Best Airline Credit Cards this May 2026 in the UK

What sets the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard apart is its ability to earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent, making it a strong contender for those who frequently travel with British Airways. The welcome bonus of 25,000 Avios is particularly appealing for new cardholders looking to maximize their rewards.

The 6 month balance transfer period starts from the account opening date, meaning any delay in activation reduces the 0% rate period. This offer is for new customers only and can be withdrawn by Barclaycard at any time.

The standout feature here is the American Express Rewards Credit Card's flexibility, allowing cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed with various partners. With no annual fee and a solid welcome bonus, it is an attractive option for those looking to earn rewards without the burden of a yearly cost.

Yes, the American Express® Rewards Credit Card is a credit card.

This card shines for its straightforward earning structure, allowing users to accumulate Avios easily with every purchase. The lack of an annual fee makes it accessible for casual spenders who want to earn rewards without a financial commitment.

Yes, the British Airways American Express Credit Card allows you to collect Avios on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for holidays, upgrades, and more.

You can collect more Avios and earn a Companion Voucher when you spend £15,000 each Cardmembership year, allowing you to take a companion on the same flight or receive a 50% discount on Avios for solo travel.

You can collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first three months.

You earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent.

The annual fee is £0.

A key differentiator is the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card's accessibility, allowing users to earn points without an annual fee. While the earning rate is lower than premium options, it still provides a straightforward way to accumulate Virgin Points for future travel.

With the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card, you can earn 3,000 welcome bonus points with your first card spend within 90 days of taking out the card. Additionally, you earn 0.75 Virgin Points for every £1 spent.

This card is particularly appealing for those who want to earn Avios without the burden of an annual fee. The straightforward earning structure makes it easy to accumulate points for future travel, although the rewards may not be as robust as premium options.

25,000 Avios can be redeemed for a return flight in economy on European routes.

The 6 month balance transfer period begins when the account is opened, meaning any delay in taking out the card reduces the 0% rate period.

You can collect 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in the first three months.

The annual fee for the Barclaycard Avios is £0.

You earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.

The American Express Nectar Credit Card is a strong choice for those who want to earn points on everyday purchases, particularly with its generous welcome bonus. The ability to earn 2 points per £1 spent makes it a valuable option for regular shoppers.

The American Express Nectar Credit Card is a great option for those who prefer low annual fees and are focused on general savings rather than travel rewards. It also serves as a good starting point for maximizing welcome bonuses across AMEX cards.

Yes, the Nectar Amex is a credit card that offers various benefits and rewards.

The '2-in-90 rule' is an American Express application restriction that limits approvals to no more than two cards within a 90-day period.

The Centurion card, also known as the Amex Black Card, is the hardest to obtain, requiring a high income and significant spending on other Amex cards.

With the Nectar Amex, you can collect 20,000 bonus points when you spend £2,000 within three months and earn 2 points for every full £1 spent, all for an annual fee of £30.