For avid travellers and enthusiasts of British Airways, the Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card stands out as a compelling financial tool designed to accelerate the accumulation of Avios points, the loyalty currency of British Airways and other airlines in the IAG Group. More than just a means of payment, this premium card offers a suite of benefits aimed at turning everyday spending into exciting travel experiences, from flight upgrades to companion tickets.
Issued by Barclaycard, one of the UK’s leading credit card providers, the Avios Plus card is positioned for individuals with strong credit profiles who can leverage its substantial rewards, including a significant welcome bonus and a highly coveted Companion Voucher. This guide will delve into the intricate details of the Barclaycard Avios Plus, outlining its key features, crucial financial terms, who it’s best suited for, and a step-by-step process on how to apply, ensuring you have all the necessary information to unlock its full potential.
Understanding the Barclaycard Avios Plus: Who is it For?
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card is meticulously crafted for a specific segment of the market:
- Frequent Flyers with British Airways: If you regularly fly with British Airways or plan to do so, the Avios points and particularly the Companion Voucher offer significant value that can lead to substantial savings on flights.
- High Spenders: To truly maximise the card’s benefits, especially the Companion Voucher, cardholders need to meet a certain annual spending threshold. This makes it ideal for those who can consistently put a large proportion of their spending on the card.
- Individuals Seeking Premium Travel Rewards: Beyond just earning points, the card offers a pathway to valuable travel perks like cabin upgrades or companion flights, which can greatly enhance the travel experience.
- Consumers with Excellent Credit History: As a premium rewards card, the Barclaycard Avios Plus typically requires a strong credit score and stable financial history for approval, reflecting its valuable benefits and the credit limits it may offer.
- Those Who Can Pay Balances in Full: Given the potential for a higher APR (Annual Percentage Rate), the card is most beneficial for those who can consistently pay off their statement balance in full each month, thereby avoiding interest charges that could erode the value of the rewards earned.
Key Features and Benefits: Maximising Your Avios Earnings
The appeal of the Barclaycard Avios Plus lies in its robust rewards structure and travel-centric perks:
- Exceptional Avios Earning Rate: The primary benefit is the rate at which you earn Avios. Typically, cardholders earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases. This accelerated earning rate allows you to accumulate a significant number of Avios much faster than with standard loyalty programs.
- Generous Welcome Bonus: New cardholders are often welcomed with a substantial Avios bonus upon meeting a specific spending requirement within an initial period (e.g., thousands of Avios after spending a certain amount within the first few months). This bonus can provide a powerful jumpstart to your Avios balance. Note: Welcome bonuses are subject to change and often come with eligibility criteria, such as not having held a similar card from the issuer recently.
- The Companion Voucher / Cabin Upgrade Voucher: This is arguably the most valuable feature of the Barclaycard Avios Plus. Upon reaching a predetermined annual spending threshold (e.g., £10,000 or £20,000 in a card anniversary year), cardholders are rewarded with a Companion Voucher. This voucher allows you to either:
- Book a flight for two people on British Airways and pay only the Avios for one person (plus taxes, fees, and carrier charges for both).
- Fly solo and use the voucher to get a cabin upgrade for an Avios redemption booking (e.g., redeem Avios for World Traveller and upgrade to World Traveller Plus for free, subject to availability). The Companion Voucher has a validity period (often 12 or 24 months) and can offer immense value, potentially saving hundreds or even thousands of pounds on long-haul flights.
- Worldwide Acceptance (Mastercard): As a Mastercard, the Barclaycard Avios Plus is accepted at millions of locations worldwide, both online and in physical stores. This ensures you can earn Avios on virtually all your spending, wherever you are.
- Global Assist and Travel Benefits (Mastercard): While specific travel insurance or purchase protection benefits can vary and should be checked in the card’s terms, Mastercards often come with some level of built-in benefits for travel and purchases, such as ID theft protection or extended warranty.
- Online Account Management: Barclaycard provides a comprehensive online platform and mobile app, allowing you to:
- Monitor your spending and view transactions in real-time.
- Check your Avios balance and track your progress towards the Companion Voucher.
- Make payments and manage direct debits.
- Access your statements and manage your personal details securely.
- Integration with British Airways Executive Club: Your Avios earned through the card are automatically transferred to your linked British Airways Executive Club account, making it easy to track and redeem your points alongside those earned from flights.
Important Financial Considerations
Before applying, it’s crucial to understand the financial terms and potential costs associated with the Barclaycard Avios Plus:
- Annual Fee: The Barclaycard Avios Plus comes with a notable annual fee, typically around £20 per month, billed annually (e.g., £240 per year). This fee is a key consideration and must be weighed against the value you expect to receive from the Avios earned and, crucially, the Companion Voucher. For the fee to be worthwhile, you generally need to make significant use of the card’s rewards.
- Representative APR: The Representative APR for purchases is usually higher than typical balance transfer cards. This is common for rewards credit cards. It’s vital to aim to pay your statement balance in full each month to avoid incurring interest charges, as these can quickly outweigh the value of any Avios earned.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: While the card is excellent for earning Avios, it typically charges a foreign transaction fee (usually around 2.99% or a similar percentage) on purchases made abroad or in a foreign currency. This can reduce the value of earning Avios when travelling internationally. For foreign spending, a card with no foreign transaction fees might be a better choice.
- Credit Limit: The credit limit offered will depend on your creditworthiness and income. As a premium card, it may offer higher limits to eligible applicants.
- Other Fees: Standard fees for late payments, cash advances, or returned payments will apply. Always review the card’s full terms and conditions (including the Summary Box) for a comprehensive list of all applicable charges.
How to Apply for the Barclaycard Avios Plus: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Barclaycard Avios Plus is a streamlined process, primarily conducted online.
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Gather Required Information Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You must be a permanent UK resident.
- Income: You need a regular, verifiable income that indicates you can manage the credit effectively.
- Credit History: A strong credit score and good financial history are generally expected for approval.
Gather the following information before you begin:
- Full legal name, date of birth, and address history for the last few years.
- Contact details (phone number, email address).
- Employment status and annual income.
- Information about your regular monthly outgoings (e.g., rent/mortgage payments, loan repayments).
- Your British Airways Executive Club membership number (if you have one) – you’ll usually be prompted to link it during or after the application. If you don’t have one, you can usually set one up.
Step 2: Visit the Official Barclaycard Website The safest and most reliable way to apply is directly through the official Barclaycard UK website (barclaycard.co.uk). Navigate to their credit cards section and locate the “Avios Plus” card. Avoid third-party sites unless explicitly linked from the official Barclaycard or British Airways page.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form You will be directed to an online application form. Fill in all fields accurately and completely. The form will typically ask for:
- Personal details (as gathered in Step 1).
- Financial information (income, outgoings).
- Consent to a credit check (this will involve a ‘hard search’ on your credit report, which may temporarily impact your score).
- Declaration that the information provided is true and accurate.
Step 4: Review and Submit Your Application Before clicking “Submit,” thoroughly review all the information you’ve entered. Pay close attention to the terms and conditions, the representative APR, and the annual fee. Ensure you understand and agree to these terms. Once you are confident, click “Submit.”
Step 5: Await a Decision
- Instant Decision: Many applicants receive an instant decision within minutes of submitting their online application.
- Pending Review: In some cases, your application may go into a pending status if Barclaycard needs more time to review your details or require additional verification. This could take a few business days, and you might receive an email or letter with the outcome or a request for more information.
Step 6: Card Activation and Maximising Your Benefits If approved, your Barclaycard Avios Plus will be mailed to your UK address within 7-10 business days. Once received, follow the instructions to activate your card, usually via the Barclaycard app or online.
Upon activation, immediately link your card to your British Airways Executive Club account if you haven’t already done so during the application. Then, start using your card strategically:
- Meet the Welcome Bonus Spend: Focus on meeting the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus within the specified timeframe.
- Track Your Companion Voucher Spend: Monitor your spending throughout your card anniversary year to ensure you meet the threshold for the Companion Voucher.
- Pay in Full: Always aim to pay your statement balance in full every month to avoid interest charges, which can negate the value of your Avios.
- Strategic Avios Redemption: Research how to get the best value from your Avios – often, this is for long-haul flights, particularly in premium cabins (e.g., Business or First Class), where the per-Avios value is typically higher.
Conclusion
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card is a powerful tool for serious Avios collectors and British Airways loyalists. Its accelerated earning rate, substantial welcome bonus, and the highly valuable Companion Voucher offer significant potential for luxurious and cost-effective travel. However, its annual fee and a higher APR mean it’s not a card for everyone. It is best suited for individuals who can consistently put a significant amount of spending on the card, pay off their balance in full each month, and strategically utilize the Avios and especially the Companion Voucher to justify the annual cost. By understanding its intricacies and applying it strategically, the Barclaycard Avios Plus can truly unlock a world of enhanced travel possibilities. Always refer to the official Barclaycard UK website for the most current and precise terms and conditions before making any application.
