For frequent flyers, especially those loyal to British Airways and the Avios rewards program, the Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card offers an excellent opportunity to earn Avios quickly, gain travel perks, and even unlock cabin upgrades. Designed with the traveler in mind, this card is one of the most rewarding airline credit cards available in the UK.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the Barclaycard Avios Plus, explore its top features, benefits, earning structure, and walk you through the application process step-by-step.
Overview of the Barclaycard Avios Plus
The Barclaycard Avios Plus is a premium British Airways-affiliated credit card, issued by Barclaycard, that earns Avios on every pound spent. It’s ideal for individuals who travel frequently, especially through British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, or other OneWorld Alliance partners.
It comes with a monthly fee, but offers higher reward rates, an annual cabin upgrade voucher, and other benefits that can outweigh the cost for the right user.
Key Features at a Glance
- Monthly Fee: £20
- Sign-Up Bonus: 25,000 Avios (with qualifying spend)
- Earning Rate:
- 1.5 Avios per £1 on all purchases
- 3 Avios per £1 spent with British Airways (BA)
- Annual Cabin Upgrade Voucher when you spend £10,000 in a year
- Access to Mastercard World Elite benefits
- Representative APR: 80.1% (variable), including the monthly fee
(24.9% APR on purchases, variable)
Welcome Bonus: 25,000 Avios
New cardholders are welcomed with a generous bonus of 25,000 Avios when they spend £3,000 in the first 3 months from opening the account. This bonus alone can cover multiple short-haul European flights when booked through British Airways Reward Flight Saver.
Example redemptions:
- London to Paris or Amsterdam: ~4,000 Avios + £0.50 one-way
- London to Rome: ~8,500 Avios + £0.50 one-way
Avios Earning Structure
The Barclaycard Avios Plus offers a solid rewards rate that makes it easy to rack up points quickly:
- 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on everyday purchases
- 3 Avios per £1 when booking directly with British Airways
This makes it one of the most rewarding Avios-earning cards in the UK. There are no foreign transaction fees, which is a big plus for travelers who spend abroad.
Annual Cabin Upgrade Voucher
Once you spend £10,000 in a card year, you’ll receive a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher. This voucher allows you to:
- Upgrade one cabin class on a BA flight (e.g., from economy to premium economy or from premium to business class).
- Use the voucher for yourself or someone else.
- Combine it with Avios bookings for greater value.
The upgrade is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and can be used on return or one-way flights.
Other Travel and Lifestyle Benefits
With the Avios Plus card, you’ll also enjoy Mastercard World Elite benefits, which may include:
- Complimentary access to concierge services
- Exclusive hotel, dining, and retail offers
- Purchase protection and extended warranty (subject to terms)
- Travel assistance and insurance options (if selected)
Is the Barclaycard Avios Plus Worth the £20/month Fee?
The short answer: Yes – for frequent travelers.
Let’s break it down:
- If you spend at least £10,000 per year, you unlock the cabin upgrade voucher.
- The sign-up bonus alone can cover the cost of the fee for over a year in terms of travel value.
- Earning 50% more Avios than the free version (Barclaycard Avios) can be valuable for higher spenders.
If you fly BA or partner airlines regularly, this card pays for itself in both convenience and rewards.
Redeeming Your Avios
Avios can be redeemed for a wide variety of rewards:
- British Airways and partner flights (Aer Lingus, Iberia, Qatar, etc.)
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
- Experiences and shopping
Reward Flight Saver (RFS) flights offer excellent value, requiring fewer Avios and lower cash surcharges.
How to Apply for the Barclaycard Avios Plus
Applying is simple and fully online. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Application:
- Go to the official Barclaycard website:
- https://www.barclaycard.co.uk/personal/credit-cards/avios-plus
- Click “Apply Now” and you’ll be taken to a secure form.
- Eligibility Check:
- Barclaycard offers an eligibility checker that won’t affect your credit score. You’ll know your chances before a full application.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide details such as:
- Full name and address
- Employment and income information
- Banking details
- Identification verification
- Submit and Wait: Most applicants receive a decision within minutes. If approved, you’ll receive your card within 5–7 working days.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet the following:
- Age 21 or older
- UK resident
- Annual income over £20,000
- Good credit score with no recent defaults
- Not currently holding a Barclaycard Avios card or have had one in the last 12 months (to qualify for the bonus)
Things to Consider
- The APR is high if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month.
- The £20 monthly fee adds up to £240 annually — worthwhile only if you use the benefits.
- The card is not ideal for infrequent travelers or those who don’t spend enough to earn the upgrade voucher.
Final Thoughts
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card is one of the best travel credit cards available in the UK, especially for those loyal to British Airways or the Avios ecosystem. The generous sign-up bonus, accelerated Avios earnings, and cabin upgrade voucher make it a powerful travel companion.
If you’re a frequent flyer who wants to get more value from everyday spending and reach your next holiday faster, this card is a fantastic option.