Traveling the world doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you’re savvy about using credit card rewards. If you’ve been stacking up points from various credit card programs, you’re probably wondering how to make the most of them. One of my favorite ways to stretch those points is by transferring them to Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program. Virgin Points are incredibly versatile, and I’ve found them to be some of the most valuable in the travel rewards game. Whether you’re dreaming of a quick getaway to London or planning a bucket-list trip, these points can get you there—often for far fewer points than you’d expect. Plus, with frequent transfer bonuses (sometimes as high as 40%!), your points can go even further. Let’s dive into which credit card points you can convert to Virgin Atlantic and how to use them to unlock amazing travel opportunities.

Why Virgin Atlantic Points Are a Game-Changer

I’ve been a travel rewards enthusiast for years, and Virgin Atlantic points consistently stand out for their flexibility and value. The ability to transfer points from major credit card programs makes it easy to build up a stash of Virgin Points without ever stepping foot on a Virgin Atlantic flight. What’s more, their redemption rates for flights—especially to the UK—are often jaw-droppingly low. For example, I recently found economy class flights from the US to London for as little as 8,000 points! That’s less than what you’d typically need for a domestic flight within the US. Even with the taxes and fees (which, let’s be honest, are a reality with most airlines when flying to the UK), these deals are hard to beat. If you’re curious about the latest transfer bonuses to boost your points, check out our current transfer bonuses page for the most up-to-date offers.

Here’s the full breakdown of which credit card reward programs let you transfer points to Virgin Atlantic, along with their conversion rates and minimum transfer amounts:

Reward ProgramConversion RateMinimum Transfer
American Express Membership Rewards1:11,000
Capital One Points1:11,000
Chase Ultimate Rewards1:11,000
Citi ThankYou Points1:11,000
Marriott Bonvoy3:13,000
Bilt Rewards1:11,000
Hilton Honors2:1.510,000
IHG One Rewards1:110,000

Travel Deals with Virgin Points

One of the things I love most about Virgin Points is how far they can take you—literally. The redemption rates for flights are often unbeatable, especially for transatlantic trips. Just last week, I was browsing flights for next month (May 2025) and found some incredible deals. Imagine flying from New York to London for just 6,000 points or from Seattle to London for 9,000 points. That’s a steal! Even destinations like Los Angeles to London can be booked for as low as 9,000 points. These kinds of redemptions make Virgin Points a go-to for anyone looking to travel internationally on a budget.

That said, there’s a small catch: flights to and from the UK often come with taxes and fees, typically around $200. This isn’t unique to Virgin Atlantic—it’s standard across most airlines for UK routes due to government taxes. But even with those fees, the low points requirement makes Virgin a fantastic option for crossing the pond. If you’re eyeing a different destination, our free flight tool can help you find the best credit card to get you there for free.

Couple traveling

How to Best Use Virgin Points

Virgin Points aren’t just for Virgin Atlantic flights—they open up a world of possibilities through their airline partnerships, particularly with All Nippon Airways (ANA), one of the best Star Alliance carriers. Using Virgin Points for ANA flights can be an incredible value, especially for long-haul trips to Asia or within Japan. For instance, I’ve seen round-trip economy flights from the US to Tokyo on ANA for as low as 60,000 Virgin Points during off-peak seasons. Business class can be an even sweeter deal, with round-trips to Japan sometimes costing just 120,000 points. These rates are a steal compared to other programs, making Virgin Points a secret weapon for savvy travelers.

To get the most out of your Virgin Points, consider these strategies:

  • Book ANA Flights for Maximum Value: Redeem Virgin Points for ANA flights to Asia, especially in business or first class. For example, a round-trip business class flight from the US West Coast to Tokyo can cost 90,000–95,000 points, depending on the season, with taxes and fees often under $100.
  • Focus on Off-Peak Travel: Virgin’s redemption chart for ANA flights offers lower rates during off-peak periods (check Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club page for exact dates). This can save you thousands of points.
  • Combine with Transfer Bonuses: Transfer points during promotional periods to boost your balance. A 30–40% bonus, like those we’ve seen from American Express or Chase, can make premium cabin redemptions even more attainable.
  • Plan Early for Award Seats: ANA award space is competitive, so book as far in advance as possible—ideally 355 days out when award seats are released.
  • Use for Domestic Japan Flights: If you’re already in Japan, Virgin Points can be used for ANA’s domestic flights at excellent rates, like 7,500 points one-way for short-haul routes under 300 miles.ANA plane

    Tips for Maximizing Your Virgin Points


    To make the most of your Virgin Atlantic points, keep an eye on transfer bonuses. These promotions can significantly boost your points balance, letting you book flights with fewer out-of-pocket points. I also recommend planning your redemptions early—award seats tend to go fast, especially for popular routes like New York to London or US to Tokyo on ANA. Finally, don’t forget to compare the total cost (points plus fees) against other airline programs to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
    Here are a few standout redemption examples for May 2025:
  • New York (JFK) to London (LHR): May 7th, only 6,000 points
  • Seattle (SEA) to London (LHR): May 8th, only 9,000 points
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to London (LHR): May 12th, only 9,000 points
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) on ANA: May 15th, round-trip economy for 40,000 points

A Final Word

Using credit card points to unlock free or nearly free travel is one of the smartest ways to see the world, and Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club makes it even easier. With so many major reward programs transferring to Virgin Points at favorable rates, you’ve got plenty of options to build up your balance. Whether you’re jetting off to London or exploring Asia with ANA, Virgin Points offer incredible flexibility and value. Just remember to use credit responsibly—rewards are only rewarding if you’re not carrying a balance. For more tips and tools to plan your next trip, check out our free flight tool and stay updated on transfer bonuses.

Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.