Barclays Bank's financial offerings include savings accounts, CDs and credit cards. The company offers various credit card categories, including balance transfer credit cards, purchase offer credit cards, credit building credit cards and reward credit cards. Each of these credit cards offers unique features that are intended to meet the specific needs and requirements of different customers.
Barclays Bank Credit Card Reviews, Rules & Opinions
Barclays Bank is a British multinational banking and financial services company. MoneyGeek reviewed credit cards from Barclays Bank to determine if they are a good fit for your credit card needs.
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Editorial Policy and StandardsUpdated: November 1, 2024
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Featured Credit Cards Offered by Barclays Bank
Barclays partners with a variety of travel and lifestyle companies, including JetBlue and Wyndham, to provide credit cards that offer cash back, rewards, entertainment perks and business expenses rewards. The annual fee of its cards range from $0 to $499.
Credit Card | About | Rewards | Annual Fee | Credit |
---|---|---|---|---|
A great travel reward card with no foreign transaction fee and many travel benefits (for a price) | Earn 1X points on everything (worth 1.5% cash back) | $495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account) | 740-850 (Excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
A great card for people who’re looking at premium benefits | Earn one point for every one dollar spent. | $995 | 740-850 (Excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
Best rewards credit card for luxury travel/hotel perks | Earn 1X - 2% | $195 | 740-850 (Excellent) On Issuer's Site |
Other Cards Issued by Barclays Bank
In addition to the featured cards listed above, Barclays Bank also offers the following credit cards:
- Diamond Resorts World Mastercard: For those who want to spend their vacations at Diamond Resorts.
- AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: For frequent flyers looking to accumulate miles as well as infrequent flyers who like to plan and save for longer trips.
- AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard: This card is for travelers with the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard who are eligible to upgrade to silver level. It offers premium perks when flying on American Airlines. You cannot apply for this card.
- FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard: For those who travel within Frontier's network and want more miles, more rewards and more ways to travel with every purchase you make.
- JetBlue Plus Card: For JetBlue frequent travelers or those looking to start using the airline.
- Carnival World Mastercard: For those who frequently travel with Carnival Cruise Lines.
- The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays: For older adults who wish to earn points for everyday purchases such as drug purchases, gas and even medical bills.
- Miles & More World Elite Mastercard: For those who often fly to and within Europe and wish to earn points for flight upgrades as well as get a complimentary round-trip companion ticket with Lufthansa once a year.
- Upromise Mastercard: For students who want to earn rewards directly toward a 529 college savings account.
- Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard: For those who fly Emirates frequently and want Emirates lounge perks.
- The AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard from Barclays: For AARP members who want to earn strong cash back rewards without paying an annual fee.
- Barnes & Noble Mastercard: For book enthusiasts who want to earn cash back when they shop at Barnes & Noble.
- Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card: For frequent Choice Hotels guests.
- Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard: For those who travel solo and want access to the Emirates Business Lounge in Dubai.
- Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business Mastercard: For those interested in earning Hawaiian Airlines points from their business expenses.
- Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard: For frequent Hawaiian flyers or those accruing miles for a big trip to Hawaii or elsewhere on the airline's route network.
- Holland America Line Rewards Visa Card: For those who frequently travel with Holland America.
- JetBlue Business Card: For business owners who prefer to fly JetBlue on a frequent basis.
- JetBlue Card: For those who fly JetBlue on a regular basis and wish to accrue JetBlue points.
- NFL Extra Points Credit Card: For football fans who want to earn points toward NFL tickets and NFL-branded items as well as exclusive discounts and ticket financing.
- Priceline VIP Rewards Visa Card: For customers who book most of their trip arrangements via the Priceline website.
- Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Card: Best for those who frequently travel with Princess Cruises.
- RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard: For those who use RCI to book their vacations frequently.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card: For business owners whose work requires frequent travel and like to lodge in hotels during travel.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Card: For those who enjoy Wyndham hotels and resorts and do not want to pay an annual credit card fee.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card: For frequent travelers who prefer to stay at Wyndham hotels.
The Best Barclays Bank Credit Cards in 2024
MoneyGeek analyzed the top Barclays Bank credit cards based on rewards, welcome bonuses and other factors to help you select the ideal choice for your requirements.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Mastercard® Titanium Card™ has decent rewards rates, though nothing terribly impressive: a 2% value for all airfare redemptions (though these generously do not include any blackout dates or seat restrictions) and a 1% value for any cash back redemptions.
What this card is really about are the luxury and travel perks. Sign up for this card, and you’ll benefit from a host of exceptional perks, such as credits for local spas, airport taxi services, assistance through a concierge service and more.
In fact, these benefits are mind-boggling when you consider them all. Baggage delay insurance, ID theft protection, price assurance and other top-tier offerings all make this card an excellent option for frequent flyers who like to be taken care of in style.
Other great features are included (as they ought to be, given the relatively high annual fee), such as a lack of foreign transaction fees and high credit card security.
- PROS
- No foreign transaction fees
- Good APR intro period
- Decent redemption rate for airfare rewards
- Premium benefits are more than worthwhile
CONS- High annual fee
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
Rewards
- Earn one point for every dollar spent with a flat-rate redemption value of 1% for cash back and 2% for airfare.
- No airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates.
- Simple point redemption without complex strategies.
Perks & Benefits
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge service available via phone, email, SMS, and app chat.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel benefits with an average value of $500 per stay at over 3,000 properties.
- Protection benefits include trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental collision waiver, travel accident, and baggage delay coverage.
- Cell phone protection for eligible claims up to $1,000 annually.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Annual fee: $195 ($95 for each Authorized User).
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
We recommend the Mastercard® Black Card™ to people who don’t mind paying its $495 annual fee to avail premium benefits. This stainless steel/carbon card from the house of Luxury Card gives you 24/7 access to the Luxury Card Concierge service, which you may use to make travel bookings, get tickets to special events and carry out a variety of personal requests.
You stand to earn up to $100 in air travel credit each year, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, access to VIP airport lounges through Priority Pass Select and extensive complimentary travel insurance coverage. Cardholders also get access to Mastercard’s Priceless Surprises, Priceless Golf and Priceless Cities. Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it charges no foreign transaction fees.
The Mastercard® Black Card™ lets you capitalize on your spending by offering one reward point per dollar you spend on purchases. Redeeming your points for airline tickets offers 2% value, whereas you get 1.5% value if you redeem them for cash back.
This card also comes with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, and a competitive standard APR on purchases.
- PROS
- No foreign transaction fee
- 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers
- Earn one point for every dollar spent
- No expiration date for the points
- $100 airline credit
- Travel accident insurance
- Trip cancellation insurance
CONS- Very high annual fee
- No sign-up bonus
- High regular APR
Rewards
- Earn a flat-rate redemption value of 1.5% for cash back and 2% for airfare, with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates.
- Earn one point for every dollar spent, with no earning caps or rotating categories.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy an annual airline credit of up to $100 for flight-related purchases, automatically applied to your account.
- Receive up to a $120 application fee credit for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry.
- Gain automatic enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select, with access to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide.
- Benefit from 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge® service for assistance with various tasks.
- Access exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits, averaging $500 per stay at over 3,000 properties.
- Protect your cell phone with coverage for eligible claims up to $1,000 each year.
- Carry a Black PVD-Coated Metal Card, weighing 22g, designed for frequent shoppers and big-ticket purchases.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Annual fee of $495, with an additional $195 for each authorized user.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
We recommend the Mastercard® Gold Card™ to frequent travelers who don’t mind paying a $995 annual fee in return of a host of features and benefits. Made using a 24K gold-plated stainless steel front and a carbon back, this card spells luxury from the word go.
All cardholders earn up to $200 in annual air travel credit, Global Entry/ TSA PreCheck application credit, VIP airport lounge access, access to the Luxury Card Travel program as well as access to Luxury Card Experiences.
Using this card outside of the U.S. makes sense as it comes with no foreign truncation fees. Other benefits include cellular telephone protection, travel accident and baggage delay cover, Mastercard ID theft protection, $0 fraud liability protection as well as enhanced trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.
- PROS
- Annual air travel credit of up to $200
- Global Entry/ TSA PreCheck fee credit
- One reward point per dollar spent on purchases
- Redeem reward points to book airline tickets
- Redeem reward points as cash back or statement credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- VIP airport lounge access
- 24/7 travel assistance services
- Travel insurance coverage
CONS- Steep annual fee
- Cash advance and balance transfer fees
Rewards
- Earn one point for every dollar spent, redeemable for 2% cash back or 2% value for airfare with no restrictions or blackout dates.
- No earning caps or rotating categories, simplifying your rewards strategy.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Annual fee of $995, with an additional $295 for each authorized user. Terms and conditions apply.
Perks & Benefits
- Receive up to $200 in annual airline credits for flight-related purchases, automatically applied to your account.
- Get up to $120 in application fee credits for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry.
- Enjoy Priority Pass™ Select membership with access to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide.
- Access 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge® service for assistance with various tasks.
- Benefit from Luxury Card Travel® perks, averaging $500 per stay at over 3,000 properties.
- Protect your cell phone with coverage for eligible claims up to $1,000 each year.
- Additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits included.
Rules for Applying, Acceptance & Welcome Bonuses
Understanding the rules that impact your probability of eligibility for welcome bonuses is critical when applying for Barclays credit cards. It also increases your chances of approval. MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions to help you get approved.
If you have a good credit score, you're more likely to get a Barclays credit card. Applicants for Barclays credit cards must have a credit score of at least 700 or 750, which means they must have either good or excellent credit.
There is no cap on the number of credit cards from Barclays you may apply for, and you may own as many as you get approved for. You may, however, only have one of each type of credit card at a time.
There is no time limit on the number of applications that may be submitted, and you may apply for as many credit cards as you like. However, applying for more than one card every six to 12 months is not a good idea.
Barclays Bank usually does not restrict the number of cards you may have active with them at the same time. However, before approving you, the bank will look at your complete credit profile.
You will get the bonus if you are approved. To obtain the signup bonus on the existing card, you must cancel your current card and wait roughly six months before applying for a new one. Barclays will not allow you to downgrade your current card to a card in the same family to get the bonus.
Other Considerations About Barclays Bank
When searching for the best credit card, keep the following points in mind to help you make a decision.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Customer Service & Satisfaction | Customer service and the customer satisfaction rate is an important factor to consider when shopping for a credit card provider. Barclays Bank provides a 24/7 call support service to their customers. According to J.D Power 2021 U.S. online credit card satisfaction study, Barclays Bank scored 827 out of 1,000. |
Mobile Apps & Online Services | Barclays Bank is a strictly online financial service with mobile applications on Google Play and the Apple Store. Users can use the mobile app to provide self-service. Cardholders can make payments, review statements and transfer funds between accounts via Barclays' online banking services, while the mobile app allows them to check balances, freeze cards, earn rewards and transfer funds. Barclays Bank scored an 862 out of 1,000 rating in the J.D Power 2021 U.S. credit card mobile app satisfaction study. User ratings on both Google Play and Apple App Store are high at 4.6 and 4.8, respectively. |
Security & Credit Monitoring Services | To safeguard the customer's personal information and account details, SSL technology is used in tandem with firewalls and other technologies to encrypt data. Barclays also included monitoring devices to prevent unauthorized usage. It features an automatic logout option in the mobile app after prolonged inactivity. Barclays Bank will automatically disable your access to Online Banking if three incorrect log-in attempts are made. This is to stop fraudsters from making repeated attempts to get into your accounts. |
Loyalty Programs & Other Issuer Perks | When you shop at a participating retailer such as Iceland and Wasabi using a loyalty card, you will receive points. Your loyalty cards may be linked to the Barclays app so that you don't have to carry them everywhere. By using your Barclays payment card or contactless mobile to make a purchase at a participating merchant, you will immediately accrue loyalty points and benefits. Using your app, you'll always be able to keep track of your rewards and use them at participating merchants. |
Authorized Users | You can add a new cardholder to your account using Barclaycard online service. Log in or sign up for Barclaycard online service. Once signed in, go to 'Account Services' in the top menu and choose 'View & Add Cardholders.' The second cardholder must be a close family member who lives at your address and is subject to the terms and conditions of your Barclay credit card. |
Purchase Protection | Barclays no longer provides purchase protection on its credit cards, having removed the feature from its cards in November 2019. |
Co-Branding & Partnerships | Barclays Bank Co-branding and Partnerships with several companies including
And many more. |
Other Products Offered | Barclays Bank is an online financial service company that offers bank services. It is a universal bank with operations in investment banking, as well as wealth management, mortgage lending, loans service, savings, insurance and CD deposit accounts. |
Overall Opinion of Barclays Bank & Their Credit Card Offerings
Barclays offers a wide range of credit cards to suit your needs. From cash back rewards to points to travel rewards, they have a program for you. Barclays also has a few different reward systems that make their credit cards attractive. Like other companies, their rewards are not limited to just one specific card. Most customers who desire an online bank account with attractive interest rates and no monthly fees should find Barclays Bank appealing. It could be a good match for you if you:
Want to earn rewards from your credit cards
Most of the credit cards issued by Barclays Bank offer users points that can be redeemed. For instance, AAdvantage Aviator credit card users earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles.
Do not want to visit a branch
As an online financial service provider, Barclays’ easiest account creation method or access to your accounts is through the bank's website or mobile application. Barclays' co-branded partners may provide paper applications or links to online applications for prospective customers to access.
"Barclays partners with many popular travel and lifestyle brands that include valuable perks and the ability to earn attractive rewards for your spending. For example, its partnership with American Airlines allows travelers to earn miles on your purchases and receive benefits from both Barclays and Citibank when you have AAdvantage cards from each issuer."
- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com
Still Not Sure About This Issuer? Consider These Options.
Even though Barclays Bank offers a wide range of credit cards, you may be unclear whether the provider is ideal for you. If you have a bad credit score, you may want to look into alternative providers.
Learn More About Credit Cards in General
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Barclays Bank. "24-Hours Protection." Accessed November 1, 2024.
- Barclays Bank. "Contact Us." Accessed November 1, 2024.
- Barclays Bank. "Find a Product That Fits Your Life." Accessed November 1, 2024.
- Barclays Bank. "Find the Card That Fits Your Life." Accessed November 1, 2024.
- Barclays Bank. "How do I add or remove a cardholder from my Barclaycard account?." Accessed November 1, 2024.
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