1.Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
Barclaycard
- 1.5%Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases with the paid card.
- 1%Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases with the free card.
Collect 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in the first three months.
Collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
29.9% Variable APR
The Barclaycard Avios Mastercard stands out as a great entry-level card for those looking to earn Avios on everyday spending without any annual fee. Its straightforward rewards structure makes it easy for users to accumulate points towards travel.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Significant welcome bonus
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate compared to premium options
- Limited to Avios rewards
2.Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Barclaycard
- 1.5%Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
Collect 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
80.1% Variable APR
What sets the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard apart is its ability to earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, making it a strong choice for frequent travelers who can leverage the card's benefits to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Higher rewards rate
- Significant welcome bonus
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Higher APR
3.British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
American Express
- 3%Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways.
- 1.5%Avios for every £1 spent on all other purchases.
Collect 50,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent, and 3 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways.
136.4% Variable APR
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card earns the #1 spot due to its exceptional rewards structure, particularly for frequent BA flyers. The ability to earn a Companion Voucher after spending £15,000 annually adds significant value for those looking to travel in style.
Pros:
- High rewards rate on BA purchases
- Valuable Companion Voucher
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
4.British Airways American Express Credit Card
American Express
- 2%Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways.
- 1%Avios for every £1 spent on all other purchases.
Collect 10,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent, and 2 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways.
29.4% Variable APR
The British Airways American Express Credit Card is a solid choice for those who want to earn Avios without an annual fee. It provides a straightforward way to accumulate points, especially for those who occasionally fly with British Airways.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good for occasional BA flyers
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate compared to premium options
- Limited benefits
5.Amex Nectar
American Express
- 2%Nectar points for every full £1 spent.
Earn 20,000 bonus Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in the first three months.
Collect 2 Nectar points for every full £1 spent on the card.
36.1% Variable APR
The Amex Nectar card shines for its straightforward rewards structure, allowing users to earn 2 points for every £1 spent. This card is particularly appealing for those who frequently shop at Nectar partners.
Pros:
- Good rewards rate
- Bonus points on sign-up
Cons:
- Annual fee after first year
- Limited redemption options
6.Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
Virgin Atlantic
- 1.5%Virgin Points for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
Earn 21,000 bonus points with your first card purchase, made within 90 days.
Earn 1.5 Virgin Points for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
69.7% Variable APR
The Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard is designed for frequent travelers, offering a robust points earning structure that rewards users for their everyday spending, making it a valuable tool for accumulating points towards flights.
Pros:
- High points earning potential
- Bonus points on first purchase
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Higher APR
Final Words
As you consider the best airline credit cards this January 2026, remember that the right choice can significantly enhance your travel experience. Take time to compare the options available, assess the benefits that align with your travel habits, and make an informed decision that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can collect 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in the first three months with the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard.
With the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard, you can collect 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000 in the first three months. Additionally, you earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card offers a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first three months. You can earn 3 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways and 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on all other purchases.
Yes, many airline credit cards in the UK have annual fees. For example, the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard has no annual fee, while the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard charges £240 and the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card has a fee of £300.
When choosing an airline credit card, consider factors such as the welcome bonus, reward rates, annual fees, and any additional benefits like lounge access or travel insurance. Assess your travel habits and spending patterns to find a card that maximizes your rewards.
To apply for an airline credit card, you can visit the provider's website and fill out the online application form. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which may include a minimum income requirement and a good credit score.
Avios can be redeemed for various travel rewards, including flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. The flexibility of Avios makes them a valuable currency for frequent travelers.
