Stick, downgrade or something else

[ridehighclub]

Jut got the email from Virgin that my Rewards+ card is coming up for annual renewal – and wondering if I should stick with it, downgrade to the standard card. Or go for something else in my search for points (bit of a points newb, first time I’ve gone with a card for the rewards).

Current status:
– Both wife and I have separate Rewards+ card – she is also a joint on mine, but signed up after for the bonus (defo won’t be renewing both cards I think!).
– We both have a Rewards voucher available (after £10k spend)
– Together we have ~180,000 virgin points
– And normally get ~4500 points/month added via CC spending

Original idea for signing up with Virgin was that we are not really long-distance travellers. And more likely to go on a cruise (although never been with Virgin Voyages yet), or short-haul flights to Europe.

When I first signed up, there were some VV offers (maybe for ~180k points?) for a short cruise. Now, these offers seem to be minimum 300k+ points, so could take a while to get there…
Not sure if the previous offers will ever resurface, or if the recent change (?) to be able to book any cruise with points has changed this.

Not sure it’s worth sticking with Rewards+ with the aim to cruise with VV now. And just downgrading will mean even less reward.

Perhaps it’s time to look elsewhere?
Would appreciate some advice on where to go next.
thanks !

[Travel Strong]

Don’t accumulate with the sole ambition of a Virgin Voyage, because as you say the bargains have gone – and they are unlikely to return.

Keep your calculation simple and bank on getting between 0.5p – 1p per virgin points, by some means. This might be flights, hilton transfers, or any other virgin red redemption (including a voyage, maybe).

In short, if you are spending £3k monthly as you indicate – you are better off with the paid for card.

You are currently earning £23-45 per months worth of points (£270-£540), and paying £160 a year to do so. Dropping to the free card will save you the fee, but you’ll only earn £135-270 in points.

[Travel Strong]

Note: The above does not assess the benefit of putting that spend on an entirely different card! Just paid for card vs free card. Perhaps consider whether you would prefer Avios (BA Amex, Barclays) from your spend.

[ridehighclub]

Thanks – appreciate the info.

Think I may downgrade/cancel and look at an alternative. Although never sure about Avios as I don’t do much long haul flying. But will look at options. thanks again 🙂

[ridehighclub]

Already looking at the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard 😉