Virgin Atlantic Reward Plus Credit Card Maximise Virgin Points and Enjoy Complimentary Lounge Access

Why the Virgin Atlantic Reward Plus Credit Card stands out

The Virgin Atlantic Reward Plus Credit Card is a strong pick for UK travellers who want to squeeze more value from every pound. With 1.5 Virgin points per £1 spent and double points on Virgin Atlantic flights and Virgin Holidays, it’s designed for those who fly regularly and love redeeming for upgrades or reward seats.

Beyond points, cardholders enjoy complimentary Virgin lounge access and Boingo Wi‑Fi, perks that genuinely improve the airport experience. The card’s welcome offer of 15,000 Virgin points after your first purchase gives a useful head start to future trips.

Costs, APR and when it makes sense

There’s a £160 annual fee and a representative APR of up to 69.7% variable, so the Reward Plus card suits customers who clear their balance each month. If you carry a balance, interest can quickly erode the value of any points earned.

To unlock high-value benefits like a companion ticket or upgrade you’ll need to spend £10,000 a year, so it’s best for higher spenders or those who can channel regular household or business payments onto the card. Do the sums: if lounge access and companion perks save or upgrade you frequently, the fee is often justified.

How to earn and redeem Virgin Points efficiently

Maximising Virgin Points requires a mix of everyday spending and targeted travel purchases. Use the card for groceries, bills and recurring subscriptions to rack up 1.5 points per £, then accelerate earnings with Virgin flights and Virgin Holidays where points are doubled.

Redeem points for reward flights, seat upgrades or partner hotel stays; remember points expire after a set period, so plan redemptions. Track balances and offers via the Virgin Money app and plan redemptions around peak seat availability to get the most value per point.

Practical tips, app tools and alternatives

Before applying, run a soft check with the Virgin Money Card Checker to see eligibility without harming your credit score. The Virgin Money app helps manage payments, track spending and monitor points — essential if you want to avoid interest and keep rewards on target.

If the annual fee or spend requirement feels steep, compare alternatives like the standard Virgin Atlantic Reward card or select Amex travel cards in the UK market. Choose the card that matches how you spend: frequent flyers who value lounges and companion tickets will find the Reward Plus card particularly rewarding.