Remember when staying home was the only option? Now that travel is back on the agenda, many are finding that inflation is making those dream trips seem further away. However, savvy travelers are increasingly turning to loyalty and rewards programs to navigate rising costs and make their travel aspirations a reality. A recent report from Barclays US Consumer Bank sheds light on this trend, revealing how travel rewards are more crucial than ever, and how a Barclays Travel Card could be your ticket to affordable adventures.
The 2023 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report by Barclays highlights a significant shift in traveler behavior. A remarkable 76% of loyalty program members believe they couldn’t afford their desired trips without the perks of these programs. This sentiment has intensified since the pandemic, especially among millennials, where a striking 74% prioritize maximizing rewards above all else when choosing travel options. This even outweighs concerns about lower travel costs or annual fees, indicating a clear value placed on the benefits offered by travel rewards cards like those from Barclays.
Interestingly, the report also uncovers some gender-based differences in reward preferences. While men (56%) lean towards accumulating the highest possible rewards, women (68%) are more focused on securing the lowest overall travel expenses. Regardless of these nuances, the overarching trend is clear: travel rewards are a powerful tool, and since the pandemic, a considerable portion of both men (44%) and women (30%) are placing even greater emphasis on accumulating these valuable points. This underscores the growing importance of choosing a travel card, like a Barclays travel card, that aligns with your specific reward goals and travel style.
Barclays positions itself as a “partner-first” bank, a strategy that directly benefits travel cardholders. By collaborating closely with travel, retail, and affinity partners, Barclays designs co-branded credit card programs that enhance customer loyalty and enrich their experiences with beloved brands. This partnership approach means that a Barclays travel card can offer tailored rewards and benefits that are directly relevant to your favorite travel brands and spending habits, potentially maximizing the value you receive.
During the travel disruptions of the pandemic, Barclays and its partners demonstrated flexibility by adapting reward programs. Categories were broadened to allow cardmembers to earn and utilize points in non-travel sectors. This adaptability is a key advantage, as Barclays continues to work with partners to provide timely promotions, bonuses, and incentives in spending categories that matter most to cardholders, such as groceries, gas, dining, and streaming services. This responsiveness ensures that your Barclays travel card remains valuable, even when travel plans are temporarily on hold.
The rise of contactless payments, accelerated during the pandemic, further enhances the convenience of using a travel card. Barclays embraces this trend, contributing to a smoother and faster purchasing experience for travelers on the go. In an increasingly competitive rewards landscape, Barclays is committed to staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences. By offering choice, flexibility, and attractive reward offerings, Barclays aims to empower travelers to achieve their travel dreams. For anyone looking to make travel more accessible and affordable, exploring the options within the Barclays travel card portfolio could be a crucial first step.
For a deeper dive into the trends shaping travel rewards and loyalty, you can access the full Barclays 2023 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report here.
