Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave

Yes it does help. If your card has not yet arrived you best call the GGL line (number is I gather visible on BA.com soon after the points have registered, it's a 161 number from overseas). They will then send an IM to the CCR so that they know. There is a file binder with all the names in it, but best not to rely on it, my name was (briefly) missing from it at one point, which caused some merriment in certain quarters.

Typically ahow your card to the agent by the door pulpit, and the boarding pass and card to the agent on the CCR side with the computer.