Two cards, one airline, and a boatload of Virgin Points up for grabs. Whether you’re just boarding the points train or eyeing a flatbed to New York, Virgin Atlantic has two credit cards to tempt you: the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card (free) and the Reward+ Credit Card (£160/year).
Same brand, wildly different outcomes, especially if you know how to game the system. Let’s compare them side-by-side and determine which one deserves a slot in your wallet.
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At a Glance: Card Comparison Table
| Feature | Virgin Atlantic Reward (Free) | Virgin Atlantic Reward+ (£160/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £0 | £160 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 3,000 Virgin Points (after first purchase) | 15,000 Virgin Points (after £3,000 spend) |
| Earn Rate (Virgin Spend) | 0.75 points per £1 | 1.5 points per £1 |
| Earn Rate (Everyday Spend) | 0.75 points per £1 | 1.5 points per £1 |
| Voucher Spend Requirement | £20,000 per year | £10,000 per year |
| Companion/Upgrade Voucher | Yes (after £20k spend) | Yes (after £10k spend) |
| Tier Points | 25 per £5,000 (max 100/year) | 25 per £5,000 (max 100/year) |
| Non-Sterling Transaction Fees | 3% | 3% |
| Minimum Income Requirement | £7,000 | £7,000 |
| Lounge Access | None | None |
| Issuer | Virgin Money | Virgin Money |
| APR | 26.9% variable | 69.7% variable (inc. fee) |
Lounge Access?
Nope. Nada. Zilch. Neither card offers lounge access or discounts. If you dream of sipping fizz at the Clubhouse, you’ll need Flying Club status by flying in business class or their upper class, as they call it or a separate lounge pass.
What Do You Get for the Fee?
The reward+ card doubles the points and speed, and is much more likely to land you that juicy companion or upgrade voucher with half the effort. That alone could be worth hundreds if used well.
It also comes with a much bigger welcome bonus, making it ideal for anyone who flies Virgin even semi-regularly.
Meanwhile, the free card is a slow-burn option for casual flyers or Avios defectors trying out Virgin Points.
The Companion/Upgrade Voucher
Both cards unlock a voucher once you hit the required spend, but there are rules:
- Still have to pay taxes, fees, and surcharges
- Economy voucher only works when redeeming Virgin Points
- Premium or Upper: use it for a companion or a solo upgrade
- Valid for 2 years from the issue date
If used wisely (e.g., long-haul Premium or Upper), the voucher alone can cover the card’s annual fee and then some. See the articles below that are related to the Virgin Atlantic reward voucher.
Tier Points Trick
Virgin doesn’t just hand out points; they offer Tier Points too:
- For every £5,000 spent, you’ll earn 25 Tier Points
- Capped at 100 Tier Points per year
It won’t rocket you to Gold overnight, but it’s a cheeky way to nudge your way up the Flying Club ladder, especially if you’re already doing the spend.
Foreign Spending? Not So Fast
Both cards charge a 3% non-sterling transaction fee. So no, this isn’t your card for holidays, duty-free binges, or booking hotels in Bali.
Pro tip: If you want a card that doesn’t punish you for spending abroad, check out the Hilton Honours Credit Card. It comes with no FX fees, hotel perks, and points that go further when you travel. Read our full Hilton card review here.
Who Should Pick Which?
Virgin Atlantic Reward (Free Card):
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
- You’re a casual flyer or Virgin newbie
- You’ll hit £20k spend slowly over the year
- You’re not chasing elite status (yet)
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ (£160/year):
- You fly Virgin at least once a year
- You’ll hit £10k spend relatively quickly
- You want the 15,000-point welcome bonus
- You’re hunting for tier status or just want that upgrade
Final Boarding Call
If you’re only dabbling in Virgin Points and don’t want a fee, the free card is a gentle intro. But if you’re a moderate-to-heavy spender, the Reward+ card pays for itself with faster earning, a better bonus, and an easier voucher.
Just leave both cards at home when heading abroad; that 3% foreign fee is a stinger. Sign up for either of the cards here.
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