Travel rewards have changed how we plan our vacations. These days, more people rely on credit card points to unlock travel deals that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars.Â
Instead of paying full price for flights or hotel rooms, you could use rewards to downsize or eliminate those costs entirely. If you’re new, there are a few terms and brands you’ll want to familiarise yourself with to fully benefit from this strategy.Â
In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to use credit card points for travel so you can start off your journey toward incredible travel experiences without putting a dent in your wallet.
What Are Credit Card Points and How Do They Work?
When you use certain credit cards, you earn rewards based on how much you spend over your travel period. These rewards often come in the form of points or miles. The upside to that is you can later redeem them for travel perks such as flights, hotel stays, and even upgrades.Â
The value of those points depends on how you redeem them. Most bang for your buck typically comes from transferring them to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
You accrue points by charging everyday purchases (think: supermarkets, travel, and dining) to your cards. Some cards also offer bonus points for spending in specific categories.
On top of that, many UK travel credit cards come with a generous welcome bonus when you first get a card (depending on the card, it can be worth £1,000 or more in travel!). For lots of us, the majority of the miles we earn these days come from credit cards.Â
Once you’ve collected enough, you can begin your redemption journey. Whether you’re planning an award flight or a luxury hotel stay, the possibilities are far-reaching.
Top UK Airlines & Loyalty Schemes
- British Airways Club: Their Executive Club programme is one of the most well-known in the UK. You earn Avios, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or even cabin extras. BA is also part of the Oneworld alliance, broadening your redemption choices.
- Virgin Atlantic: The Flying Club scheme allows you to earn Virgin Points on Virgin Atlantic flights and partners like Delta and KLM. Points can be redeemed for reward flights or cabin upgrades.
- EasyJet: Although not a traditional frequent flyer programme, the easyJet Plus card offers members perks like speedy boarding and seat selection. It pairs well with general-purpose rewards cards.
- Jet2: Jet2 doesn’t have a traditional miles programme, though some UK rewards cards allow you to redeem points for Jet2 holiday vouchers.
Top Hotel Brands
- IHG Hotels & Resorts: Includes popular UK properties like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza. Their IHG One Rewards lets you earn and redeem points across hundreds of locations in the UK and Europe.
- Hilton: Hilton Honours works globally and in the UK, with properties like Hilton London Bankside and DoubleTree hotels. You can earn points quickly through their credit card partners.
- Marriott: Marriott Bonvoy members earn points at UK hotels such as London Marriott and St. Pancras Renaissance. Points can be redeemed for nights or room upgrades.
- Accor: The ALL – Accor Live Limitless programme includes brands like Novotel, Sofitel, and Ibis. Points are flexible and redeemable across Europe.
How To Use Credit Card Points for Travel
1. Define your travel goals
Before collecting points, map out where you actually want to head out and what kind of trip you have in mind. Whether you’re chasing a weekend beach escape or a two-week tour across Europe, your goals will shape your card and reward choices. Knowing your destination helps you determine which airlines or hotel chains to prioritise.
2. Understand the different types of points and miles
Not all rewards are created equal. Some are linked to specific airlines or hotel groups, while others offer flexibility. Cards that earn Amex Membership Rewards or Virgin Points often allow transfers to several partners, giving you more options. Knowing how each system works helps you maximise value.
3. Know the best airline and hotel rewards programs
British Airways Executive Club and Virgin Flying Club are two of the most valuable airline loyalty schemes. For hotels, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy offer good redemption value and frequent promotions. Choose programmes that align with your favourite brands and travel preferences.
4. Get your financial house in order
To fully benefit from points, you need to use your credit card responsibly. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Build your credit score if needed, since the best travel cards often require a strong credit rating. Start slow, learn the system, then scale your efforts.
5. Tap into easy ways to earn points
Beyond regular purchases, you can earn points from welcome offers, referral bonuses, dining portals, and shopping with partner merchants. Take advantage of limited-time promos to maximise earnings. You’ll get 80% of the value with 20% of the possible effort if you apply these habits consistently. Help get you on your way by focusing on building points through everyday spending and occasional bonuses. Points and miles truly can save you a ton of money on travel when used right.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Points
Travel-Specific Credit Cards
1. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card
- Minimum Spending required for 20,000 bonus points: £3,000 in the first 3 months
You earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend, so every purchase moves you closer to something rewarding. Right now, there’s a nice bonus too—you get 2,500 extra points each time you spend £5,000, up to five times a year. That means you could pick up as much as 12,500 bonus points annually just by using your card as usual.
Once you’ve built up some points, you can use them to cover almost anything you’ve paid for with your card, or redeem them with a wide range of partners—from travel and hotels to shopping and experiences.
Just a heads-up: this offer is changing from 15 October 2025. After that, you’ll get 5,000 bonus points when you hit £10,000 in spending, with a cap of 10,000 bonus points each year.
2. British Airways American Express Credit Card
- Minimum Spending required for 5,000 bonus points: £2,000 in the first 3 months
A go-to card for frequent BA travellers. You earn Avios on everyday spending and receive a Companion Voucher if you hit the annual spend threshold. It’s perfect if you regularly fly with British Airways.
3. Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card
- Minimum Spend for 18,000 Bonus Virgin Points: you only need to make a single purchase within the first 90 day.Â
If you prefer Virgin over BA, this is your match. Points can be used for reward flights, upgrades, and companion seats. You also get a tier upgrade when hitting certain spend milestones.
Each card supports different travel needs. Amex Gold is flexible and ideal for beginners. BA and Virgin cards reward brand loyalty and offer flight perks. Barclaycard sits nicely in between, especially for Avios enthusiasts. Pick the card that suits your travel plans and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Credit Card Points Worth It for Travel?
Yes, they absolutely are. With careful planning and smart spending, points and miles can help reduce or eliminate travel expenses. For example, the right combination of cards and loyalty programs can fund an entire vacation with minimal out-of-pocket costs. They’re particularly useful if you’re flexible with dates and destinations.
How can I redeem points and miles?
Most programs allow you to redeem through partner transfers. You can book flights, hotels, or even experiences using your points. Some cards also let you transfer points to travel partners. This often unlocks more value, especially for international travel or premium cabin redemptions.
How do I earn airline points when booking a flight?
When you book flights directly with an airline, you usually enter your loyalty program number during checkout. That ensures you receive points for the trip. Some programs also reward more points based on your fare type or Elite status. Always double-check the airline’s earnings chart before booking.
ConclusionÂ
Knowing how to use credit card points for travel puts you in a strong position to travel for less. Whether you dream of city breaks, sunshine escapes, or luxurious hotels, points and miles make those experiences more affordable.
By planning strategically, choosing the right card, and using rewards programmes wisely, you can turn everyday purchases into global adventures. So don’t wait—get your travel plans in motion and start earning toward your next trip today.
