Want more travel hacks and credit card perks? For our entire collection of reviews and guides, click here. – your next stash of points could be just one swipe away. Welcome to the Virgin Atlantic Reward MasterCard review:
The Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard is like the friend who always brings snacks to a picnic – it doesn’t cost you anything but is surprisingly handy. With no annual fee, a quick 3,000 Virgin Points bonus after your first purchase, and the potential for a companion voucher, this card’s got solid appeal. Let’s see if it deserves a place in your wallet.
In This Post
The Free Ride: Sign-Up Bonus
You’ll get 3,000 Virgin Points after your first purchase – no minimum spend, no fuss. Buy a coffee, and you’re heading to your next flight. Compared to its sibling, the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard, which offers 18,000 Virgin Points for £160 a year, this freebie isn’t too shabby if you’re just getting started.
Annual Fee: Zero, Nada, Zilch
Annual Fee: £0 (yep, totally free). APR: 26.9% variable – not a problem if you pay off in full each month. This card’s perfect for those dipping their toes into the points game without wanting to commit to a paid card.
The Companion Voucher: Your Golden Ticket
Spend £20,000 a year, and you’ll unlock a companion voucher – your pass to flying fancy. Bring a mate along in the same cabin for free (minus taxes and fees), or treat yourself by upgrading a flight. Silver and Gold Flying Club members get better value, redeeming up to 150,000 Virgin Points.
The Companion Voucher: Your Golden Ticket
Spend £20,000 a year, and you’ll unlock a companion voucher – your pass to flying fancy. Bring a mate along in the same cabin for free (minus taxes and fees), or treat yourself by upgrading a flight. Silver and Gold Flying Club members get better value, redeeming up to 150,000 Virgin Points.
Earning Points: The Breakdown
You’ll earn 0.75 Virgin Points per £1 spent – decent, but not groundbreaking. On Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays bookings, it’s 1.5 points per £1. If you’re racking up big monthly spending, note that your earning points are capped at your credit limit.
Is This Better Than Cashback?
For travel lovers, yes. Most cashback cards offer around 0.1%–0.25% return. Virgin Points are worth around 0.75p–1p each, making this card’s rewards more like a 0.75% return on your spending. And if you play your cards right with Upper-Class redemptions, you can squeeze even more value.
SkyTeam alliances redemption’s.
When it comes to redeeming your points, Virgin Atlantic isn’t your only option; in fact, there are 17 airlines for which you can redeem those Virgin points, and here is the complete list of airlines.
- Aerolíneas Argentinas
- Aeromexico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- Czech Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines
- SAUDIA
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Xiamen Air
Other ways how to get Virgin points.
There are a number of other ways to obtain more Virgin points if needed to make a redemption, and they are.
- Transfer your American Express points from your gold card or platinum cards at a 1:1 ratio.
- Transfer via Heathrow Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
- Tesco Clubcard. 1 Clubcard point = 2 Virgin Points.
- Transfer from hotel loyalty programs.
Read my full review of Virgin Atlantic Upper-Class London to Miami onboard the B789.
What Can You Do with Virgin Points?
You can use Virgin Points on long-haul flights with Virgin Atlantic and SkyTeam partners like Delta, Air France, and KLM. Fancy a hotel stay? Transfer points to Hilton Honors (1:1.5) or IHG One Rewards (1:1). You can also convert Tesco Clubcard points, Heathrow Rewards, and Amex Membership Rewards into Virgin Points. Pro Tip: Virgin Points never expire as long as you earn or redeem them at least once every 36 months.
The Foreign Exchange Situation: A Mixed Bag
This card gives you 0% FX fees in the Eurozone (EUR, SEK, RON) – perfect for European getaways. However, the 3% FX fee elsewhere is a buzzkill for global travellers. Pro Tip: Use a Currensea Mastercard outside Europe – it links to your bank account and charges just 0.5% FX fees.
The Free vs Paid Debate
If you’re just starting out with Virgin Points, this free card is a solid pick. But if you plan on spending big, the Reward+ (£160 annual fee) might be worthwhile. The paid version offers 18,000 Virgin Points upfront, a higher earning rate of 1.5 points per £1 spent, and a companion voucher with just £10,000 spent.
Travel Hackers vs Homebodies: Who Should Get This Card?
✅ Perfect for beginners who want a no-risk way to earn Virgin Points.
✅ Ideal for those spending under £10,000 a year who won’t reach the Reward+ card’s bonus threshold.
✅ Great for frequent Eurozone travellers who want to avoid FX fees.
❌ Not ideal for big spenders – you’ll get better value with the Reward+ card.
❌ If you’re a worldwide traveller, the 3% FX fee outside Europe is a dealbreaker.
❌ If you’re loyal to British Airways, use an Avios-earning card instead.
Final Verdict: Is the space in your wallet worth it?
The Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard is a solid pick if you’re after a free travel card. It’s one of the best free airline rewards cards in the UK, with perks like the easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and 0% FX fees in the Eurozone. It’s only rivalled by the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard in the free travel card category.
Ready to start racking up Virgin Points? Apply for the Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard here.
