Travel credit cards are explicitly aimed at regular travellers. Unlike many standard credit cards, travel cards don't charge foreign transaction fees, so you can use them even when travelling abroad. If you often find yourself in Europe or further afield, a travel credit card could save you a lot of money.
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Compare air miles credit cards
Credit cards that get you free flights and upgrades
The travel rewards of air miles credit cards
Check eligibility and find a card that comes with travel rewards
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What is an air miles credit card?
An air miles credit card enables you to earn reward points that you can exchange for discounted or free plane tickets with certain airlines. You might also be able to trade your points in for upgrades to business or even first class.
You get points by spending money on the card, with more points available for spending on specific things or within a certain time frame. Some cards might even offer companion flights if you’ve spent a certain amount in a year so that you can take someone else with you.
However, some airmiles credit cards come with high annual fees, and points can expire if you don't use them quickly enough. Interest rates can also be high, so it’s essential to pay off your balance in full each month. Plus, you still need to pay taxes and charges when buying your plane ticket. Always check the terms and conditions carefully to know what you’re signing up for.
Airmiles credit cards are generally linked to a single airline's rewards scheme. For example, Virgin Money offers airmiles cards for Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways offers Avios points that can be used on its flights.
The good news is that airlines are frequently part of points-sharing alliances, so Avios can be used on any of the Oneworld Alliance airlines - including Iberia, Qantas and American Airlines.
You can also find cards where points can be used on multiple airlines or switched for an entirely unrelated rewards scheme. For example, Avios can be converted into Nectar points and used at Sainsbury's stores.
Are air miles credit cards worth it?
Air miles credit cards offer you a little something back for spending on them, but they are far from the only rewards cards out there.
But what they do offer is a very tangible carrot: If you get this many points, you'll get a free flight.
For people who enjoy travel, that's something that's highly attractive.
However you need to be careful.
While some cards are free to use, the cards with the most rewards generally come with a fee.
Be very sure the benefits you'll get outweigh this fee.
The second thing to point out is that these cards work best for people who already spend a lot of money on their cards.
Generally, you'll need to spend at least £10,000 a year on your card to get a decent flight or upgrade voucher out of it.
With a fee-free deal, that won't cost you a penny more than spending on a debit card - as long as you make sure you pay off your balance in full each month.
Avios needed for a flight upgrade[1]
20,000
What are the benefits you can get with an air miles credit card?
Cheaper flights
Whenever you spend on your card, you’ll earn reward points that you can exchange for discounted or free plane tickets with certain airlines.
Cabin upgrades
Some air miles credit cards let you redeem your points for upgrades to business or first class.
Lounge access
You might qualify for access to airport lounges which can offer complimentary food and drink, plus other facilities such as fast WiFi, showers and business centres.
Bonus points
A number of air miles credit cards will offer bonus points if you spend a certain amount within a set time.
Companion flights
If you spend a set amount on your card within a year, you might be offered a free companion voucher, enabling you to take someone with you on your flight.
Priority boarding
Some air miles credit cards let you board the plane earlier if you have the required number of points.
How much are your air miles points worth in pounds
What your airline points are worth if you converted them into pounds and pence
How to choose the best air miles credit card for you
There are several factors to consider when selecting an airmiles credit card. Follow the steps below to help:
Pick an airline
Airmiles credit cards are generally tied to specific airlines or groups of airlines.
It’s important to consider which airline you are most likely to fly with before you choose your card so you don’t collect points you won’t use.
Compare cards
Our CardFinder tool will help you compare cards more easily as it will only show you offers for which you're likely to be accepted.
Look at what's on offer for your preferred airlines, but be sure to balance the potential rewards with any fees the card might charge.
Apply and start earning air miles
You can start earning rewards by spending on the card as soon as it arrives.
Just make sure you set up a Direct Debit to clear the balance in full each month as soon as you take the card out. That way, you won’t be hit with interest charges or late payment fees.
Our best air miles credit card deals
Our editors have picked out some of our best air miles credit card deals.
Editor’s pick
Our chosen Avios credit card
With the American Express rewards card you get included travel perks like Global Assist, as well as points you can use for flights, shopping vouchers and more.”
Amex® Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Membership Rewards
Rep APR
30.7% APR
Representative example: The standard interest rate on purchases is 30.7% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 30.7% (variable).
Show Details
Eligibility
Minimum Age
18 years
How to maximise your air miles with a credit card
If you own an air miles credit card, you’ll want to earn as many points as possible to make the most of the rewards on offer. You can increase your air miles by following the tips below:
Provided you can afford to repay your balance in full each month, use your credit card for as much of your everyday spending as you can. This includes grocery shopping, buying petrol, and paying for days out. However, resist the temptation to spend more than you would do normally.
You could also use your credit card for business expenses, such as travel costs, and then claim back these costs from your company. However, you’ll need to check if your company permits this.
Add another cardholder to your credit card account so they can earn you additional points when they spend on their card. Just remember that it will still be your responsibility to repay the balance.
Keep an eye out for special promotions that enable you to earn extra points. This might include spending at certain retailers or within a certain time frame, for example.
Watch: Air miles credit cards explained
Alternatives to air miles credit cards
![Travel credit cards]()
Travel credit cards
Travel credit cards are explicitly aimed at regular travellers. Unlike many standard credit cards, travel cards don't charge foreign transaction fees, so you can use them even when travelling abroad. If you often find yourself in Europe or further afield, a travel credit card could save you a lot of money.
![Cashback]()
Cashback
As well as loyalty points and air miles, some credit cards also pay you a percentage of your purchases back as cash. Think of it as a permanent sale where anything you buy with the card has an extra percent or two off. The money is generally returned to you as a credit on your account once a year.
![Supermarket points]()
Supermarket points
Sainsbury's, Tesco, M&S and John Lewis all offer customers extra rewards for spending on their linked credit cards. With Tesco and Sainsbury’s, for instance, you can pick up Clubcard or Nectar points when spending outside the supermarket and even more points than usual if you shop at their stores or on their website or app.
![0% purchase cards]()
0% purchase cards
0% purchase cards offer lengthy introductory interest-free periods, so you can make large purchases with your credit card and spread the cost over several months. As long as you pay off the full balance before the end of the interest-free period, you won't pay any interest.
Alternatives to air miles credit cards
Travel credit cards
Cashback
As well as loyalty points and air miles, some credit cards also pay you a percentage of your purchases back as cash. Think of it as a permanent sale where anything you buy with the card has an extra percent or two off. The money is generally returned to you as a credit on your account once a year.
Supermarket points
Sainsbury's, Tesco, M&S and John Lewis all offer customers extra rewards for spending on their linked credit cards. With Tesco and Sainsbury’s, for instance, you can pick up Clubcard or Nectar points when spending outside the supermarket and even more points than usual if you shop at their stores or on their website or app.
0% purchase cards
0% purchase cards offer lengthy introductory interest-free periods, so you can make large purchases with your credit card and spread the cost over several months. As long as you pay off the full balance before the end of the interest-free period, you won't pay any interest.
How our eligibility checker works
Our eligibility checker matches you with the air miles credit cards you're likely to get based on your needs and circumstances.
It uses a “soft search” credit check that's only visible to you on your credit report, so it won't affect any other applications you make.
This significantly reduces the chances of rejected applications as you only apply for the cards you're most likely to get.
Check eligibility and find a card that comes with travel rewards
We've partnered with Uswitch to help you find a great deal. Start your eligibility journey now
1
Answer a few basic questions about your circumstances
2
We'll show you the cards you’re likely to get, so you can apply with confidence
3
Your credit score will always be protected
FAQs
Which airlines offer air miles reward schemes?
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines are just some of the airlines that offer air miles reward schemes. You can find out more about which airlines each scheme works with in our handy guide.
Can I use my air miles card abroad?
Yes, you can use an airmiles card abroad, but many will charge foreign transaction fees, making it more expensive than using a card designed for spending overseas.
Are air miles credit cards free?
If you pay off your balance in full each month, it's perfectly possible to find an airmiles credit card that’s free to use. However, some cards come with monthly or annual fees. Check the terms and conditions carefully to ensure you don't accidentally sign up for one that costs you more than you get from it in rewards.
Can I get air miles on my business credit card?
Yes, you can get corporate credit cards that offer air miles.
How much do you have to spend to get a free flight?
It varies, but flying from Heathrow to New York could cost 50,000 Avios air miles points (typically a £50,000 spend on some cards).
Are they the same as frequent flyer credit cards?
No, airmiles cards are not quite the same as frequent flyer cards. Frequent flyer credit cards offer loyalty points for buying flights with a particular airline, whereas airmiles cards give you points no matter what you buy with them.
Can I get an air miles card with no annual fee?
Yes, some cards come without an annual fee, but cards that charge a fee can earn you more points if you spend enough on them. Weigh up whether you think it’s worth paying the fee before making your decision.
Can I get more points with a joint credit card?
Credit cards are held and paid off by one person, but adding a supplementary card holder gives them a card in their name that will earn you air miles.
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References
1. Avios needed to upgrade from premium economy to business class on a flight from London to New York