If you’re a frequent flyer or just planning a dream vacation, choosing the best travel credit card UK can help you save on flights, hotels, and earn exciting rewards. In 2025, more UK consumers are using travel credit cards to make the most of their everyday spending.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the best travel credit card UK options available today, highlighting their features, pros and cons, and which one might suit your lifestyle and spending habits.
Why You Need the Best Travel Credit Card UK
A travel credit card rewards you for spending on flights, hotels, dining, and sometimes everyday purchases. Whether it’s earning Avios points, getting free airport lounge access, or scoring hotel discounts, the right card gives real value.
By using the best travel credit card UK, you can:
- Earn points or miles on purchases
- Redeem for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays
- Access complimentary travel insurance
- Enjoy airport lounges and travel perks
Top 7 Best Travel Credit Cards UK (2025)
Let’s dive into the best options and compare features:
1. British Airways American Express Premium Plus
Best for: Avios collectors & frequent BA travelers
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 Avios (spend £3,000 in 3 months)
- Earn Rate: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent
- Companion Voucher: Spend £10,000/year
- Annual Fee: £250
Pros: Companion Voucher, great Avios earn rate
Cons: High annual fee
2. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Best for: Flexible points & dining/travel rewards
- Welcome Bonus: 20,000 Membership Rewards points
- Earn Rate: 1 point per £1 (2x on travel & dining)
- Perks: 4 free airport lounge visits/year
- Annual Fee: £0 first year, then £160
Pros: Flexible points, lounge access
Cons: Annual fee from second year
3. Barclaycard Avios Plus
Best for: Moderate spenders who want Avios
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 Avios (spend £3,000 in 3 months)
- Earn Rate: 1.5 Avios per £1
- Perks: Avios-only reward scheme
- Annual Fee: £20/month
Pros: Strong earning rate, simple structure
Cons: Monthly fee adds up
4. Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
Best for: Virgin Atlantic flyers
- Welcome Bonus: 15,000 Flying Club miles
- Earn Rate: 1.5 miles per £1 spent
- Perks: Upgrade vouchers, companion ticket
- Annual Fee: £160
Pros: Great for Virgin flights
Cons: Miles can only be used on Virgin & partners
5. HSBC World Elite Mastercard
Best for: Premium travelers
- Welcome Bonus: 40,000 HSBC Reward points
- Earn Rate: 2 points per £1 on travel, 1 on other spend
- Perks: LoungeKey access, insurance, concierge
- Annual Fee: £195
Pros: Premium benefits, excellent for frequent travel
Cons: High eligibility & annual fee
6. Lloyds Avios Rewards (Discontinued – Legacy Users)
Best for: Legacy users still holding this card
While no longer available to new applicants, it still ranks among the best travel credit card UK options for legacy cardholders.
7. Capital on Tap Business Rewards
Best for: Small business owners in the UK
- Earn Rate: 1 point per £1 spent
- Perks: Business tools, flat-rate rewards
- Annual Fee: £99
Pros: Great for small businesses
Cons: Not personal-use focused
Best Travel Credit Card UK – Feature Comparison Table
| Card | Points Type | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Top Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA Amex Premium Plus | Avios | £250 | No | Companion Voucher |
| Amex Gold | MR Points | £0–£160 | Yes (4x) | Dining & travel rewards |
| Barclaycard Avios | Avios | £240 | No | High Avios earning |
| Virgin Atlantic+ | Flying Club Miles | £160 | No | Upgrade vouchers |
| HSBC Elite | HSBC Points | £195 | Yes (unlimited) | Concierge & insurance |
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card UK
When comparing cards, consider:
- Your travel habits – domestic vs international
- Airlines you fly – BA, Virgin, or others
- Annual spending – some cards reward high spend
- Flexibility – some points are fixed (Avios), others flexible
Benefits of Having the Best Travel Credit Card UK
- Faster flight upgrades
- Discounted or free companion tickets
- Global acceptance & travel insurance
- Airport lounges and premium services
How to Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards
To get the most from the best travel credit card UK, do this:
- Use it for everyday purchases
- Pay off balance in full to avoid interest
- Stack rewards with Avios shopping portals
- Book off-peak flights for maximum redemption
- Redeem miles smartly – long-haul in business class gives the best value
FAQs – best travel credit card UK
Q: Which is the best travel credit card UK for Avios?
A: BA Amex Premium Plus and Barclaycard Avios Plus are the top two.
Q: Can I use travel card rewards for hotels?
A: Yes, many programs like Amex MR and Avios allow hotel redemptions.
Q: Are travel credit cards worth the annual fee?
A: If you travel 2–3 times a year, the value typically outweighs the cost.
Q: Which travel credit card has no annual fee?
A: The basic Amex Gold (1st year) or free BA Amex card.
Final Verdict – Which Is the Best Travel Credit Card UK?
There’s no single winner — the best travel credit card UK depends on your lifestyle and goals.
- For British Airways fans: BA Amex Premium Plus
- For flexible points: Amex Gold
- For business travel: HSBC World Elite or Capital on Tap
- For casual travelers: Barclaycard Avios or Virgin Atlantic+
Choose the one that aligns with your spending and travel plans, and you’ll be flying smarter in 2025.
