Examining the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard: A Comprehensive Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of credit cards, the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard emerged as a notable addition in 2022. As part of our ongoing series examining major UK loyalty credit cards, we delve into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this credit card to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your financial needs.

Key Features and Benefits

» Annual Fee

The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard comes with a monthly fee of £20, which totals £240 per year. This fee is billed monthly and appears on your card statement.

» Representative APR

The representative APR, including the annual fee, stands at 80.1% APR variable, while the representative APR on purchases is 29.9% variable. It’s essential to note that reward credit cards like this one typically have higher interest rates, making them suitable for individuals who pay off their full balance monthly.

» Sign-up Bonus

New cardholders are rewarded with 25,000 Avios when they spend £3,000 within three months of card activation. This bonus is substantially higher than the 5,000 Avios bonus offered by the free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard.

» Avios Earnings

Cardholders earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on the card. This competitive rate is on par with the British Airways Premium Plus American Express credit card.

» Upgrade Voucher

When you spend £10,000 in a card year, you receive an Avios upgrade voucher valid for two years. This voucher allows you to upgrade a return Avios booking by one class for one person or a one-way Avios booking for two people, excluding First Class.

» Airport Lounge Benefits

Cardholders can purchase passes for airport lounges in the DragonPass network, including the Plaza Premium lounge in BA’s Heathrow Terminal 5, at the discounted price of £18.50 per person per visit. Barclays Premier current account holders with Barclays Avios Rewards and the Barclaycard Avios Plus credit card receive four free airport lounge passes annually via DragonPass.

Sign-up Bonus Qualifications

To qualify for the sign-up bonus, you must meet specific criteria:

• You can receive the bonus unless you’ve had either of the Barclaycard Avios credit cards in the previous 24 months. In such cases, you can apply again but won’t receive a bonus.
• You can’t apply if you’ve had ANY Barclaycard credit card (Avios or non-Avios) in the previous six months.
• Having a British Airways American Express card doesn’t affect your eligibility for the sign-up bonus.

Comparison with Other Cards

The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard shares similarities with the British Airways Premium Plus American Express card. Both cards offer a 25,000 Avios sign-up bonus, a 1.5 Avios per £1 earning rate, and an annual voucher. However, the key difference lies in the nature of the voucher:

• British Airways Premium Plus Amex: Provides a 2-4-1 companion voucher, allowing you to book two Avios flights for the Avios of one ticket. Valid on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia.
• Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard: Offers an Avios upgrade voucher, allowing you to upgrade a return Avios booking by one class for one person or a one-way Avios booking for two people. Valid only on British Airways flights.

The choice between these cards depends on individual preferences and usage patterns. Some may find value in having both cards to maximize bonuses and vouchers.

Foreign Exchange Fees

The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard charges a 3% foreign exchange fee. For international travel, you may want to consider a separate credit card with lower foreign exchange fees.

Who Should Consider the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard?

The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard offers an attractive sign-up bonus of 25,000 Avios, competitive Avios earnings, and an upgrade voucher for frequent flyers. With a monthly fee of £20, it can be a worthwhile addition for those looking to boost their Avios balance.

Whether this card outperforms the British Airways Premium Plus American Express card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. Additionally, considering the two-year gap for sign-up bonuses, it may be advantageous to switch between these cards periodically.

Conclusion

The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard is a compelling choice for Avios enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to earn rewards on everyday spending and access valuable travel perks. However, potential applicants should assess their financial situation and travel needs to determine if this card aligns with their goals.

Regular use and strategic spending can unlock significant benefits, making it a strong contender in the realm of UK loyalty credit cards.