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Virgin Money Travel Card Review - 2024 

Virgin Money UK discontinued their prepaid travel card in 2020, and now has a couple of credit card options that are promoted for travel use - the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card, and the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card.

This guide covers the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card features, benefits and fees in detail - with a quick look at the differences compared to the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card, too. Plus we’ll touch on the Wise international prepaid card and the Revolut debit card as alternatives you might want to consider.

Virgin Money travel card: key features

Virgin Money UK directs customers looking for a travel card to the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card and the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card . The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card has no annual fee, while the Reward+ Card has an annual charge of 160 GBP, in return for higher reward point opportunities.

This guide focuses on the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card, but you can learn more about the Reward+ Card over on the Virgin Money UK desktop site.

Here are a few Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card pros and cons to kick off:

Travel credit cards let you spread the costs of travelling out over a few months, while earning rewards, cashback or points as you spend. However, in return you may find you have to pay interest on unpaid balances, cash advance fees, and penalties if you don’t make a minimum repayment every time.

Travel debit cards can be a cheaper way to hold, exchange and spend foreign currencies. With providers like Wise and Revolut you can hold dozens of currencies and spend with your debit card - with no interest to worry about. Just top up your account in pounds, and spend overseas with low fees and fair exchange rates.

Who is the Virgin Money travel card for?

The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card has no annual fee, and you can earn 0.75 points on every pound spent, which can be redeemed against travel benefits. If you’d rather earn more points, and don’t mind paying an annual fee, there’s also the Rewards+ Card which can suit frequent travellers.

In general, travel credit cards are most economical for people who repay their bills monthly to avoid interest charges, who can also benefit from the rewards offered by the card as you spend.

What is the Virgin Money travel card?

The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card Virgin Money Credit Card is a no annual fee credit card which allows you to earn points on spending that can then be redeemed against travel benefits such as upgrades on travel, lounge access when you fly, and free flights for friends.

Is the Virgin Money Card a multi-currency card?

The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card is not a multi-currency card, it’s a credit card with benefits optimised for travel, including extra points on some travel spend, and rewards you can redeem against flights.

If that doesn’t suit you, you might prefer providers like Wise and Revolut which have multi-currency accounts with linked debit cards, to add money in pounds and spend internationally with low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. More on that. next.

Alternatives to Virgin Money travel card

Travel credit cards aren’t necessarily the cheapest way to spend overseas, because of interest costs and potential penalties, as well as any foreign transaction fees you face.

To help you decide if the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card is right for you, let’s look at it alongside a couple of other popular alternatives:

Information taken from Virgin Money Card desktop site and Terms and conditions , Wise pricing page , Revolut international transfer fees .pdf) and Revolut UK ; correct at time of writing, 17th May 2023

There’s a pretty big choice of different types of travel money cards for UK residents - including credit cards and prepaid travel cards from providers like Wise or Revolut. Which suits you depends on how you like to manage your money. Credit cards can be handy to spread the costs of travel over a few months - but more expensive overall.

Options like Wise or Revolut cards can be cheaper and more flexible - but you’ll need to add funds in advance before you can get started. More on Wise and Revolut, next.

Read a full Wise review here

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 50+ currencies, and come with an optional linked Wise card to spend with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.41%, in 170+ countries. You can apply, and manage your account, from your smartphone, and get extra perks like fast payments to 70+ countries, and local bank details for 9 currencies, to get paid easily from 30+ countries.

The Wise card is a debit card, not a credit card - so there are no interest costs and no late payment penalties, just top up in pounds, and you’re good to go.

Revolut accounts come with  linked debit cards, and can hold 25+ currencies. You can either get a standard plan which has no monthly fees, or pay a monthly charge to access extra features and perks. Revolut currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate to plan limits, with fair usage fees after that. Out of hours fees may also apply if you switch currencies when the global markets are shut.

Read a full Revolut review here

Virgin Money travel card fees & spending limits

Let’s look at the costs of using the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card when you’re travelling:

Information correct at time of writing - 17th May 2023

Exchange rates

When you spend overseas with the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card your spending is converted back to pounds using the Mastercard exchange rate, to create your bill.

If you’re paying in EUR, RON and SEK in the UK and EEA, there’s no foreign transaction fee, so the exchange rate is made with the Mastercard rate with no additional charges. All other spending incurs a 2.99% foreign transaction fee, which is added to the rate used to convert your spending back to pounds.

How to get a Virgin Money travel card

To get a Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card you’ll need to complete an online eligibility and credit check.

Eligibility criteria include:

You must be a UK resident, over 18, with a UK bank or building society account

You must have good credit history and an income of at least 7,000 GBP a year

You can’t apply if you’ve recently closed a Virgin Money credit card, or if you have an active Virgin card already

To apply, simply head to the Virgin Money credit card desktop site, to complete the eligibility check and start your application.

What documents and information you’ll need

Virgin Money partners with identity verification service HooYu, to allow you to get verified and set up with your card from your phone. You’ll be guided through the verification process by on screen prompts, but you’ll usually need to upload a picture of your photo ID and a selfie. You’ll also be asked for your current address, and may need to provide proof of this to complete verification.

As the Virgin Money travel card is a credit card, a credit check may apply, and so you may also need to provide proof of income or outgoings.

How to use a Virgin Money travel card?

Use your Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card at home and abroad, just as you would with any other payment card. As the card is issued on the Mastercard network, all you need to do is look out for the Mastercard logo to check if the card is accepted.

How to withdraw cash with a Virgin Money travel card?

To withdraw cash with your Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card, just insert your card into any ATM on the Mastercard network, enter your PIN, and the amount you need to receive. Don’t forget, there’s a 5% cash advance fee, and the interest on the withdrawal amount starts to accrue immediately once you’ve made the withdrawal.

Is the card safe?

Yes. Virgin Money issues credit cards through Clydesdale Bank PLC, which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA.

How to use the Virgin Money travel card overseas?

The  Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card can be used anywhere you see the Mastercard symbol. If you’re in the UK or EEA, and spending EUR, RON or SEK, there’s no extra fee for foreign transactions. A 2.99% charge applies on all other spending overseas, though.

Conclusion: is the Virgin Money travel card worth it?

Virgin Money UK promotes the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card, and the similar Reward+ Card as good options for international travellers. You can earn points on everyday spending, and extra points on travel - which can then be redeemed for free flights, upgrades and lounge access when you’re going on holiday. However, as with any credit card, you may run into interest costs, and with overseas spending outside the EEA you’ll pay a 2.99% foreign transaction fee too.

For a cheaper alternative, compare the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card against a flexible multi-currency account that comes with a debit card - like the popular options from Wise and Revolut we explored earlier. Debit cards are often cheaper overall, and the option to hold and exchange currencies right in your account can also make managing your budget far easier - even when you’re working across currencies.

Virgin Money travel card review FAQ

The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card is a credit card with no annual fee which offers travel rewards. Compare the benefits to a debit card designed for overseas spending, from alternative providers like Wise and Revolut, to see which suits you best.

The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card can be used at home and abroad anywhere you see the Mastercard symbol. If you’re spending in the EEA you may find there’s no foreign transaction fee to pay - but elsewhere, overseas usage costs 2.99% in charges.

If the Virgin Money Credit Card isn’t right for you, there’s lots of choice out there. Compare a few travel credit cards from major UK banks against travel debit cards from a provider like Wise or Revolut to build a picture of the options available, including their features and fees.

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A card that really takes you places

When you spend on your Virgin Atlantic Credit Card you'll earn Virgin Points to put towards your next flight.

Everyday spending. Adventures that are anything but.

What could be better than taking off for a long weekend in New York? The Tabletop views of Cape Town, or the silky soft sands of St Lucia?

Our Reward and Reward+ Credit Cards are your passport to reaching reward flights, upgrades and more. When you use your card, you’ll earn Virgin Points to put towards your next adventure.

More points, more fun, more adventure.

Compare the cards

Virgin atlantic reward credit card.

• Earn 3,000 bonus Virgin Points if you make a purchase using your Reward Credit Card in the first 90 days. There’s no minimum spend.
• Earn 0.75 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend on everyday card purchases. And 1.5 points for every £1 you spend with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. Restrictions apply.
• Spend £20,000 in a year to unlock exclusive benefits, like companion flights or upgrades. Terms apply

Representative example:

Purchase rate: 26.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases

Equivalent to: 26.9% APR representative (variable)

• Based on a credit limit of: £1,200
• No annual fee

Credit is available subject to status, only to UK residents aged 18+

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card

• Earn 18,000 bonus Virgin Points if you make a purchase using your Reward+ Credit Card in the first 90 days. There’s no minimum spend.
• Earn 1.5 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend on everyday card purchases. And 3 points for every £1 you spend with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. Restrictions apply.
• Spend £10,000 in a year to unlock exclusive benefits, like companion flights or upgrades. Terms apply

Equivalent to: 69.7% APR representative (variable)

• £160 annual fee

Signing up is easy.

Whether you’re new to us or have a card with us already, you’ll need to apply. We’ll let you know instantly if your application is approved, and pop your new card in the post within a few days.

Then you’re all set. You can start earning points towards your next adventure straight away.

Where could your card take you

How many points could you earn in the first year with your average spend per month and what could you do with your points.

* Redeemed through Virgin Red # = 18,000 one-off bonus on 1st transaction with Reward+ card † = 3,000 one-off bonus on 1st transaction with Reward card

^ Example destinations only. Points cost based on standard season price for one return flight in Economy. Taxes, fees and carrier-imposed surcharges payable seperately. Reward seats are subject to availability.

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Scrolley finger at the ready - here comes the small print

Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card Flying Club Terms

These Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card Flying Club Terms are between you and us. We’re Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited (registered in England at The VHQ, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9DF). The Flying Club terms and conditions also apply.  

Earning Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card Points

• We’ll give you 3,000 bonus Virgin Points if you make a purchase using your Reward Credit Card in the first 90 days.  There’s no minimum spend.
• You’ll earn 0.75 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend on card purchases. You won’t earn Virgin Points on cash advances, balance transfers, money transfers, interest or fees.
• You’ll earn 1.5 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend directly with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays.
• There’s a cap on the Virgin Points you can earn each month based on your credit limit.  So if your credit limit is £5,000, you’ll earn points on the first £5,000 of card purchases in a month. If you spend more than that, you won’t earn points on that bit.  We’ll reset the counter every month on the date of your credit card statement.  The cap doesn’t apply to bonus points.
• To benefit from the points earned on the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card you need to be a member of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. You will also need to link your membership number to your credit card. You can join Virgin Atlantic Flying Club here . We’ll add your points to your Flying Club account every month within 5 days of your credit card statement date. You’ll get any bonus points in the month after you’ve earned them.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card Flying Club Tier Rewards

• If you spend £20,000 or more on card purchases over 12 months, you’ll earn a reward. You can only earn one reward every 12 months. The 12 months resets on each anniversary of the date your Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card account was opened.
• Your choice depends on whether you’re a Red, Silver or Gold Flying Club member when you choose it. So if you’re a Red member when you earn your reward but a Silver member when you choose, you’ll get the Silver choices
• You can choose a reward from:
• Companion Reward Ticket. Take one person with you in a reward seat:
• If you’re a Silver or Gold member when you book, the companion reward seat won’t cost any points
• When a red member wants to use their credit card companion reward in Upper Class they will only need to pay 50% of the total standard Companion points.
• Upgrade voucher. Upgrade any booking by one cabin into a reward seat. Available to all tiers.
• To use your Reward Voucher for a return trip, you can either
• Book both flights at the same time, and redeem your voucher on the round-trip; or
• Book single flights outbound and return. If you book your outbound flight and use your reward voucher for that flight, you need to call the Virgin Atlantic Contact Centre to apply it to your separate return reward flight booking.
• Clubhouse pass . (Silver and Gold Flying Club members only). For one person to use in any Clubhouse worldwide when flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta or AFKL International. No additional guests can be permitted. If you’re a Gold member, you’ll get two passes
• The reward will automatically be added to your Flying Club account within 30 days of earning it. It’ll be ready to spend straightaway.
• If you want to spend a reward, visit https://help.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/contact-us.html to sort it out. There are some key things you need to know about certain types of reward first:
• If you choose an Upgrade or Companion Reward Ticket, you can use it on a round trip, or upgrade two one-way flights. It’s subject to availability because they come from a limited number of seats in booking classes G, P and A only. You’ll still need to pay any taxes, fees and surcharges.
• If you choose a Clubhouse Pass, it’ll be good for one entry to one Clubhouse. We’ll post it to you so make sure you leave at least two weeks before you want to use it. We won’t replace lost or stolen passes, or change the expiry date.
• You can spend your reward for up to 24 months from the date it’s issued. That means you have to have booked your flights and taken the outbound flight within those 24 months. You can take the return journey afterwards

You’ll need to make your minimum payment when it’s due. If we do not receive the minimum payment when it’s due, or you go over your credit limit, we will withdraw the promotional rate with effect from the start of that statement period.  

When a promotional rate ends or is withdrawn, we charge the current standard interest rate that applies to that transaction.  

You will not be able to transfer a balance from another Virgin Money, Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank or B credit card and should not use your card to repay other borrowing from Clydesdale Bank plc.  

Credit is available, subject to status, only to UK residents aged 18 or over.  

Calls are charged at your service provider’s prevailing rate and may be monitored and recorded.  

The Virgin Atlantic Credit Card is issued by Clydesdale Bank plc (trading as Virgin Money). Registered in Scotland (Company No. SC001111). Registered Office: 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Virgin Money adheres to the Standard of Lending Practice which are monitored and enforced by the Lending Standards Board:  www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk  

Your copy of the  Statement of Lender and Borrower Responsibilities

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card Flying Club Terms

These Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card Flying Club Terms are between you and us. We’re Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited (registered in England at The VHQ, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9DF). The Flying Club terms and conditions also apply.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card Points

• We’ll give you 18,000 bonus Virgin Points if you make a purchase using your Reward+ Credit Card in the first 90 days.  There’s no minimum spend.
• You’ll earn 1.5 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend on card purchases.  You won’t earn Virgin Points on cash advances, balance transfers, money transfers, interest or fees.
• You’ll earn 3 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend directly with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays.
• There’s a cap on the Virgin Points you can earn each month based on your credit limit.  So if your credit limit is £5,000, you’ll earn points on the first £5,000 of card purchases in a month.  If you spend more than that, you won’t earn points on that bit.  We’ll reset the counter every month on the date of your credit card statement.  The cap doesn’t apply to bonus points.
• To benefit from the points earned on the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card you need to be a member of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. You will also need to link your membership number to your credit card. You can join Virgin Atlantic Flying Club here . We’ll add your points to your Flying Club account every month within 5 days of your credit card statement date. You’ll get any bonus points in the month after you’ve earned them.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card Flying Club Tier Rewards

1. If you spend £10,000 or more on card purchases over 12 months, you’ll earn a reward. You can only earn one reward every 12 months. The 12 months resets on each anniversary of the date your Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card account was opened.

2. Your choice depends on whether you’re a Red, Silver or Gold Flying Club member when you choose it. So if you’re a Red member when you earn your reward but a Silver member when you choose, you’ll get the Silver choices.

3. You can choose a reward from:

·       Companion Reward Ticket . Take one person with you in a reward seat:

o   If you’re a Silver or Gold member when you book the companion reward seat won’t cost any points.

o   When a red member wants to use their credit card companion reward in Upper Class they will only need to pay 50% of the total standard Companion points.

·       Upgrade Voucher. Upgrade any booking by one cabin into a reward seat. Available to all tiers.

·       To use your  Reward Voucher  for a return trip, you can either

·       Book both flights at the same time, and redeem your voucher on the round-trip; or

·       Book single flights outbound and return. If you book your outbound flight and use your reward voucher for that flight, you need to call the Virgin Atlantic Contact Centre to apply it to your separate return reward flight booking

·       Clubhouse Pass. (Silver and Gold Flying Club members only) For one person to use in any Clubhouse worldwide when flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta or AFKL International. No additional guests can be permitted. If you’re a Gold member, you’ll get two passes.

4. The reward will automatically be added to your Flying Club account within 30 days of earning it. It’ll be ready to spend straightaway.

5. If you want to spend a reward, visit https://help.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/contact-us.html  to sort it out. There are some key things you need to know about certain types of reward first:

·  If you choose an Upgrade or Companion Reward Ticket, you can use it on a round trip, or upgrade two one-way flights. It’s subject to availability because they come from a limited number of seats in booking classes G, P and A only. You’ll still need to pay any taxes, fees and surcharges.

·  If you choose a Clubhouse Pass, it’ll be good for one entry to one Clubhouse. We’ll post it to you so make sure you leave at least two weeks before you want to use it. We won’t replace lost or stolen passes, or change the expiry date.

6. You can spend your reward for up to 24 months from the date it’s issued. That means you have to have booked your flights and taken the outbound flight within those 24 months. You can take the return journey afterwards.

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