If you are a frequent flier, and a fan of using plastic over hard cash, then doubtless you will be aware that you can collect points for spending with your credit card that can be used to subsidise your air miles.

Air miles and credit cards seem to enjoy a fruitful relationship, and have done so for a matter of decades; and yet so few of us take advantage of the options available to us.

Getting to grips with the nature of the rewards credit card companies offer for spending with them can be confusing; after all, you are not always thinking of your next flight when you are shopping for domestic appliances or new clothes – but it certainly pays if you do.

To help get you started let’s review 3 top rated credit cards that frequent fliers will discover pay huge dividends if you can use them right.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Of course, to earn, you have to spend; bear with us if this sounds contradictory and let’s explain. The Capital One Card delivers a one-time bonus of 50,000 free air miles if you spend more than $3,000 in your first 3 months after opening your account.

That’s the equivalent of $500 dollars of free flights, or, in distance terms, nearly 25 trips to the Costa del Sol and back!

The Capital One Venture card gives users a range of other benefits too; 2x miles for every purchase made, special tie-ups with hotels and stores, and the $95 annual fee is waived for the first year. The miles never expire, and there is no limit to how many you can collect.

Verdict:

A great beginner’s option, but pro users will not be disappointed either by this award winning card.

American Express British Airways Credit Card

2 thoroughbred names combine to bring customers a more than creditable option for regular plastic users who like to travel in style.

Collect “Avios” on almost any purchase using your British Airways American Express card, and receive 5,000 for spending more than £1,000 in your first 3 months of membership. Plus, if you spend more than £20,000 in in one year, you can take a companion along with you on the next flight you pay for with Avios. N.b, you’ll receive 1 Avio for every pound spent.

15,000 Avios collected will earn you a return flight from London to Rome, or a variety of other European destinations and you can also access flight upgrade or hotel deals, plus a host of other advantages, such as no annual fee.

Verdict

A solid card that pays off from the moment you start to use it, with access to American Express and BA deals galore.

Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card

With The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card you can earn 5,000 points or bonus miles simply by making one purchase within 90 days of receiving your first card. You will also get 0.75 miles free for every £1 spent, rising to 1.5 miles if you are spending with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays.

Virgin’s card still charges fees when you are using it abroad, however, so exercise caution – you can also order up to three extra cards for those living at the same address as you.

Verdict

Fans of the Branson business empire and those who fly LDN to NYC regularly will be happy to get their hands on this card. But it is not the most flexible option.

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