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Is Barclaycard Avios Plus Worth the £240 Annual Fee?
Barclaycard Avios Plus offers enticing travel rewards but comes with a hefty fee. Is it worth your wallet?
The Quick Version
Barclaycard Avios Plus is a travel rewards card offering 1.5 Avios per £1 spent. While the rewards are tempting, the £240 annual fee and 35.9% variable APR might make you think twice. If you're a frequent traveler who can spend £3,000 in three months, the 25,000 Avios sign-up bonus could be a game-changer. But watch out for the ongoing costs.
Rates shown are representative. Your actual rate depends on your credit profile. This is not financial advice.
Barclaycard Avios Plus
A high annual fee but lucrative for frequent flyers.
Barclaycard Avios Plus
The Fine Print
The Barclaycard Avios Plus carries a variable APR of 35.9%, making it crucial to pay your balance in full monthly to avoid hefty interest charges. The card offers a rewards rate of 1.5 Avios per £1 spent and a sign-up bonus of 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000 in the first three months. There's no introductory APR, and the monthly fee is £20, adding up to £240 annually. source
What's Actually Good
The Avios rewards are solid, especially if you're a frequent flyer with British Airways. The card's 1.5 Avios per £1 rate is competitive, and the 25,000 Avios sign-up bonus can cover a short-haul flight. Spend £10,000 in a year, and you can choose between a cabin upgrade voucher or an extra 7,000 Avios. Add the discounted lounge access, and this card becomes a traveler's companion.
The Catch
Let's talk about that £240 annual fee. It's steep, and the 35.9% APR means carrying a balance is a costly mistake. The card lacks an introductory APR offer, and you need a good to excellent credit score for approval. If you're not maximizing the travel perks, the cost might outweigh the benefits.
Who Should Apply
This card fits frequent travelers who fly British Airways and can easily meet the £3,000 spend for the sign-up bonus. With a good to excellent credit score, you'll benefit most if you use the Avios for flights and upgrades, not just everyday purchases. If you typically carry a balance, steer clear.
The Bottom Line
If you can leverage the travel rewards and lounge access, Barclaycard Avios Plus pays for itself. Otherwise, the high fee and APR might have you looking elsewhere. Curious about fee-free alternatives? Check out Is the NatWest Reward Card Worth the £24 Annual Fee?.
