Consumer Behavior

Travelers depending more on rewards, loyalty program perks

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June 4, 2025

Travelers are increasingly tapping rewards and loyalty programs, with nearly 80% depending on loyalty programs.

That's a prime finding of a report, "Barclays 2025 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report," that polled 1,000 U.S. travelers and was conducted by Wakefield Research, according to a press release.

Additional findings include:

• 82% of travelers acknowledge they would have to travel differently, or not at all, without travel rewards.
• Millennials use rewards-focused methods the most to stretch their travel budgets (72%) and are more likely to strategically use techniques to earn more points (94%) compared to other generations.
• Men favor exclusivity-based rewards (e.g., upgrades), while women prefer comfort and convenience-focused rewards (e.g., free checked bags).
• Men and women both value earning rewards and lowering costs, leading to similar engagement levels (87% vs. 85% enrollment) and a shared preference for airline and hotel programs.