🎯 Key Takeaways
- •Sign-up bonuses are the fastest way to earn points (50,000+ in your first year)
- •Transferable points (Amex MR) offer the most flexibility
- •Business class redemptions offer the best value per point
- •Pay annual fees strategically – benefits often outweigh costs
Introduction to Points & Miles
“Credit card hacking” (also known as “churning” in the US) is the art of strategically acquiring and using credit card rewards to fund premium travel experiences. In the UK, while options are more limited than in the US, savvy travelers can still earn enough points for multiple free flights per year.
This guide will show you exactly how to:
- Choose the right credit cards for maximum rewards
- Meet spend requirements without changing your lifestyle
- Transfer and redeem points for maximum value
- Stack multiple earning methods for exponential gains
Understanding UK Reward Currencies
The UK has several main reward currencies:
Transferable Points
- American Express Membership Rewards (MR) – The most valuable. Transfers to BA Avios, Virgin Points, and 15+ airline partners
- Tesco Clubcard Points – Can convert to Avios at 600 Clubcard = 600 Avios
Airline-Specific Points
- BA Avios – British Airways' currency, also usable on Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Oneworld partners
- Virgin Points – Virgin Atlantic's currency, with some unique redemption options
Top UK Travel Credit Cards for 2025
Amex Gold
£160
20,000 MR points
£3,000 in 3 months
1 point per £1
Everyday spending & dining
Amex Platinum
£650
60,000 MR points
£6,000 in 3 months
1 point per £1, 2x travel
Premium travelers, lounge access
BA American Express
£250
5,000 Avios + companion voucher
£1,000 in 3 months
1.5 Avios per £1
British Airways loyalists
Virgin Atlantic Reward+
£160
15,000 Virgin Points
£3,000 in 3 months
1.5 points per £1
Virgin Atlantic flyers
The Points Stacking Strategy
The real power comes from stacking multiple earning methods. Here's an example:
- Amex Gold for everyday spending – Earn 1 MR point per £1
- Shopping portals – Extra points when shopping online via BA Shopping or Virgin Red
- Dining rewards – Register your card with Amex Offers for bonus points at restaurants
- Refer friends – Earn 9,000 MR points for each friend who signs up
Maximizing Redemptions
Not all redemptions are equal. Here's the typical value per point:
- Business class flights: 1.5-3p per point (best value)
- Economy long-haul: 1-1.5p per point
- Economy short-haul: 0.5-1p per point
- Gift cards: 0.3-0.5p per point (worst value)
Practical Example: Free Business Class to New York
A return business class ticket to NYC typically costs £2,500-4,000. With Avios:
- Points needed: 120,000 Avios + ~£600 taxes
- How to earn: Amex Gold sign-up (20k) + BA Amex sign-up (5k) + 12 months spending (30k) + referrals (27k) + shopping portal (10k) = 92,000
- Time to earn: 12-18 months of normal spending
Important Considerations
- Always pay in full – Interest charges will wipe out any rewards value
- Check your credit score – Multiple applications can temporarily lower it
- Track your points – Use AwardWallet or a spreadsheet
- Watch for devaluations – Airline programs occasionally reduce point values
Conclusion
Credit card rewards are essentially a game – and one that's worth playing. By strategically signing up for cards, meeting spend requirements, and redeeming wisely, you can fund thousands of pounds worth of travel each year.
Start with one card, master the basics, then expand your strategy. In 12-18 months, you could be flying business class for the price of economy.
Combine Points with Error Fares
The ultimate combo: use points for premium cabins, or catch error fares when they appear.
View Current Error Fares