The Barclaycard Avios Card is a popular travel credit card in the UK, especially for those who frequently fly with British Airways. This card allows users to collect Avios points, a type of reward currency that can be redeemed for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel perks. If you’re a frequent traveler or just want to make your everyday spending go further, the Barclaycard Avios Card could be a strong contender for your wallet.
Below, we break down the key features, benefits, fees, and how to apply for the card.
Key Features of the Barclaycard Avios Card
Avios Earning Potential
- Earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Earn 2 Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways or through BA.com.
- No cap on how many Avios you can earn.
These points can be used through the British Airways Executive Club or partners like Iberia and Aer Lingus. Avios can be redeemed for:
- Reward flights
- Cabin upgrades
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
Welcome Bonus
If you’re new to Barclaycard, you can receive a welcome bonus of 5,000 Avios if you spend £1,000 in the first three months of opening your account.
Retail and Travel Perks
- Avios points don’t expire as long as you collect, spend, or purchase at least one Avios every 36 months.
- No foreign transaction fees when spending abroad in the local currency.
- Access to exclusive travel offers and pre-sale ticket access through Barclaycard Entertainment.
Avios Upgrade Voucher
One standout feature is the ability to earn an Avios upgrade voucher if you spend £20,000 in a card year.
This voucher allows you to:
- Upgrade a return flight for one person or a one-way flight for two people (e.g., from economy to premium economy).
- Use the voucher on British Airways-operated flights.
- Combine the voucher with Avios when booking a reward flight.
This feature is perfect for people who want to get more value from their Avios points, especially for long-haul trips.
Fees and Interest Rates
- Annual Fee: £0 (There is a premium version – the Barclaycard Avios Plus – that charges £20 per month).
- Representative APR: 29.9% APR (variable).
- Balance Transfers: 0% interest for up to 3 months (a 3.5% transfer fee applies, minimum £5).
- Cash withdrawals: Interest is charged from the date of withdrawal; usually at a higher rate.
Keep in mind: carrying a balance and not paying your statement in full each month will result in interest charges, which can outweigh the value of the Avios points earned.
Barclaycard Avios vs. Barclaycard Avios Plus
| Feature | Avios Card (Free) | Avios Plus (£20/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Avios per £1 | 1 Avios | 1.5 Avios |
| BA spend | 2 Avios per £1 | 3 Avios per £1 |
| Welcome Bonus | 5,000 Avios | 25,000 Avios |
| Spend for upgrade voucher | £20,000/year | £10,000/year |
If you’re a frequent flyer and expect to earn a lot of points, the Avios Plus might offer better value despite the fee. However, the standard Avios Card is still a solid no-fee option.
Who is Eligible for the Barclaycard Avios Card?
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a permanent UK address.
- Have a personal income of more than £20,000 a year.
- Have a good credit history.
You may not be eligible for the welcome bonus if you have had a Barclaycard in the last 12 months.
How to Apply for the Barclaycard Avios Card
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- Visit the Barclaycard website
Go to the official Barclaycard UK website and navigate to the Credit Cards section. Select the Barclaycard Avios Card. - Check Your Eligibility
Use the eligibility checker to see if you’re likely to be approved. This tool performs a “soft search” and doesn’t affect your credit score. - Complete the Online Application
You’ll need to provide:- Personal details (name, date of birth, address).
- Employment and income information.
- Banking details and expenses.
- Submit and Wait for Approval
Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, though some cases may require additional checks. - Activate Your Card
Once approved, you’ll receive your card by post. Activate it online or via the Barclaycard app.
Barclaycard App and Online Management
With the Barclaycard app, you can:
- Track your Avios points.
- Manage payments and statements.
- Set up direct debits.
- Freeze and unfreeze your card.
- Get transaction alerts.
The app integrates seamlessly with the British Airways Executive Club, making it easy to manage your points.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Earn Avios on every purchase.
- Welcome bonus available.
- Upgrade voucher for high spenders.
- App and travel benefits.
Cons
- High APR if you carry a balance.
- Upgrade voucher only if you spend £20,000/year.
- Not ideal if you don’t travel or fly often.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
The Barclaycard Avios Card is an excellent choice for UK-based travelers who frequently fly with British Airways or its partners. With no annual fee, a decent welcome bonus, and the opportunity to earn an upgrade voucher, it offers a lot of value for frequent flyers or those planning a big trip in the future. If you’re more of a casual traveler, this card still lets you accumulate rewards slowly over time, without the pressure of a monthly fee.
If you’re ready to make your everyday spending work harder and fly further for less, the Barclaycard Avios Card might be the ideal travel companion.