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

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.