If you love flying to Europe or taking long-haul flights with Aer Lingus, the Aer Lingus Credit Card UK could be your gateway to a wealth of rewards. By earning Avios points, you can unlock travel perks like free flights, airport lounge access and fast-track boarding.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of the Aer Lingus Mastercard, how it compares to other Avios-earning credit cards and how to maximize your rewards by transferring Avios points.
What is the Aer Lingus Credit Card UK?
The Aer Lingus Credit Card is owned by Bank of Ireland and is designed to help people living in the UK to earn Avios points for purchases. These points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades and other travel benefits.
Additionally, the UK version of the Aer Lingus card isn’t as rewarding as the Aer Lingus Visa Signature card in the US. However it still provides great value especially for people who frequently fly with Aer Lingus or its partner airlines. Qantas Credit Card UK
Key Features of the Aer Lingus Mastercard
- Earn Avios Points: Points for every pound you spend.
- Free Return Flights: Two return flights to Europe after spending €5,000.
- Travel Perks: Lounge access and fast-track boarding.
Benefits of Aer Lingus Mastercard UK
Earn Avios Points with Every Purchase
The Aer Lingus Mastercard allows you to earn 1 Avios per £1 spent. So if you are buying groceries, paying bills or booking a flight each transaction brings you closer to free travel. While the earning rate isn’t the highest among credit cards, it’s still a easy way to accumulate points if you are a frequent traveller with Aer Lingus or other Avios partner airlines.
Free Return Flights to Europe
After spending €5,000 on your Aer Lingus Mastercard, you’ll earn two free return flights to Europe. These flights are worth up to 30,000 Avios (depending on the route), allowing you to save on future trips. If you’re planning a European vacation, this perk can be incredibly valuable.
Airport Lounge Access & Fast Track Boarding
With the Aer Lingus Mastercard, you get two complimentary lounge passes, which grant you access to airport lounges for a more comfortable pre-flight experience. Plus, the card includes two fast-track boarding passes, allowing you to skip long queues at security and get to your gate quickly.
Other Travel Benefits
While the Aer Lingus Mastercard doesn’t offer the same extensive perks as premium cards, the combination of free flights, lounge access, and fast-track boarding is still a great value for anyone flying frequently with Aer Lingus or within the Avios network.
Alternatives to the Aer Lingus Credit Card UK
The Aer Lingus Mastercard offers great rewards but still there are other credit cards in the UK that let you earn Avios points and transfer them to your Aer Lingus account. 5 Best UK Travel Credit Cards
Here is a comparison of some of the best alternatives:-
British Airways American Express Card
- Earning Rate: 1 Avios per £1 spent
- Sign-Up Bonus: 5,000 Avios (spend £1,000 in the first 3 months)
- Annual Fee: £0 (Free Card)
- Perks: Access to the British Airways Executive Club, earn Avios on every purchase.
This card is popular for beginners, the 5,000 Avios sign-up bonus is relatively low and the 1:1 earning rate may not be as appealing if you want to maximize your rewards.
British Airways Premium Plus Card
- Earning Rate: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent
- Sign-Up Bonus: 25,000 Avios (spend £3,000 in the first 3 months)
- Annual Fee: £195
- Perks: 2-4-1 voucher for British Airways flights, access to the British Airways Executive Club.
This premium card provides better earning potential and the 2-4-1 voucher which can be a game-changer for those flying with British Airways. However the voucher is not usable for Aer Lingus flights which limits its value if you are focused solely on Aer Lingus.
American Express Gold Card
- Earning Rate: 1 Avios per £1 spent
- Sign-Up Bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards points (can transfer to Avios)
- Annual Fee: £140
- Perks: 2 free lounge passes, 12 airline transfer partners, flexible rewards.
The American Express Gold Card allows you to transfer Membership Rewards points to Avios, making it a great option if you want more flexibility. It also offers a 10,000-point sign-up bonus which can be transferred to your Aer Lingus account for 12,000 Avios.
American Express Platinum Card
- Earning Rate: 1 Avios per £1 spent
- Sign-Up Bonus: 30,000 Membership Rewards points (can transfer to Avios)
- Annual Fee: £575
- Perks: Unlimited lounge access, travel insurance, 24/7 concierge service, and much more.
The American Express Platinum Card is for high-end travelers who can justify the £575 annual fee. The 30,000-point sign-up bonus and luxury travel perks may make it worthwhile if you travel often and can take advantage of its full range of benefits.
How to Transfer Avios Points from British Airways to Aer Lingus?
You can transfer your Avios points between British Airways and Aer Lingus without any hassel. Follow these steps to maximize your rewards:-
- Log in to Your British Airways Executive Club Account:
- Go to the British Airways website and log in to your account.
- Navigate to ‘Manage My Account’:
- Under the ‘Manage My Account’ tab, choose ‘Combine My Avios’.
- Choose ‘Avios Partners’:
- Select ‘Avios Partners’ from the dropdown menu and log into your Aer Lingus Avios account.
- Transfer Avios:
- Confirm the number of Avios points you wish to transfer and complete the process.
Is the Aer Lingus Credit Card UK Worth It?
The Aer Lingus Credit Card UK provides excellent value for those who frequently fly with Aer Lingus or want to maximize their Avios points.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Aer Lingus Credit Card:-
Pros
- Two Free Return Flights: After spending €5,000, you get two free flights worth up to 30,000 Avios.
- Lounge Access & Fast-Track Boarding: Enjoy more comfortable airport experiences with lounge access and fast-track boarding passes.
- Low Annual Fee: Compared to premium cards, the Aer Lingus Mastercard has a relatively low annual fee, making it accessible for more travelers.
Cons
- Moderate Earning Rate: The earning rate of 1 Avios per £1 spent is average compared to some other cards.
- Limited Premium Perks: While it offers good value, it doesn’t come with the premium travel perks seen in cards like the American Express Platinum Card.
The card is particularly ideal for frequent travellers within the Avios network who want a smooth way to earn rewards without the complexity of managing multiple credit cards.
Conclusion
The Aer Lingus Credit Card UK offers a fantastic opportunity for UK residents to earn Avios points and enjoy travel perks like lounge access, fast-track boarding and free flights to Europe. It’s a great choice for anyone who frequently flies with Aer Lingus or wants to maximize their Avios points through strategic spending.
However, if you are searching for more comprehensive travel rewards you may want to explore these option like the British Airways Premium Plus Card or the American Express Gold Card which offer higher earning rates and additional benefits.
No matter which card you select, maximizing Avios points through strategic spending and point transfers can help you unlock exclusive travel benefits making your flying experience more rewarding.
Before concluding this article if you have any question drop in the comment box and if you like this article please do share with your friends and colleagues.
What is the earning rate on the Aer Lingus Mastercard?
You earn 1 Avios per £1 spent on the Aer Lingus Mastercard.
How do I get free return flights to Europe with the Aer Lingus Credit Card?
Spend €5,000 on your card to earn two free return flights to Europe.
Does the Aer Lingus Mastercard offer lounge access?
Yes, it provides two complimentary airport lounge passes.
Can I transfer Avios points between British Airways and Aer Lingus?
Yes, you can easily transfer Avios points between British Airways and Aer Lingus.
Are there better alternatives to the Aer Lingus Credit Card for earning Avios?
Yes, cards like the British Airways Premium Plus Card or American Express Gold Card offer higher earning rates.
Hello! I’m Ella Patel, a blogger based in India with a strong specialization in the finance sector. My journey into the world of finance and writing is a blend of academic achievements and professional experiences, which I am excited to share with you