Best Star Alliance Credit Cards for UK Travelers in 2025

Travelling with Star Alliance opens up a world of opportunities. With 28 member airlines, access to over 1,300 destinations and the chance to earn and redeem miles on multiple carriers. It’s no wonder that Star Alliance is the largest and most diverse global airline network. But how can UK travellers get the full potential of this network?

The answer lies in Star Alliance credit cards which offer exclusive ways to earn air miles and unlock fantastic rewards. While there is no specific Star Alliance credit card for UK residents but several cards allow you to earn miles that can be redeemed across Star Alliance’s impressive roster of airlines.

In this article, we will explain you the best Star Alliance credit card, the key redemption opportunities and how you can earn and use these miles for maximum benefit.

What is Star Alliance?

Star Alliance was founded in 1997 and is one of the world’s largest global airline alliances. It includes 28 member airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and Thai Airways which operate flights to over 1,300 destinations across more than 190 countries.

The network’s global reach makes it incredibly valuable for frequent flyers offering a wide range of travel options and benefits.

Why Choose Star Alliance Miles?

You gain access to an expansive network of flights and services by earning Star Alliance miles. So, if you are flying to a nearby city or taking a long-haul international flight, your miles can be redeemed for upgrades, free flights and access to premium services such as airport lounges. 5 Incredible Perks of Air France Credit Card

Additionally, Star Alliance members provide some of the greatest First and Business Class services, such as the world-famous Business Class service from Lufthansa and the new First-Class suites from Singapore Airlines.

To make these premium activities more affordable, you can earn miles with a Star Alliance credit card.

Best Star Alliance Credit Cards Available in the UK

Lufthansa Miles & More Global Traveller Card

The Lufthansa Miles & More Global Traveller Card is one of the few credit cards in the UK that lets you directly earn Star Alliance miles. This card is ideal for frequent flyers of Lufthansa, Swiss Air or any of the Star Alliance partners.

• Earning Rate: 1.25 miles for every £1 spent.
• Sign-up Bonus: 10,000 bonus miles.
• Annual Fee: £79 per year.
• Benefits:
  • Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or lounge access with Lufthansa, Swiss, and other Star Alliance members.
  • The card also offers a competitive bonus miles structure, which makes it a top choice for those who fly frequently with Star Alliance airlines.
• Best For: Travelers who fly regularly with Lufthansa or Swiss Air and want to earn miles directly for Star Alliance redemptions.

American Express Membership Rewards Cards (Gold and Platinum)

American Express offers various Membership Rewards cards linked with Star Alliance partners, such as Singapore Airlines and SAS.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card allows you to collect Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to several Star Alliance frequent flyer programs, including Singapore Airlines and SAS EuroBonus.

• Sign-up Bonus: 10,000 points (12,000 with a specific link).
• Earning Rate: 1 point per £1 spent.
• Annual Fee: Free for the first year, then £140.
• Benefits
  • Earn points that can be transferred to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and SAS EuroBonus, both part of Star Alliance.
  • Extensive travel benefits, including airport lounge access, travel insurance, and exclusive offers on flights.
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who want to earn Star Alliance miles through Membership Rewards and benefit from travel perks.

American Express Platinum

If you’re willing to spend more and want a premium card with high travel benefits, the American Express Platinum Card is a top choice for earning miles with Star Alliance members.

• Sign-up Bonus: 30,000 Membership Rewards points (35,000 points with a specific link).
• Earning Rate: 1.5 points per £1 spent.
• Annual Fee: £575.
• Benefits:
  • Increased earning rate, with the ability to transfer points at a 1:1 rate to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and SAS EuroBonus.
  • Comprehensive travel benefits, including access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, exclusive hotel privileges, and more.
• Best For: High spenders who frequently travel and want maximum benefits, including luxury travel perks.

Starwood Preferred Guest American Express

With the recent merger of Starwood and Marriott rewards, the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) American Express Card now allows you to transfer points to over 40 airline frequent flyer programs, including several Star Alliance members.

• Earning Rate: 3 SPG points per £1 spent (equivalent to 1 mile per £1 for most airlines).
• Sign-up Bonus: 30,000 SPG points (about 10,000 air miles).
• Annual Fee: £75.
• Benefits:
  • Points can be transferred to 43 airline partners, including major Star Alliance carriers like United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada.
  • You also get a substantial sign-up bonus that can give you a head start on accumulating miles.
• Best For: Those who want flexibility and the ability to earn miles with multiple airlines, not just Star Alliance members.

Earning Star Alliance Miles through Other UK Credit Cards

HSBC Premier Credit Cards

For those looking for another way to earn Star Alliance miles, the HSBC Premier Credit Card offers a good option for collecting miles with airlines such as Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and EVA Air. Qantas Credit Card UK

• Earning Rate: 0.5 miles per £1 spent (free card), 1.5 miles per £1 spent (paid card).
• Annual Fee: £195 (for the paid World Elite card).
• Benefits:
  • The HSBC Premier card gives you access to high-earning rates for selected Star Alliance partners, though eligibility requirements are strict for the Premier account.
• Best For: Those with high incomes who meet HSBC’s eligibility requirements.

Tips to increase Star Alliance Miles in the UK

Transfer Opportunities

One of the best ways to maximize your Star Alliance miles is by transferring points from your American Express Membership Rewards or SPG points to various frequent flyer programs.

For example, you can transfer Membership Rewards points to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program, where 1 point equals 1 mile.

Maximizing Points

• Sign-up Bonuses: Take advantage of generous sign-up bonuses offered by cards like the American Express Platinum and Gold.
• Stacking with Travel Promotions: Look for special promotions where you can earn bonus miles when booking flights with Star Alliance members or shopping with retail partners.
• Reward Flights: Use your miles for long-haul flights in premium cabins, as these offer some of the best value in terms of miles per pound spent.

Alternatives for earning Star Alliance Miles

If you don’t want a dedicated Star Alliance credit card, you can still earn miles through other frequent flyer programs, such as:

• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• SAS EuroBonus
• United MileagePlus

By participating in these programs, you can earn miles that can be transferred to any Star Alliance airline, giving you even more flexibility. Best Alternatives for Earning Air Miles

Star Alliance Credit Cards Vs Other Airline Alliances

OneWorld vs. Star Alliance

While OneWorld is another leading airline alliance, Star Alliance offers a broader range of airlines and a more diverse benefits for international travelers. Star Alliance also tends to provide better value for those looking to accumulate miles across multiple carriers.

SkyTeam Alliance

SkyTeam is the third major alliance, but its options for earning miles are limited compared to Star Alliance.

Therefore, Star Alliance credit cards in the UK are better choice for maximizing frequent flyer rewards. Aer Lingus Credit Card UK

Which Star Alliance Credit Card Should You Choose?

Best for Frequent Flyers

If you frequently travel with Lufthansa, Swiss Air, or United Airlines, the Lufthansa Miles & More Global Traveller Card is the top choice due to its direct earning rate and bonus miles.

Best for Flexibility

The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card is ideal for earning miles across multiple airlines, including 43 partners through Marriott Bonvoy’s transfer options.

Best for Luxury Benefits

For those who are willing to pay a higher annual fee for added perks, the American Express Platinum card offers a premium experience with 1.5 points per £1 spent and a strong set of luxury travel benefits.

Conclusion

There are various Star Alliance credit cards available in the UK, so there are plenty of opportunities to earn and redeem miles throughout this wide network. Whether you’re a regular traveler searching for direct mile-earning possibilities or someone who likes flexibility, the appropriate card may open up a world of travel benefits.

When deciding on the finest Star Alliance credit card for you in 2025, keep your travel interests, spending patterns, and desired features in mind. Credit Cards for Young Adults

Start earning Star Alliance points immediately by signing up for the appropriate credit card for your travel requirements. Maximise your points and enjoy luxurious travel perks on your next Star Alliance journey.