- 4%Points earned for every £1 spent abroad
- 3%Points earned for every £1 spent in the UK
Receive 60,000 reward points when you spend £3,000 on your card in the first 90 days.
Earn 4 points for every £1 spent abroad and 3 points for every £1 spent in the UK.
100.2% APR (variable)
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard stands out as the top choice because it offers exceptional travel rewards, including unlimited lounge access and a generous points system for both domestic and international spending, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access
- High rewards for international spending
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires HSBC Premier account
2.Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Barclaycard
- 1.5%Avios earned for every £1 spent
Collect 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
80.1% APR (variable)
What sets the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard apart is its ability to earn Avios on everyday spending, combined with a substantial welcome bonus and additional travel perks, making it a strong contender for those who frequently fly with British Airways.
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- Includes cabin upgrade voucher
Cons:
- Monthly fee
- Higher spending required for rewards
3.Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
Virgin Atlantic
- 3%Points earned for every $1 spent with Virgin
- 1%Points earned for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Earn 18,000 bonus points with your first card purchase, made within 90 days.
Earn 3 Virgin Points for every $1 spent with Virgin Atlantic and 1 Virgin Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
69.7% APR (variable)
The standout feature here is the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard's high earn rate on Virgin-related purchases, coupled with a generous welcome bonus, making it an excellent choice for loyal Virgin customers.
Pros:
- High earn rate on Virgin purchases
- Bonus points on first purchase
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to Virgin-related spending for maximum rewards
4.American Express Platinum Card
American Express
- 1%Points earned for every £1 spent
Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards points by spending £6,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent.
685.3% APR (variable)
This card shines for its luxury travel benefits, including extensive lounge access and high-value dining credits, making it the best option for high-spending travelers who can fully utilize its offerings.
Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits
- High welcome bonus
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Requires high income for eligibility
5.Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
Barclaycard
- 1%Avios earned for every £1 spent
Collect 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent.
29.9% APR (variable)
A key differentiator is the no annual fee, making the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard an accessible option for those looking to earn Avios without a commitment, although it offers lower rewards compared to its Plus counterpart.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Easy to earn Avios
Cons:
- Lower earn rate compared to Plus card
- Limited rewards
Final Words
As you consider the best rewards credit cards this March 2026, remember that the key is to align your spending habits with the rewards offered. Take time to compare your options carefully, ensuring you choose a card that maximizes your benefits while meeting your financial needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard, you can receive 60,000 reward points when you spend £3,000 on your card in the first 90 days. You earn 4 points for every £1 spent abroad and 3 points for every £1 spent in the UK.
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard allows you to 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.
With the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard, you can earn 18,000 bonus points with your first card purchase made within 90 days. You earn 3 Virgin Points for every $1 spent with Virgin Atlantic and 1 Virgin Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
When selecting a rewards credit card, consider factors like the type of rewards you value, the annual fee, and the card's reward rate. Additionally, assess your spending habits to identify which card offers the best benefits for your lifestyle.
Many rewards credit cards come with annual fees, which can vary widely based on the card's benefits. It's essential to weigh these fees against the potential rewards you can earn to determine if a card is worth it for you.
To apply for a rewards credit card, you'll typically need to complete an online application, providing personal and financial information. Approval may depend on your credit history, income, and overall creditworthiness.
To maximize rewards, use your credit card for purchases that earn higher rewards rates, such as travel or dining. Additionally, take advantage of sign-up bonuses by meeting the required spending limits within the specified timeframe.
