the possibility of getting a credit card there too.

I’m considering the US Chase BA card right now. If anyone has any experience with that, please share it.

Thanks!

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The BA card has been with me for nearly a year. For two people who travel abroad for business, the 2-4-1 pass is quite valuable, but it costs $30,000 per year. It’s also wonderful that BA flights are discounted by 10%. The main issue with BA is how expensive the costs are. In economy, the avios only receive roughly 1cpp.

Their one-world partners are able to redeem their avios effectively. JL, AA, and Qatar.

Points can be converted to Avios with travel cards from Chase, C1, and AMEX.