Earn Rewards and Perks While Traveling: Best UK Travel Credit Cards in 2024

Travel credit cards can be a great way to earn rewards, benefits, and perks while exploring new destinations. Embarking on your travel adventures can be even more rewarding with the right travel credit card in hand. Here, we present the five best travel credit cards in the UK, offering a plethora of benefits, rewards, and perks to enhance your journey. If you are looking for the best travel credit cards in the UK, here are five best travel credit cards for your consideration.

Table of contents: Travel credit cards in the UK

#1 American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards points on travel and other expenses. With this card, you can earn up to 20,000 bonus points in the first three months of card membership. You can redeem these points for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The card also offers travel insurance, purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee for the card is £140.

Key Features:

Generous Welcome Bonus: Kickstart your journey with a lucrative welcome offer of up to 20,000 bonus points within the first three months of card membership. A rewarding way to begin your travel adventures.

Earn Points on Every Purchase: Whether it’s dining, shopping, or travel-related expenses, every pound spent earns you valuable Membership Rewards points. Watch your points accumulate with every transaction.

Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem your accumulated points for a variety of travel-related expenses, including flights and hotels. The flexibility in redemption allows you to tailor your rewards to suit your travel preferences.

Travel Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind during your travels with comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The card provides protection against unforeseen events, ensuring a worry-free exploration of the world.

Purchase Protection: Benefit from added security with purchase protection, safeguarding your eligible purchases against accidental damage or theft for a specified period.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for the card is £140, offering a range of travel benefits and rewards that enhance your overall travel experience.

Apply for this card from the AmeX Website.

#2 Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card

Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those who want to earn cashback rewards on their purchases. With this card, you can earn 0.25% cashback on all your purchases, and there is no annual fee for the card. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travel.

For savvy spenders seeking cashback rewards, the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card emerges as an ideal choice. Delve into the details of this card, where every purchase becomes an opportunity to earn cash back, all without the burden of an annual fee.

Key Features:

Cashback Rewards: Earn a rewarding 0.25% cashback on all your purchases. From daily essentials to special treats, every transaction adds to your cashback balance.

No Annual Fee: Enjoy the perks of cashback without the added expense of an annual fee. This feature ensures that your rewards go directly into your pocket.

No Foreign Transaction Fees: The Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card is not just limited to local benefits. Take advantage of your card’s global acceptance without incurring foreign transaction fees.

Contactless Payments: Seamlessly make payments with the convenience of contactless technology. Enjoy a swift and secure transaction experience.

Online Account Management: Stay in control of your finances with easy-to-use online account management. Monitor your transactions, track your cashback, and stay updated on your card activity.

You can Apply online from their website.

#3 HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard credit card is ideal for those who want to earn reward points on their purchases. With this card, you can earn two reward points for every £1 spent on purchases. You can redeem these points for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The card also offers travel insurance, access to airport lounges, and no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee for the card is £195.

Key Features:

Double the Rewards: With the HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard, every £1 spent on purchases earns you two reward points. This accelerated earning rate ensures that your everyday expenses translate into substantial rewards.

Versatile Redemption: Redeem accumulated reward points for an array of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, and more. The flexibility in redemption options allows you to tailor your rewards to suit your travel preferences.

Travel Insurance: Enjoy comprehensive travel insurance coverage, offering peace of mind during your adventures. The card provides protection against unforeseen circumstances, ensuring you can explore the world worry-free.

Airport Lounge Access: Elevate your pre-flight experience with access to airport lounges. Relax in comfort, enjoy complimentary amenities, and make your journey as memorable as the destination.

No Foreign Transaction Fees: Bid farewell to additional charges when using your card abroad. The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard is designed to complement your international travels without incurring extra costs.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for the HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard is £195, unlocking a suite of travel benefits and rewards that enhance your overall travel experience.

You can apply for this card now from their website.

#4 Lloyds Bank Avios Rewards Credit Card

The credit card is great for earning reward points that can be redeemed for flights. With this card, you can earn Avios points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for flights with British Airways and other airlines. The card also offers travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fee for the first year. After the first year, the annual fee for the card is £24.

Key Features:

Avios Points: Elevate your travel experience by earning Avios points on every purchase. These valuable points can be redeemed for flights with British Airways and partner airlines.

Complimentary First-Year: Enjoy the perks of the British Airways American Express Credit Card with no annual fee for the first year. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the benefits without an initial cost.

Travel Insurance: Embark on your journeys with confidence, backed by the added security of travel insurance. The card ensures you’re covered for unforeseen events during your travels.

No Foreign Transaction Fees: Say goodbye to additional costs with no foreign transaction fees. Whether you’re exploring local gems or international wonders, your card is seamlessly accepted.

Annual Fee After First Year: After the complimentary first year, the annual fee for the card is £24, providing continued access to a host of travel benefits and rewards.

You can Apply online from their website.

#5 Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card

Those who want to earn reward points for flights and other travel expenses can find this credit card ideal. The card allows you to earn Flying Club miles on your purchases, which you can redeem for flights with Virgin Atlantic and other airlines. The card also offers travel insurance, access to airport lounges, and no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee for the card is £160.

Key Features:

Flying Club Miles: Elevate your travel experience by earning Flying Club miles on every purchase. These miles can be redeemed for flights with Virgin Atlantic and partner airlines.

Companion Voucher: Reach a specific spend threshold, and you unlock a coveted companion voucher. Bring a friend or a loved one along to share the joy of your travel adventures.

Global Acceptance: Travel with ease as the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card is widely accepted worldwide. Say goodbye to foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal companion for international journeys.

Travel Insurance: Enjoy the added peace of mind with travel insurance, ensuring you’re covered for unexpected events during your trips.

Airport Lounge Access: Indulge in the luxury of airport lounges globally. Take a moment to relax and unwind before your flight with complimentary lounge access.

Annual Fee: The card comes with an annual fee of £160, providing access to a host of travel benefits and rewards.

Apply online from their Website.

What are the steps to get the best travel credit cards?

If you are interested in applying for a travel credit card, here are some steps that you can follow:

Research: Do some research to find the credit card that best suits your needs and budget from the above list.

Check your eligibility: Before applying for a credit card, check your eligibility. You can use the eligibility checkers provided by the credit card providers to see if you are likely to be approved.

Apply: Once you have found a credit card that you want to apply for, visit the provider’s website and fill out the application form. Make sure you provide accurate and complete information.

Wait for approval: After you have submitted your application, wait for the provider to review it. The provider may ask for additional information or documentation to verify your identity and income.

Receive your card: If your application is approved, you will receive your credit card in the mail. Follow the instructions provided to activate your card and start using it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Travel Credit Cards in the UK

Q1: What is a travel credit card?

A1: A travel credit card is a type of credit card designed for individuals who frequently travel. It often offers benefits such as travel rewards, airline miles, hotel discounts, and other perks related to travel expenses.

Q2: How do travel credit card rewards work?

A2: Travel credit cards typically earn points or miles for every pound spent. These can be redeemed for various travel-related expenses such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or even cash back.

Q3: What features should I look for in a travel credit card?

A3: Look for features like low foreign transaction fees, travel insurance coverage, airport lounge access, and rewards that align with your travel preferences. Some cards may also offer introductory bonuses.

Q4: Are there annual fees for travel credit cards?

A4: Many travel credit cards come with annual fees, but some providers offer no-annual-fee options. The decision depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and the benefits offered.

Q5: How can I avoid foreign transaction fees?

A5: Choose a travel credit card with low or no foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up quickly when using your card abroad. Also, consider having a backup card without foreign transaction fees.

Q6: Can I use a travel credit card for everyday purchases?

A6: Yes, you can use a travel credit card for everyday purchases. In fact, many people use them as their primary card to accumulate more travel rewards. Just be mindful of your credit limit and spending habits.

Q7: What is travel insurance coverage on a credit card?

A7: Travel insurance coverage can include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage protection, rental car insurance, and emergency medical coverage. The specific coverage varies among credit cards.

Q8: How do I redeem travel rewards?

A8: Redemption methods vary, but they often involve logging into your credit card account and selecting the travel-related expense you want to cover with your rewards. Some cards also allow booking through their travel portal.

Q9: Are there blackout dates for redeeming travel rewards?

A9: Some travel rewards programs may have blackout dates or restrictions on certain flights or accommodations. It’s essential to check the terms and conditions of your specific credit card.

Q10: Can I transfer my travel rewards to another loyalty program?

A10: Some travel credit cards allow you to transfer points or miles to partnering loyalty programs. Check with your credit card provider for details on transfer options.

In conclusion, travel credit cards can be a great way to earn rewards, benefits, and perks while traveling. When applying for a travel credit card, make sure you research your options, check your eligibility, and provide accurate information in your application.

Remember to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of any travel credit card and consider your own spending and travel habits before choosing a card that best suits your needs.

Read more: How to build a credit score in the UK?

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