Barclays has issued an update for customers planning a holiday in 2026. The bank, which has branches in Birmingham, has conducted research which has found holidaymakers are seeking more control through rewards, planning, and AI.
Barclays US Consumer Bank released its fourth annual Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report. It found customers are feeling more pressure to plan around uncertainty, stretch budgets without sacrificing experience, and use digital tools to reduce friction throughout the trip.
Customers are using rewards to make trips feel more attainable and more rewarding, while planning more intensely to manage uncertainty, rising costs, and day-of-travel obstacles, the bank found.
Three in four say they would be more likely to select upgrades if they could use points or miles instead of money, reinforcing how rewards can unlock premium moments without requiring additional out-of-pocket spend.
“At Barclays, we’re focused on understanding what travelers want as their expectations continue to shift,” said Doug Villone, Head of US Cards and Partnerships at Barclays US Consumer Bank.
“Our 2026 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report highlights how people engage with rewards programs in unique ways, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t deliver the same impact. Our goal is to provide value that feels relevant at every stage of a customer’s journey and helps them travel with confidence and ease, through the brands they know and love.”
86 per cent say they enjoy finding ways to maximize the value of their travel budget, while 71 per cent say getting “a great deal” is very important when planning a vacation. 76 per cent would be more likely to select upgrades if they could use points or miles instead of money. 59 per cent redeem rewards for statement credits or everyday expenses, even though many prefer travel-related uses such as reducing trip costs, upgrades, or covering unexpected travel expenses. 57 per cent would use them for travel expenses compared to 28 per cent for everyday expenses.
