The 7 Best UK Business Credit Cards for Airline Travel

For UK business travel, you’ll want American Express Business Gold for flexible airline transfers, British Airways Accelerating Card for BA-focused rewards, or Capital on Tap for fee-free Avios earning. Budget-conscious options include Santander Business Cashback and Barclaycard Select for converting general rewards to travel value. Consider Metro Bank for European travel with no foreign fees. The right card could save your business thousands while upgrading your travel experience substantially.

Key Points

• American Express Business Gold offers 1:1 transfers to 20+ airline partners with a first-year fee waiver and £200 flight delay protection.
• British Airways Amex Accelerating Business Card earns 1.5 Avios per £1 and collects both Avios and On Business points on BA flights.
• Capital on Tap Business Rewards provides 1% unlimited cashback convertible to Avios points with no annual fee and Priority Pass lounge access.
• Cards with zero foreign transaction fees like Airwallex Borderless can save businesses approximately 3% on international travel expenses.
• Barclaycard was recognized as Best Business Card Provider at the 2025 Business Moneyfacts Awards for excellent customer support.

American Express Business Gold: Ultimate Points Flexibility for Global Airlines

While many business credit cards promise the moon but deliver crumbs, the American Express Business Gold actually lives up to its name with serious points-earning muscle. You’ll earn 1 point per £1 on everything, with a juicy 10,000-point bonus each quarter you spend £20,000.

The real magic happens when you’re ready to use those points. With 1:1 transfers to over 20 airline partners including Avios and Virgin, you’re never stuck with worthless rewards. Top UK Travel Credit Cards for Airline Miles Points typically fetch 0.75p-1p value on flights, and transfers process within 24 hours. The welcome offer gives you a head start with 20,000 bonus points when you spend £3,000 in your first three months.

There’s no annual fee for year one (then £195), which is reasonable considering the benefits. You’ll also get decent travel protections like £200 for flight delays over 4 hours.

Just remember, it’s a charge card – you’ll pay your balance in full monthly.

Capital on Tap Business Rewards: No-Fee Avios Collection for Small Businesses

For small business owners watching every penny, Capital on Tap Business Rewards offers an invigorating alternative to American Express’s premium approach. With no annual fee whatsoever, you’ll still collect 1% unlimited cash back on purchases—which you can easily convert to Avios points for flights and hotel stays. Comfortable long flights are made possible with this card’s travel perks.

Already trusted by over 200,000 businesses, this card punches above its weight with generous credit limits and a lightning-fast approval process. Switch to weekly AutoPay and you’ll boost your cashback to 2%, potentially earning up to £2,400 annually if you’re spending £10,000 monthly. Business owners can preload their accounts to increase reward earning potential and raise credit limits from £50,000 to £150,000.

You’ll also enjoy airport lounge access through Priority Pass™ with two complimentary guest passes yearly. Perfect for budget-conscious entrepreneurs who don’t want to sacrifice travel perks.

British Airways Amex Accelerating Business Card: Premium Benefits for Frequent BA Flyers

When you’re logging serious miles with British Airways for business travel, the BA Amex Accelerating Business Card might be worth its hefty £250 annual fee.

You’ll earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, plus up to 30,000 bonus Avios annually when hitting spending thresholds. Top business credit cards for international travel can also provide valuable rewards and benefits for frequent flyers.

Earn 1.5 Avios on every pound with substantial 30,000 bonus Avios potential for meeting annual spend targets.

The card truly shines for BA loyalists with:

1. Double-dipping rewards – collect both Avios and On Business points simultaneously when booking flights
2. Up to 56 interest-free days to manage your cash flow during busy travel periods
3. All-encompassing travel protection covering you and employees when things go sideways

The welcome bonus offers 30,000 Avios for spending £5,000 in your first 3 months as a cardholder.

Remember you’ll need £20,000+ annual income to qualify, and watch those 2.99% foreign transaction fees.

For businesses spending big on BA flights, this premium card delivers solid value despite its upfront cost.

Metro Bank Business Credit Card: Fee-Free European Travel Solution

Looking to do business across Europe without paying those pesky foreign transaction fees? Metro Bank’s Business Credit Card might be your wallet’s new best friend.

With no charges for European transactions and a reasonable 18.9% APR, it’s tailor-made for UK businesses that regularly hop across the Channel. The card also allows you to carry on a backpack with wheels for convenient travel during your business trips.

You’ll enjoy up to 56 interest-free days on purchases, and can add up to 9 team members as additional cardholders at no extra cost. The card supports contactless payments up to £100 for convenient transactions during your business travels.

The card even offers exclusive perks like 6% off Booking.com accommodations.

The catch? You’ll need an existing Metro Bank Business Current Account, and applications are in-branch only.

While it won’t earn you miles or points, the lack of European transaction fees makes this a solid, no-nonsense option for frequent European travelers.

Santander Business Cashback Card: Converting General Rewards to Travel Value

The humble Santander Business Cashback Card offers a straightforward approach to travel value that won’t dazzle you with flashy perks but might just pad your bottom line. With 1% cashback on every purchase and no annual fee, it’s a no-nonsense option for budget-conscious business travelers. Top Backpacking Tents can provide useful insights for those looking to maximize their business travel experiences.

While it lacks dedicated travel benefits, you can still stretch your pound:

1. Convert your £10 cashback (per £1,000 spent) into statement credits that offset flight bookings
2. Redeem for gift cards at travel retailers when available through the rewards portal
3. Enjoy foreign transactions without added fees beyond standard Mastercard rates

The card features a Mastercard payment network that offers wide acceptance when traveling across Europe and beyond. For small businesses watching every penny, this card’s simplicity means less time fussing with complex redemptions and more focus on growing your company—even if you sacrifice some premium travel perks.

Barclaycard Select Cashback: Straightforward Earnings for Flight Bookings

For businesses that prefer their rewards system as straightforward as their morning coffee, Barclaycard Select Cashback delivers exactly what it says on the tin. You’ll earn a flat 1% cashback on all eligible spending over £2,000 per statement month – a tidy sum if you’re regularly booking flights and hotels.

The beauty lies in simplicity: no annual fee, no category restrictions, and no reward caps beyond your credit limit. Wrinkle-free travel can be achieved with the right business credit card.

With 56 interest-free days, you can book those business flights well ahead without paying interest if you clear your balance.

Unlike point-based cards with complex conversion charts, your rewards appear as monthly statement credits.

Just remember that 26.5% APR will bite if you don’t pay in full, and watch out for foreign transaction fees when booking international travel. The card’s award-winning support has been recognized with the Best Business Card Provider title at the 2025 Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Managing Foreign Transaction Fees: Which Cards Save You Money Abroad

Why do businesses needlessly hemorrhage money when operating abroad? Those pesky foreign transaction fees—typically 2.75% to 2.99%—can silently drain your profits when you’re making international purchases.

International transaction fees silently drain 3% of your profits when doing business abroad—an unnecessary expense for savvy companies.

Smart business owners dodge these fees by choosing specialist cards designed for global transactions. Here’s how to keep more of your hard-earned cash:

1. Select cards with zero foreign transaction fees – some business cards waive these entirely while still offering rewards
2. Always pay in local currency – avoid those sneaky dynamic currency conversion options that pad the bill
3. Skip ATM withdrawals abroad – they often come with higher fees than direct purchases

Cards like Airwallex Borderless Card provide multi-currency support for up to 23 currencies, allowing businesses to transact internationally without excessive fees.

Remember to check eligibility requirements before applying. The right card can save thousands annually for companies regularly doing business overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Business Credit Card Points Compare to Personal Card Rewards?

Business cards offer higher cashback rates (often 2%), uncapped rewards, and more flexible redemption than personal cards. You’ll get tailored perks like business software discounts instead of retail vouchers. They’re built for your company’s spending patterns.

Can Multiple Employees Earn Points on the Same Business Account?

Yes, y’all can definitely have multiple employees earning points on one business account. Most providers offer free employee cards that’ll pool all those hard-earned rewards together, making your company’s points stack up faster.

Do Airline Points Expire if Not Used Within a Certain Timeframe?

Yes, most airline points do expire if you’re not careful. You’ll typically have 18-36 months of inactivity before they vanish. Keep your account active by earning or spending miles every so often.

How Quickly Do Sign-Up Bonuses Typically Post to Your Account?

Sign-up bonuses usually hit your account within 6-8 weeks after you’ve met the spending requirement, though it varies by issuer. Chase is quicker than Amex, but you’ll want to verify your card’s specific terms.

Are Business Lounge Access Benefits Available at All International Airports?

No, y’all won’t find lounges at every international airport. They’re typically at larger hubs, not smaller spots. Your credit card access will only work where lounges actually exist, so check before traveling!

The Sum Up

Choosing the right business credit card is like packing for a trip – you only want what you’ll actually use. Whether you’re collecting Avios on a no-fee card or enjoying premium lounge access, there’s a UK option that’ll fit your travel style and budget. Remember, nearly 40% of small business owners leave travel rewards on the table! Don’t be that person – pick the card that works as hard as you do.