Your credit card with Airline Miles

Have you ever wondered how some people manage to get exclusive upgrades, or pay for their holidays with rewards they've earned from everyday spending? The secret often lies in a powerful financial tool: a credit card with air miles. This type of card is more than just a way to pay — it's your ticket to a world of travel rewards.

This guide walks you through what an air miles credit card is, how it works, and how to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. We also explore how our flexible RevPoints program can help you turn your daily spending into flights with your favourite airlines, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Qatar Airways.

Need a bit more information about credit cards? Check out our introduction to credit cards.

T&Cs apply.

A credit card is a type of loan. As with any credit facility, you should consider the full financial commitment involved, including interest and fees.

Warning: if you don't make the repayments on your credit card, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement, or a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) agreement in the future.

The world of air miles credit cards

The concept of using a credit card to earn rewards for travel has been around for decades, but it's more accessible now than ever before. For many travellers, a credit card is the most efficient way to turn spending into tangible travel benefits.

What are credit cards with air miles?

Credit cards with air miles are designed to help you earn points (known as miles) with an airline or other travel company. These are collected with every eligible purchase you make on the card. Once you've earned enough, you can use them for things like flights, hotel stays, or airport lounge access.

Some cards are co-branded, meaning they have partnerships between specific brands, like an Aer Lingus air miles card. Others, like ours, offer a more flexible rewards program that allows you to earn points that can then be converted to miles with various airline partners. This allows for more choice and control over your rewards and makes it easier to find a deal that suits your travel plans.

For a customer who doesn't have a deep knowledge of credit or loans, understanding this distinction is key. A co-branded card offers loyalty to one airline, which is great if you fly with them often. A more flexible program offers you the freedom to choose from multiple airlines, which can be better for those who like to shop around for the best flights.

How airline miles credit cards work

The concept is: you use your credit card for purchases, and you earn rewards. The number of miles you earn per euro spent depends on the card and the type of purchase. For example, some cards may offer a higher earning rate for travel-related expenses like flights or hotels than for grocery shop.

There are a few ways you can earn rewards on your airline miles credit card:

• Everyday spending: the most common way to earn miles is by using your card for all your daily purchases, from groceries and fuel to online shopping. Every euro spent brings you one step closer to your next holiday.
• Bonus categories: many cards offer accelerated earning rates in specific categories. For example, you might earn double or triple points on purchases made at restaurants, hotels, or with specific airlines. If your spending habits align with these bonus categories, you can accumulate a significant amount of miles very quickly.
• Sign-up bonuses: many card issuers offer a welcome bonus when you sign up for a new card and meet a minimum spending requirement. With Revolut, these bonuses may be offered as part of specific, time-limited offers. This is often the fastest way to get a quick reward and can be enough for a short flight or 2.
• Promotions: keep an eye out for special promotions and offers that allow you to earn extra miles. These can include offers for booking with specific retailers or on certain types of purchases.

With us, you earn RevPoints for various types of purchases, including everyday life spending, while some paid plans allow you to earn more points per euro spent. You'll always earn the same great rate on all your purchases, no matter the category, so you can maximise your rewards without having to track spending categories.

Understanding fees, APR, and other fine print

While ‌rewards are the main attraction, it's crucial to look at the fine print of a card's terms and conditions.

• Annual fees: a card with an annual fee might seem expensive, but if the value of the rewards you receive outweighs the fee, it can be a great investment. For example, a card with a fee might offer travel insurance that's worth more than the fee itself.
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): this is the interest you'll be charged if you don't pay your balance in full each month. To get the most from your rewards, it's best to pay your balance in full and on time. A high APR can quickly negate any benefits you earn. The APR is also a calculation that helps you compare different credit products in a fair and transparent way.
• Fair usage limits: be aware of any limits on cash withdrawals, currency exchange, or other services. These can vary based on your plan tier and can impact the value of your card.

Representative example of a Revolut credit card: assuming a single purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12 month period, at a variable interest rate of 13.34% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 17.99%, the total amount repayable (including Government Stamp Duty charge of €30) would be €1,640.58. The total cost of credit would be €110.58.

How to redeem your points: flights, upgrades, and more

The true value of miles comes from how you redeem them. While they can be used for flights, our Airline Miles can also be used for upgrades to your travel class, hotel stay, and more.

The key to making this system work for you is to check that the rewards you earn align with the travel you want to do. The value of your miles can vary depending on what you use them for.

• Flights: this is the most common use of miles. You can use them to cover the full or partial cost of a flight. While you might not have to pay for your ticket, you often still have to pay for taxes and fees.
• Upgrades: you can often use points to upgrade your seat. For a long-haul flight, an upgrade from economy to business class can make a huge difference to your comfort.
• Hotel stays: many programs have partnerships with hotel chains, allowing you to use your points to book hotel stays, often at great prices. With RevPoints, you can book hotel stays or activities worldwide directly in the Revolut app.
• Car rental: miles can also sometimes be used for car rentals, giving you more freedom and flexibility on your holiday.

The benefits of an air miles credit card

A credit card with airline miles is more than just a tool for earning airline miles. It comes with a host of other benefits that can save you money, make things easier, and give you peace of mind, making it a valuable addition to your wallet.

Beyond the flight: travel insurance, fraud protection, and lounge access

One of the main reasons many customers choose to have a credit card for airline miles is the added security and convenience it offers.

• Travel insurance: Revolut Premium, Metal, and Ultra plans offer complimentary travel insurance. This can be a major money saver as it can cover things like trip cancellations, lost baggage, and even emergency medical expenses. This provides a valuable layer of security for your trip, so you don't have to worry about unexpected costs.
• Fraud protection: a credit card offers a high level of security that cash simply can't match. You have complete control in the app and can instantly freeze or unfreeze your card, set spending limits, and get real-time notifications for every transaction. This makes it easy to spot and stop suspicious activity.
• Airport lounge access: for Premium, Metal, and Ultra customers, we offer discounted or free access to airport lounges. This is one of the top credit cards for frequent travellers, as it makes waiting for a flight more comfortable.
• Virtual credit cards: for enhanced security when shopping online, use a virtual credit card. These digital-only cards exist within your Revolut app and have a different card number from your physical card. For even greater security, you can create a disposable virtual card whose details are instantly deleted and refreshed after each use. This prevents vendors from charging you again and adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Credit cards with airline miles: turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips

With an airline miles credit card, instead of seeing your money simply leave your account when you buy groceries or fill up the car, you can see it converted into points that bring you closer to your dream holiday. This encourages smart spending and can make managing your money more enjoyable. The feeling of paying for a flight with points you have accumulated from your usual purchases is rewarding and makes a travel credit card worth it for many.

Our modern approach to earning credit card airline miles

We offer a new and flexible way to earn and use airline miles through our loyalty program, RevPoints. Unlike traditional co-branded cards, our approach gives you a single rewards currency that can be converted to miles with multiple partners.

Introducing RevPoints: the flexible rewards currency

With RevPoints, you earn points on all your eligible everyday spending. Your rate of accumulation depends on your paid plan tier. For example, a Metal or Ultra plan will earn you significantly more points for every euro you spend compared to a Plus plan. This tiered system allows you to boost your miles accumulation significantly while managing your budget. You can track your points balance in-app, making it easy to see how close you are to your next reward.

Partner airlines: your path to Aer Lingus, British Airways, and more

RevPoints can be turned into Airline Miles with many popular airlines. This lets you choose the airline that fits your travel plans best.

To transfer your points, simply link your airline loyalty account to your Revolut account. Once linked, you can convert your RevPoints to Airline Miles with partners like Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Qatar Airways. The transfer rate is 1:1, meaning one RevPoint equals one mile. This makes it easy to understand the value of your rewards and to plan your travel.

This flexibility is a huge advantage over traditional co-branded cards that lock you into a single airline. With Revolut, you can choose to fly with a different airline for each trip, depending on where you're going and what deals are available. For example, you can collect Aer Lingus Airline Miles for a short trip to Europe, British Airways Airline Miles for a trip to London, or Qatar Airways Airline Miles for a long-haul trip to Asia, all using RevPoints.

How to choose the best credit card with airline miles for you

Finding the best credit card for airline miles is a matter of comparing your needs with what's on offer. The right card for you is the one that provides the greatest value based on your spending, travelling, and financial habits.

Assessing your travel and spending habits

Before you even begin to look at cards, you need to be honest about your spending and travel habits.

• How often do you travel? If you only travel once a year, a rewards card might not be the most effective way to save money. If you're a frequent traveller, on the other hand, the miles you accumulate can be incredibly valuable. With Revolut, your credit card provides RevPoints that you can use for things other than flights, making it a great choice.
• What are your biggest expenses? Does a significant portion of your budget go toward travel, groceries, or dining out? Look for a card that offers more rewards for shopping in those categories.
• Are you loyal to a specific airline? If you have a preferred airline, a co-branded card may be a good option. However, if you want more options and want to find the best deal, a card like Revolut's that isn't tied to a specific partner is a better choice.

The importance of financial responsibility

While the idea of discounted flights is exciting, it's important to remember that a credit card is still a loan. The most important part of owning a credit card is using it responsibly.

The best credit card for airline miles is only valuable if you avoid paying interest. The high interest rates on many cards will quickly cancel out any rewards you earn. The golden rule is to use a rewards card like a debit card and only spend money you already have. Always pay your balance in full and on time.

When used correctly, a credit card is a powerful tool that opens up a world of benefits.

Get started with Revolut

Ready to take your travel to the next level and start earning miles with your Revolut card? The process can be completed in just a few steps:

• Explore our plans: check out our pricing plans to see which one offers the best RevPoints rate for you and the rewards you want.
• Sign up: download the Revolut app and follow the steps to create your account.
• Apply for your card: once your account is set up, you can submit an application for a Credit Card in-app.

Ready to take your travel to the next level? Get started with a Revolut Credit Card today.

The information provided is accurate as of 12 September 2025.

18+ only. RevPoints T&Cs apply. RevPoints earned depend on your plan. RevPoints rewards require opt-in to RevPoints program, and vary by plan.

Revolut Bank UAB is regulated and authorised by the Bank of Lithuania in the Republic of Lithuania, and by the European Central Bank, and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.


Lending criteria, as well as terms and conditions, apply. Credit Cards are available to Revolut customers who are residents of the Republic of Ireland over the age of 18. All Credit Cards applications are subject to approval.

Warning: if you don't meet the repayments on your Credit Card, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement, or a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) agreement in the future.