Best Credit Cards For Travel Rewards In The UK

In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for travel rewards in the UK, tailored to different types of travellers, from luxury seekers to budget backpackers. We’ll also look at how to use these cards strategically, how to avoid common fees, and how to combine rewards with your existing travel plans.

Why Choose A Travel Rewards Credit Card?

If you’re already spending on everyday items, why not earn while you do it? Travel credit cards allow you to accumulate air miles, hotel points, or cashback that you can redeem on flights, hotel bookings, upgrades, or travel experiences. Some cards even offer complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, or no foreign transaction fees, ideal for UK travellers heading abroad.

Pairing the right credit card with tools like an AI travel assistant can make budgeting and trip planning even more seamless. Whether you're using Booked AI to find cheap hotels in Europe or looking for the lowest-cost flights to Asia, every pound spent can bring you closer to your next getaway.

Top UK Credit Cards For Travel Rewards

Here’s a breakdown of the leading UK credit cards currently offering travel rewards. These picks factor in rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and international travel perks.

1. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card

Best for: Frequent flyers who want flexibility in how they use points.
Annual Fee: Free in the first year (£195 after)
Sign-up Bonus: 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £3,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate: 1 point per £1 spent (2 points on travel bookings via Amex Travel)

Credit Card perks:

• Travel insurance included
• Two complimentary lounge visits annually
• No foreign transaction fees

The Amex Gold is one of the most popular choices for UK travellers who like to book their own trips and want the freedom to use rewards across multiple platforms. Unlike cards tied to specific airlines or hotels, the Membership Rewards points earned through this card can be transferred to over 12 different airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Avios, Emirates Skywards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

The additional points earned when booking through Amex Travel make it even more attractive for frequent jet-setters. Plus, the two complimentary airport lounge passes add an element of comfort for those flying in economy. If you’re often on the lookout for cheap flights and last-minute hotel deals, this card allows you to accumulate meaningful rewards quickly, especially if you use it for everyday expenses like groceries, dining, and transport.

2. Barclaycard Avios Plus

Best for: British Airways travellers collecting Avios points.
Annual Fee: £20/month (£240/year)
Sign-up Bonus: 25,000 Avios when you spend £3,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent (3 Avios on BA purchases)

Credit Card perks:

• Upgrade vouchers after hitting annual spending targets
• Avios can be used on BA flights or OneWorld partner airlines
  

For those who frequently fly with British Airways or OneWorld alliance carriers, the Barclaycard Avios Plus is a compelling choice. The 25,000-point sign-up bonus alone can cover short-haul return flights across Europe or contribute significantly toward a long-haul redemption. With 3 Avios per £1 on British Airways purchases, this card rewards loyalty heavily.

One of its strongest benefits is the upgrade voucher you earn after spending £10,000 in a year, allowing you to book a flight in economy and travel in premium economy, or jump from premium to business class. For regular travellers between London and European hubs, this perk alone can outweigh the annual fee. You’ll also benefit from seamless integration with the British Airways Executive Club, making it easier to track and redeem rewards when planning your trips.

3. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

Best for: Premium travellers seeking lounge access and global perks.
Annual Fee: £195 (requires HSBC Premier account)
Sign-up Bonus: 40,000 Reward points
Rewards Rate: 2 points per £1 on overseas spending

Credit Card perks:

• Unlimited airport lounge access with LoungeKey
• Travel insurance
• Concierge service
  

This card is designed for high-value travellers who prefer flying in comfort and staying in premium hotels. The 40,000-point welcome bonus gives you a strong start, especially when combined with the generous earning rate of 2 points per £1 spent abroad. If you're regularly paying in foreign currencies, whether for hotels, flights, or dining, this card ensures your spending goes further.

The unlimited airport lounge access through LoungeKey adds a layer of luxury to every trip. LoungeKey provides access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide, which can save hundreds of pounds a year for frequent flyers. Moreover, its built-in concierge and travel insurance services make this a go-to option for business travellers or those managing complex itineraries. Use it alongside AI travel tools to easily book and manage travel while stacking points effortlessly.

4. Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card

Best for: Virgin Atlantic loyalists and those flying long-haul
Annual Fee: £160
Sign-up Bonus: 15,000 Flying Club points after first purchase
Rewards Rate: 1.5 points per £1 (3 points on Virgin purchases)
Credit Card perks:

• Companion voucher or upgrade after spending £10,000
• Points can be used for partner airlines like Delta and Air France

This card is tailor-made for travellers who favour Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul destinations, especially flights to the United States, the Caribbean, and Asia. Unlike some cards that require hitting a high minimum spend for a bonus, this card gives you a generous 15,000 points after your very first purchase, ideal for those who want instant rewards.

The reward rate is particularly high on Virgin Atlantic purchases, meaning those who regularly book long-haul flights or Virgin Holidays packages can rack up points at an accelerated pace. After spending £10,000 annually, you’ll unlock a companion ticket or upgrade voucher, essentially doubling the value of your miles. With the ability to redeem points across Virgin's partner network, this card offers flexibility beyond the airline’s routes.

5. Chase UK Credit Card (Travel-Friendly Budget Pick)

Best for: No fees and smart cashback.
Annual Fee: £0
Sign-up Bonus: None
Rewards Rate: 1% cashback on everyday spending
Credit Card perks:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Easy account management via app
  

Chase’s entry into the UK market has been well-received, and this card is a great example of why. With no annual fee, no foreign transaction charges, and a flat 1% cashback on every purchase, this card makes smart money sense, especially for travellers who want flexibility. While you won’t earn airline miles or hotel points, the cashback can be redirected into your travel fund.

Because there’s no fee, it’s also an excellent secondary card to keep in your wallet when travelling abroad. If you're looking for cheap hotels or budget flights and want a simple, fee-free way to pay overseas, this card delivers without overcomplicating things. Its slick mobile app allows for easy real-time tracking of spend, cashback, and savings, making it a favourite among digital-first travellers.

Looking beyond the UK? You can also explore the best credit cards for travel rewards in the USA or check out top options for travel rewards in Australia, depending on where you’re based or frequently travel.

Travel Hacks: How to Maximise Your Travel Rewards

To get the most from your travel rewards credit card, consider these strategic tips:

• Stack Rewards: Book hotels and flights through partner portals or travel engines that offer additional cashback or points.
• Use AI Tools: Platforms like an AI travel assistant or AI hotel finder can help match your card benefits to deals on cheap hotels, last-minute flights, or off-season discounts.
• Pay Smart Abroad: Use cards with no foreign transaction fees for restaurants, taxis, and experiences overseas.
• Hit Bonus Thresholds: Plan larger purchases or trips early in the year to reach those welcome bonus targets.

Conclusion

Choosing the best credit card for travel rewards in the UK depends on how you travel and what perks matter most to you. Whether you're focused on building Avios for free flights, enjoying luxury lounges during layovers, or simply cutting costs on cheap hotels and cheap flights, there’s a card that fits your style.

Pair your credit card strategy with smart travel tools like an AI travel assistant or an AI travel guide to streamline everything from finding the best routes to tracking your bookings and spending. With the right setup, every swipe can get you closer to your next great escape.

Download the Booked AI app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

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