Airline credit cards
Earn Avios or other airline points for flights and upgrades
Slash the cost of flights worldwide just for spending on a piece of plastic. Airline credit cards allow you to collect Avios and other airline points as you spend, plus you can also bag big bonuses simply for signing up.
First, a quick overview of airline credit cards...
Airline credit cards let you earn points on everyday spending, which can be used with airline reward schemes. Used well, they can help you cut the cost of flights, upgrades and hotels – but only if the points suit your travel plans and you avoid paying interest.
Don't just apply - go via an eligibility calculator. Our Airline Credit Card Eligibility Checker speedily shows acceptance odds for top cards (some are 'pre-approved'), without affecting your creditworthiness.
Choose the right airline rewards scheme for your spending habits. Don’t assume all points are worth the same. A higher earn rate doesn’t always mean better value – check what you can redeem the points for, how easy they are to use, and what charges apply.
If you do get a card, ALWAYS follow these Airline Credit Card Golden rules:
a) Set up a Direct Debit to repay the credit card IN FULL each month
b) Only use the card for your NORMAL spending
c) Pick a scheme that suits your travel plans and offers rewards you can earn through your normal spending
d) Don't borrow or withdraw cash on these credit cards
Who's this guide for? Frequent flyers who want to collect air miles. If you're a lower spender, top rewards credit cards could be a better option.
Related guides... Tricks to boost and max Avios | Cheap flights | Travel credit cards
How do airline credit cards work?
Airline credit cards let you earn points on everyday spending to put towards flights and other rewards. Depending on the card, these could be Avios, Virgin Points, Amex Membership Rewards points, Nectar points or another reward currency linked to an airline or travel scheme.
You can boost your stash with points from flying, shopping and other reward schemes. See our Tricks to boost and max Avios guide for tips.
These cards also come with the usual credit card protection.
What can I spend my airline points on?
Depending on the scheme, you can use points for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, car hire and sometimes airport lounge access or priority boarding. Some schemes also let you buy extra points if you’re short, or swap points for shopping vouchers, for example, though these are often poorer value.
Free flights are usually offered in the form of a companion voucher, which allows you to take someone with you under similar or the same flight conditions (for BA Amex, it can only be used in economy class) when you pay for your flight ticket with airline points - though you still pay the taxes and charges on both tickets.
These vouchers are available on the British Airways Premium Plus American Express card and the British Airways Amex if you spend £15,000 a year. They're usually only valid for a year or two. Always check the cash cost before booking. See our Avios tricks guide for more info.
‘Free’ flights usually still come with taxes, fees and charges, and reward seats can be limited, so you’ll need to be flexible.
Be flexible and start checking flights about a year before travelling, when seats begin to be released (see flight release dates). You can check availability, points needed and peak/off-peak dates through British Airways’ reward search (you’ll need to log in to your British Airways Club account) or Virgin’s reward flights calendar. Booking early is especially important for Christmas and school holidays, but keep checking as more seats may appear later.
Not all airline points work the same way
Some cards earn Avios or Virgin Points directly; others earn reward points, such as Amex Membership Rewards or Nectar points, which you can convert into airline points. More points per £1 doesn’t automatically mean better value – check which airlines you can use them with, what rewards you can get and any card fees or redemption charges.
Once you’ve converted points into an airline scheme, you usually can’t move them to another one. Some schemes let you share or transfer points with another member, but rules, fees and annual limits vary.
Don’t treat airline points like cash. Their value depends on how you use them. Reward-seat availability can be limited, you’ll usually still pay taxes and charges, and booking restrictions may apply. Points can also expire if your account is inactive, so the same number of Avios or Virgin Points could be worth far more – or less – depending on your trip.
Are airline credit cards worth it?
Used right, they can offer lucrative perks, particularly for higher spenders who can bag welcome bonuses and other rewards.
But only get one if you’ll use the points and repay IN FULL every month. Interest can dwarf the rewards, while annual fees can make a card poor value if you spend little. Stick to normal spending – never buy more just to earn points.
Airline credit card: the four Golden Rules
1. If you can't repay in full every month, DON'T get an airline credit card
Card companies offer reward schemes to encourage you to spend on their cards so they can earn interest from you. Always set up a Direct Debit to repay your credit card balance IN FULL each month, to avoid paying interest – otherwise the interest cost may dwarf any reward you get.
2. Don’t overspend just to earn points
These cards are designed to encourage you to spend, but never spend more than you need to. Instead, use the card for all normal day-to-day purchases then set up a Direct Debit to repay IN FULL each month and you'll soon see the points adding up.
You could maximise it even further by using the card for work expenses if you need to reclaim them. This can be a powerful way to earn more points at no cost to you, provided you can cope with paying the bill in full each month.
3. Pick a scheme that suits your travel plans and offers rewards you can earn through your normal spending
Airline cards tend to work best if you spend £10,000+ a year. Higher spenders can unlock big intro bonuses and perks such as companion vouchers, though any annual fee needs to be worth paying. Check you can realistically hit any spending targets for bonuses or companion vouchers.
4. Never borrow or withdraw cash on an airline credit card
Airline credit cards are a tool to get you rewards by using them like a debit card and clearing the balance each month - we rate them based on that.
If you need to borrow as well, you're far better off focusing on getting the lowest interest rates – that'll save you much more money. See 0% credit cards for spending for more info.
And when it comes to withdrawing cash, the rule is simple – never, ever, ever use these cards for cash withdrawals as you'll generally be charged a fee and interest, even if you pay the card off in full.
Making multiple credit applications in a short time can leave multiple searches on your credit file and hurt your chances of acceptance. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage or other important credit soon, hold off applying for a new card. Sign up to MSE’s Credit Club for free tools to see how lenders view you.
Top airline credit cards
Many of our top cards are American Express (Amex), which allow you to earn points that can be converted for use with multiple airlines – or even shopping vouchers and Nectar points.
American Express isn't as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa, so we've also included a non-Amex top-pick, the Virgin Atlantic Reward card. However, points can only be redeemed through its own rewards scheme.
Top airline credit cards – what we'd go for
All of our top picks offer points on everyday spending as well as introductory bonuses – make sure you pay them off IN FULL each month or the interest will dwarf the gain. See the table below for full details.
New. Amex Preferred Rewards Gold – best for points and perks. Get 30,000 bonus points plus a £100 Selfridges eGift card on a £3,000+ spend in the first three months. Then it's an ongoing one point per £1 spent, plus a further 5,000 points if you spend £10,000+ in 12 months. Points can be transferred to schemes including British Airways Club Avios, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points and Emirates Skywards Miles, though transfer partners and rates can change. You also get four annual lounge visits and up to £10 a month Deliveroo cashback, but the £195 a year fee from year two makes it best for bigger spenders.
Amex Nectar – a lower-fee option with flexible rewards. Get 20,000 Nectar points on £2,000+ spend in the first three months – worth 12,500 Avios – then two Nectar points per £1, equivalent to 1.25 Avios. Link your Nectar and British Airways accounts to convert or spend points at retailers such as Sainsbury's. The £30 a year fee from year two could suit smaller spenders.
Virgin Atlantic Reward – a fee-free option for Virgin flyers. Earn 3,000 bonus points on your first purchase within 90 days, then 0.75 points per £1 spent. Spend £20,000+ in a card year for a companion-seat or upgrade voucher on Virgin-operated flights. Its value depends on your Flying Club tier, and taxes and fees still apply. It's not in our eligibility checker, but Virgin Money lets you check your chances of acceptance without affecting your credit score.
Top for points & perks. Open this card and you'll get an intro bonus of 30,000 points plus a £100 Selfridges eGift card if you spend £3,000+ in the first three months. Amex points can be redeemed for airmiles at various airlines, such as British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic, though conversion rates vary.
Ongoing points:
1 Amex point per £1 spent plus 5,000 points per £10,000 spend (max 10,000pts)
Other perks:
£5 cashback on two £5+ Deliveroo orders a month plus four free visits to airport lounges each year
Amex Nectar
Free for first year, £30/year after
29.1% annual interest
Top for Sainsbury's shoppers. Spend £2,000+ in the first three months of having this card and you'll get a bonus 20,000 Nectar points (worth 12,500 Avios). Avios can be redeemed on airlines such as British Airways and Qatar Airways, as well as for Eurotunnel LeShuttle.
Ongoing points:
Two Nectar points per £1 spent (worth 1.25 Avios)
Other perks:
Three Nectar points per £1 spent at Nectar partners such as Sainsbury's and Argos
Virgin Atlantic Reward
NO FEE
26.9% rep APR
Top for transatlantic travellers. Get 3,000 Virgin points on your first spend within 90 days of opening the card account. Points can be redeemed on Virgin Atlantic flights, as well as a wide range of activities and days out via Virgin Red. Sadly, not in our eligibility calculator, you can check your odds of acceptance on Virgin Money's website before you apply without affecting your credit score.
Ongoing points:
0.75 Virgin points per £1 spent
Other perks:
Free Flying Club reward for spending £20,000+ a year (eg, cabin upgrade or companion ticket)
The best of the rest airline credit cards
We've more choice below if none of the above suit – we've included a mix of options: some are fee-free, and some have a monthly or annual charge...
Amex Rewards
NO FEE
29.1% rep APR
Get 10,000 Amex points if you spend £2,000+ in the first three months. Amex points can be used for multiple airline's schemes, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and Etihad. This card gives one point per £1 spent, and points can also be converted into vouchers or hotel points.
Intro points:
10,000 bonus pts on £2,000+ spend
Ongoing points:
1 point per £1 spent
Barclaycard Avios
NO FEE
29.9% rep APR
Get 5,000 Avios points if you spend £1,000+ in the first three months. This card gives one point per £1 spent, plus you get a free cabin upgrade if you spend £20,000+ per year. You can't get this card if you've had a Barclaycard in the last six months.
Intro points:
5,000 bonus pts on £1,000+ spend
Ongoing points:
1 point per £1 spent
Virgin Atlantic Reward+
£160/yr fee
26.9% annual interest
Get 18,000 Virgin points on your first spend (no min) in the first 90 days, though there's a hefty £160 annual fee. This card gives double the amount of points per pound than the fee-free Virgin card above, and you get the free Flying Club reward on a lower £10,000+ per year spend. Sadly, not in our eligibility calculator, you can check your odds of acceptance on Virgin Money's website before you apply without affecting your credit score.
Intro points:
18,000pts on first spend in first 90 days (no min)
Ongoing points:
1.5 points per £1 spent
Barclaycard Avios Plus
£20/mth fee
29.9% annual interest
Get 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000+ in the first three months – though there's a £20/month fee. This card gives 1.5 points per £1 spent, plus you get a free cabin upgrade if you spend £10,000+ per year. Spend £3,000+ in the first three months for 25,000 Avios. You can't get this card if you've had a Barclaycard in the last six months.
Intro points:
25,000 bonus pts on £3,000+ spend
Ongoing points:
1.5 points per £1 spent
Cashback sites may pay you for signing up
As an extra boon, members of specialist cashback websites can be paid when they sign up to some financial products. Do check it's exactly the same deal though, as terms can be different. And bear in mind that the cashback is never 100% guaranteed until it's in your account.
For full help to take advantage of this and the pros and cons, go to our Top cashback sites guide.
Airline credit card FAQs
Do airline credit card points ever expire?
Yes – most airline reward schemes have an expiry policy. Typically, points will expire after 12–36 months of inactivity (if you don’t earn or redeem within that period). However, using the linked credit card usually counts as activity, so regular spending keeps your balance alive. Always check your scheme’s rules – for example, Avios expire after 36 months of no activity.
Can I add a partner or family member to my airline credit card to earn points faster?
In most cases, yes – you can request a supplementary or additional card for a partner or family member. Their spending also earns points that go into your rewards pot, helping you build points quicker. Just remember: you’re legally responsible for paying off all spending, even if it’s theirs.
What happens to my points if I cancel the credit card?
It depends on the card and reward scheme. Points earned directly with an airline, such as Avios or Virgin Points, will usually stay in your airline loyalty account after you cancel, subject to that scheme’s expiry rules.
But points held in a card provider’s own scheme, such as Amex Membership Rewards, are usually lost when you close the card. Transfer or redeem them before cancelling, and check the card’s terms first.
Can I earn points on cash withdrawals or balance transfers?
No – you won’t earn points on these, and worse, you’ll usually pay hefty fees and interest from day one. Stick to normal spending (groceries, bills, shopping) to maximise rewards without penalties.
Do I need to fly regularly to benefit from an airline credit card?
Not necessarily. While the biggest benefits are discounted flights and upgrades, many schemes let you spend points on hotels, car hire, or even shopping vouchers. If you rarely fly, a cashback or supermarket rewards card might be better value – but if you plan at least one or two flights a year, airline cards can still pay off.
Are airline credit cards good for spending abroad?
Not usually as your main overseas spending card. Many airline credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, which can reduce the value of any points earned. If you want a card mainly for foreign spending, see our Top cards for travelling abroad guide.
⚠️ You're viewing just the top picks & key tips. Want all the detail? Switch to the full guide.
Best airline credit cards at a glance
Airline cards can earn you points towards travel-related perks, but they're only worth considering if you'll repay IN FULL. Quick tips first, then best buys.
1. Avoid rejections – check your eligibility first. Our eligibility calculator shows your acceptance odds for top cards before you apply, so it doesn't affect your ability to get credit in the future. Some cards in this guide aren't included, though you may be able to check your eligibility directly with the provider.
2. Pick a scheme that matches how you travel. Look for airlines you use often and be prepared to move quickly and be flexible, as flight availability is limited. And be aware you'll still pay taxes and charges.
3. Don't choose on the welcome bonus alone. Compare the ongoing rewards and make sure you can meet any spending requirements with your normal spending.
Top for points & perks. Open this card and you'll get an intro bonus of 30,000 points plus a £100 Selfridges eGift card if you spend £3,000+ in the first three months. Amex points can be redeemed for airmiles at various airlines, such as British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic, though conversion rates vary.
Ongoing points:
1 Amex point per £1 spent plus 5,000 points per £10,000 spend (max 10,000pts)
Other perks:
£5 cashback on two £5+ Deliveroo orders a month plus four free visits to airport lounges each year
Amex Nectar
Free for first year, £30/year after
29.1% annual interest
Top for Sainsbury's shoppers. Spend £2,000+ in the first three months of having this card and you'll get a bonus 20,000 Nectar points (worth 12,500 Avios). Avios can be redeemed on airlines such as British Airways and Qatar Airways, as well as for Eurotunnel LeShuttle.
Ongoing points:
Two Nectar points per £1 spent (worth 1.25 Avios)
Other perks:
Three Nectar points per £1 spent at Nectar partners such as Sainsbury's and Argos
Virgin Atlantic Reward
NO FEE
26.9% rep APR
Top for transatlantic travellers. Get 3,000 Virgin points on your first spend within 90 days of opening the card account. Points can be redeemed on Virgin Atlantic flights, as well as a wide range of activities and days out via Virgin Red. Sadly, not in our eligibility calculator, you can check your odds of acceptance on Virgin Money's website before you apply without affecting your credit score.
Ongoing points:
0.75 Virgin points per £1 spent
Other perks:
Free Flying Club reward for spending £20,000+ a year (eg, cabin upgrade or companion ticket)
Already paying credit card interest? Airline credit cards aren't for you. Your priority should be cutting interest – see balance transfer credit cards. If you need to spread costs, consider a 0% spending card instead.
If you do get a card, ALWAYS follow the Airline Credit Card Golden Rules:
a) Check the scheme suits your usual travelling and that rewards are achievable.
b) Use it only for normal spending – never overspend just to earn points or unlock a bonus.
c) Set up a Direct Debit to repay IN FULL every month, or interest can dwarf the gains.
d) Never withdraw cash or use the card to spread costs, as you'll usually pay interest and fees.
Want more info? Read our full Airline credit cards guide, with all our top picks, need-to-knows, tips and tricks.
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