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Barclays Report Finds Travelers Seek More Control Through Rewards, Planning, and AI

prnewswire.com
BCS The article discusses Barclays' US Consumer Bank's Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report, focusing on traveler trends like anxiety, affordability, and AI. It highlights the importance of rewards programs and customer loyalty, indicating a neutral stance on the company's performance based on this report.

Barclays 2026 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report shows travel is being shaped by the "Three A's" of modern planning: anxiety, affordability, and AI

WILMINGTON, Del., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Barclays US Consumer Bank released its fourth annual Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report today, showing that today's travelers are approaching vacations with a sharper focus on control, value, and confidence. This year's findings point to a timely travel lens Barclays calls the "Three A's": anxiety, affordability, and AI. Travelers are feeling more pressure to plan around uncertainty, stretch budgets without sacrificing experience, and use digital tools to reduce friction throughout the trip.

Based on a national survey conducted by Burson of 1,002 US adults with a rewards credit card, the report finds that travelers 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.

One of the clearest signals is the continued popularity of the "upgrade economy." Over three-quarters (76%) of respondents 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."

Key findings from the report include:

Read the full Barclays Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report.

Barclays partnered with WPP's Burson, to survey 1,002 US adults with a rewards credit card from March 11 and March 13, 2026. "Rewards credit card holders" was defined as US adults who currently hold and use a rewards credit card.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations

USCB Media Relations

[email protected]

About Barclays

Barclays US Consumer Bank is a leading digital banking partner that provides award-winning credit card, personal loan and savings products to more than 25 million consumers. As one of the fastest-growing U.S. credit card issuers, the bank creates highly customized programs that drive customer loyalty for some of America's best travel, retail and affinity brands. Member FDIC. For more information, please visit www.BarclaysUS.com.

SOURCE Barclays