British Airways is introducing digital Executive Club membership cards for customers with smartphones.

The new feature launches in December and is available to all Executive Club members with iOS and Android mobile devices, using the British Airways app.

Customers can also download their digital membership cards from ba.com once they have logged in to their Executive Club account.

Much like the current plastic card, the digital version will display the member’s name, membership number and card expiry date, as well as indicating their level of membership.

Members with the iPhone and Android app will also benefit from new updates on the ‘My Account’ page. These include a progress chart to show your current Executive Club membership status and how far until the next tier level. A new option to book flights using Avios points, as well as a new process to upgrade your flight using cash (where available), have also been introduced.

James Hillier, Global Executive Club Manager, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer customers more options with our app, like access to our Executive Club card digitally. We know our customers enjoy innovative and intuitive technology that helps them on their journey.”

Plastic cards will remain valid for use, and Bronze, Silver and Gold card holders will continue to receive welcome packs and plastic cards in the post. Only Blue cards are being discontinued in plastic format, as they have fewer presentable touch points.

Colour-coded boarding passes

Boarding passes presented via the latest version of the iPhone app now include the colour of the customer’s tier status in the background.

Changes to Gold Guest List

From January 1, 2015, customers will only be invited to join the Gold guest list if they reach 5,000 tier points. The change means that Gold members who reach 3,000 tier points in two consecutive years will no longer be eligible.

To avoid disappointment as a gesture of goodwill, and Gold members that reach 3,000 tier points before April 8, 2015, who also reached 3,000 tier points in their previous collection year will automatically be awarded Gold Guest List status.

There is no change for members who have already achieved Gold Guest list – they will continue to retain their membership as long as they earn 3,000 Tier Points during each Tier Point collection year.

The British Airways app is available on iPhone, Android, Amazon Appstore, BlackBerry and Windows Phone models