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Barclays Survey: Travelers See Points as a Second Currency

Rewards That Make Trips Smoother

Points and miles are taking on a new role in the traveler mindset: less “treat yourself,” more “save me time.” Fresh findings from the Barclays US Consumer Bank Travel Rewards and Loyalty Pulse Survey suggest travelers increasingly view rewards as a practical payment tool – something they can deploy like a second currency for simpler, stress-free travel.

In other words, when loyalty programs make it easy to redeem rewards for convenience, travelers lean in – 81% are more likely to upgrade if they can use points, especially for upgrades that reduce waiting, uncertainty, and stress.

A clear preference for “time-back” benefits – upgrades that remove pinch points rather than add luxury. Beyond paid upgrades, travelers are also making self-help choices to avoid hassles; for example, 76% say they’re likely to travel with only a carry-on to dodge checked-bag fees, wait times, and lost luggage worries.

For loyalty and rewards program providers, the implication is straightforward: make redemption feel as effortless as tapping a card. “When cardmembers can use points in the moments that matter – when they’re rushed, standing in a line, or trying to keep a trip on track – that’s when rewards become truly valuable,” said Doug Villone, head of US cards and partnerships at Barclays US Consumer Bank. “We want to help our co-branded credit card partners deliver a full range of travel rewards and benefits, from aspirational to practical.”

The most in-demand upgrades that are practical and journey-focused include:

  • 68% expedited security
  • 67% early or late hotel check-in/check-out
  • 66% skip-the-line access
  • 62% priority boarding

In effect, points are becoming a second currency – less about going farther, and more about traveling better. As Villone put it, “Travelers aren’t just chasing free trips anymore. They’re using points to make the whole experience better – getting through the airport faster, boarding sooner, leveraging early or late hotel check-ins, and taking some of the stress out of the travel day.”

Travel is supposed to be fun. But anyone who has stood in a security line, waited for a room to be ready, or has tried to find space to put their luggage in the overhead bin knows the journey can be the most stressful part of the trip. The good news? When you look at what people actually say they value – and what they’re willing to pay a little more for – the priorities are pretty consistent: make it easy, make it comfortable, and make it feel worth it.

Vacation is about recharging – and people will invest in removing the pain points.

  • Comfort and convenience lead the way (96%). No surprise, reducing stress is the ultimate upgrade.
  • Relaxation matters just as much (95%). If travel doesn’t help you decompress, it’s not really a vacation.
  • Connection and quality time (95%). Experiences are better when they’re shared.
  • Exploration and new experiences (91%). People still want “new,” but not at the expense of comfort.
  • Budget and value for money (88%). Travelers are watching their budgets, but they’ll pay for the right things.

Interestingly, only 58% say they’d rather pay a little more “to get something special and exclusive.” That’s telling because exclusivity alone isn’t the hook. The real premium is peace of mind – knowing the trip will run more smoothly.

When you frame it as reducing stress, the “yes” becomes more emphatic. Travelers are most open to paying a bit more for:

  • Expedited security (68%) – time saved is value felt immediately.
  • Early check-in / late check-out (67%) – more comfort, less waiting around.
  • “Skip the line” access (66%) – nobody travels to stand in lines.
  • Priority boarding (62%) – overhead space and settling in without the scramble.
  • Reliable high-speed internet (59%) – convenience isn’t optional anymore.
  • Airport lounge access (58%) – a quieter place to reset between travel legs.

And here’s the accelerant: 81% say they’d be more likely to pay for upgrades if they could use credit card points or miles instead of cash. Translation: flexibility in how you pay doesn’t just reduce the price – it reduces the friction.

The report also found that people adapting their habits to make travel easier:

  • Carry-on only (76%) to avoid fees, waits, and lost-luggage anxiety.
  • Early mornings at attractions (75%) to beat the crowds.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones (67%) as a sanity saver in transit.
  • “Dupe” destinations (61%) to dodge crowds and control costs.
  • A new rewards card for lounge access (61%) to buy back comfort.
  • Using a pro travel advisor (52%) when they want someone else to manage the details.
  • Taking an extra flight stop for a better seat (50%)—a reminder that comfort wins, even if it costs time.

Bottom line: the “new luxury” in travel isn’t a fabulous amenity. It’s a smoother experience – fewer bottlenecks, fewer surprises, and more time doing what you actually want to do: relax, connect, and explore. More and more, travelers want to reduce stress.