Thanks, Chaps! approved straight away.
I already have an ancient blue Amex card that hasn't seen use since I discovered FT and replaced it with the BA Prem card.
So far as the multiple cards / checks issue goes, mate of mine applies for (and gets) every zero-rate card out there, maxes them out buying Premium Bonds, pays them off when the 0% period is over by cashing in bonds (or tx balance to latest card).
He's never had an issue with credit checks and reckons the return you get on PBs isn't too bad right now.
Right. Now off to investigate best way to 'refer' this new card to Mrs Eyeswater! Thanks again,
Toodle Pip!