If you love travelling, you probably spend a lot on flights, hotels, and food. What if you could get some of that money back? Travel reward credit cards help you do just that.
These cards give you points or miles for every purchase you make. Later, you can use those rewards for free flights, hotel stays, or upgrades.
In this guide, I’ll share the top credit cards for travel rewards, how they work, and tips to get the most from them.
How Travel Reward Credit Cards Work
When you use a travel reward credit card, you earn points or miles for each pound you spend. These rewards are usually linked to a bank or an airline’s loyalty program.
For example, if your card gives you 1 point for every £1 spent, spending £1,000 earns you 1,000 points. You can then redeem those points for flights, hotels, or other travel perks.
Some cards also give bonus points for spending in certain categories like dining, travel bookings, or groceries.
Benefits of Travel Reward Credit Cards
-
Earn points or miles every time you spend
-
Free flights and hotel stays when you redeem rewards
-
Travel perks like lounge access, free checked bags, or priority boarding
-
Purchase protection and travel insurance in some cases
These benefits can save you hundreds of pounds a year if you travel often.
What to Look For in a Travel Reward Credit Card
Before applying, check these features:
-
Annual fee – Some cards charge yearly fees but offer more perks.
-
Earning rate – How many points or miles you get for each pound spent.
-
Bonus categories – Higher points for travel or dining purchases.
-
Redemption options – Flights, hotels, car rentals, or cash back.
-
Foreign transaction fees – Cards with no fees are best for trips abroad.
Top Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in the UK
Below are some of the best travel reward cards available to UK residents.
1. British Airways American Express® Credit Card
-
Annual fee: £0
-
Earning rate: 1 Avios for every £1 spent
-
Bonus: 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in your first 3 months
-
Perks: Companion voucher when you spend £12,000 in a year
-
Best for: Frequent British Airways travellers
This is a great choice if you fly with British Airways often. The companion voucher lets you book two reward seats for the price of one in Avios.
2. American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card
-
Annual fee: Free for the first year, £195 after
-
Earning rate: 1 point per £1 spent, 2 points on travel bookings
-
Bonus: 20,000 points if you spend £3,000 in 3 months
-
Perks: 4 free airport lounge passes per year
-
Best for: Travellers who want flexibility in redeeming points
You can transfer points to multiple airline and hotel programs, giving you more choice.
3. Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card
-
Annual fee: £160
-
Earning rate: 1.5 Virgin Points per £1 spent
-
Bonus: 15,000 points after your first purchase
-
Perks: Companion ticket or upgrade when you spend £10,000 in a year
-
Best for: Virgin Atlantic flyers
This card works best for people who travel to the US or Caribbean often, where Virgin Atlantic has strong routes.
4. Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card
-
Annual fee: £0
-
Earning rate: 0.25% cashback on all purchases
-
Bonus: No sign-up bonus but strong ongoing value
-
Perks: No foreign transaction fees
-
Best for: Fee-free spending abroad
While it’s not a points card, the cashback and no fees make it ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
5. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard®
-
Annual fee: £195
-
Earning rate: 1 point per £1 spent in the UK, 2 points abroad
-
Bonus: 40,000 points when you spend £2,000 in 90 days
-
Perks: LoungeKey access, travel insurance
-
Best for: Frequent international travellers with HSBC Premier accounts
This card has strong earning rates and premium perks, but you must qualify for HSBC Premier to apply.
How to Choose the Right Travel Reward Card
The best card for you depends on your travel style.
-
If you fly with one airline most of the time, pick their co-branded card.
-
If you want flexibility, choose a card with transferable points.
-
If you travel abroad often, get a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Tips to Maximise Travel Rewards
-
Use your card for all daily purchases to earn more points.
-
Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest.
-
Take advantage of welcome bonuses by meeting the spending requirement.
-
Book travel through your card’s portal if it gives extra points.
-
Redeem points for high-value rewards like long-haul flights instead of gift cards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Applying for too many cards in a short time
-
Carrying a balance and paying high interest
-
Redeeming points for low-value rewards
-
Ignoring annual fees that outweigh the benefits
Are Travel Reward Cards Worth It?
Yes, if you travel often and can pay your balance in full each month. Even one free flight or hotel night can make the card worth it.
If you rarely travel, a cashback card might give you better value.
Best Practices When Travelling Abroad with a Credit Card
-
Always pay in local currency to avoid conversion fees
-
Keep a backup card in case of loss or theft
-
Use your bank’s app to track spending and lock the card if needed
Final Thoughts
Travel reward credit cards are a smart way to get more from your spending. The right card depends on your airline preference, travel habits, and budget.
Choose carefully, use it responsibly, and you can enjoy free flights, hotel stays, and perks that make travel more enjoyable.
Musty