For avid travelers and British Airways loyalists, the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card stands out as a premier choice for accumulating Avios, the reward currency of the British Airways Executive Club. This premium credit card is designed to supercharge your Avios earnings, offering a compelling suite of benefits tailored to those who frequently fly with British Airways and its Oneworld partners. Beyond just earning points, the Avios Plus card provides valuable travel perks that can significantly enhance your journey, from companion vouchers to accelerated tier status.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card, exploring its key features, the benefits it offers, who it’s best suited for, and the step-by-step process of applying for this rewarding travel credit card.
Understanding the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Barclaycard in partnership with British Airways. It is positioned as a higher-tier Avios-earning card compared to its sibling, the standard Barclaycard Avios Card, offering enhanced rewards and more exclusive benefits in exchange for a monthly fee. Its primary purpose is to help cardholders accumulate Avios rapidly through everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits within the British Airways Executive Club program.
Key Features and Benefits of the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card
The Avios Plus Card comes loaded with features designed to maximize your travel rewards:
- Accelerated Avios Earning Rate: This is the cornerstone of the Avios Plus card. Cardholders typically earn a significantly higher rate of Avios per £1 spent compared to the standard Avios card. This accelerated earning means you’ll reach your desired redemption faster, whether it’s for a long-haul flight or an upgrade. While specific rates can vary, it’s common to see rates around 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Generous Welcome Bonus: New cardholders are often enticed with a substantial welcome bonus of Avios upon meeting a specified spending threshold within the initial months of account opening. This bonus provides an immediate boost to your Avios balance, potentially enough for a short-haul flight or a significant contribution towards a long-haul journey.
- Companion Voucher: One of the most coveted benefits of the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card is the Companion Voucher. This voucher is typically earned after reaching a certain spending target within your card membership year. The Companion Voucher allows you to book two reward flights for the Avios price of one, or one reward flight for half the Avios price. This can represent incredible value, especially on long-haul flights where the Avios cost is substantial.
- Important Note: The Companion Voucher usually has specific terms and conditions, including a validity period (e.g., 12 or 24 months) and limitations on where it can be used (e.g., British Airways flights only, specific cabins). Always check the most up-to-date terms from Barclaycard and British Airways.
- Upgrade Voucher (Potential): In some promotional periods or for very high spenders, an upgrade voucher might be offered as an additional perk. This allows you to upgrade one leg of a flight to the next cabin class, enhancing your travel comfort without paying extra Avios for the upgrade.
- Monthly Fee: Unlike the standard Barclaycard Avios Card, the Avios Plus card comes with a monthly fee. This fee is justified by the enhanced earning rate, the valuable Companion Voucher, and other premium benefits. It’s crucial to weigh this fee against the value you expect to receive from the card’s rewards and perks.
- Travel Insurance Benefits: The Avios Plus Card often includes a suite of travel insurance benefits, such as worldwide travel insurance, covering aspects like medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellation. These can provide significant peace of mind and save you the cost of purchasing separate travel insurance. Always review the policy documents for full coverage details, exclusions, and limitations.
- Purchase Protection: Many premium credit cards, including the Avios Plus, offer purchase protection, covering eligible items against accidental damage or theft for a certain period after purchase.
- Extended Warranty: This benefit can extend the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases, providing added security for your valuable goods.
- Visa Benefits: As a Visa card, the Avios Plus card comes with standard Visa benefits, which can include various protections and services.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees (Typically): A common feature of premium travel cards, the Avios Plus card often waives foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent card to use when spending abroad, as you won’t incur extra charges on your purchases.
- Exclusive British Airways Offers: Cardholders may receive exclusive access to British Airways offers, discounts, or early access to sales.
Who is the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card For?
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Card is particularly well-suited for:
- Frequent British Airways Fliers: If British Airways is your primary airline for leisure or business travel, the accelerated Avios earning and the Companion Voucher are incredibly valuable.
- High Spenders: The monthly fee and the Companion Voucher spending threshold mean that those who put a significant amount of their everyday spending on the card will derive the most benefit. The more you spend, the faster you earn Avios and unlock the valuable voucher.
- Individuals Seeking Premium Travel Perks: The included travel insurance, purchase protection, and potential for upgrades appeal to those who value a more comfortable and secure travel experience.
- Avios Maximizers: If your goal is to accumulate Avios quickly for aspirational redemptions (e.g., business or first-class flights), the higher earning rate of the Avios Plus card makes it a compelling choice.
- Couples or Families Traveling Together: The Companion Voucher is particularly beneficial for two people traveling together, effectively halving the Avios cost for one person.
How to Apply for the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card
Applying for the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card is a straightforward process, primarily conducted online. Before you begin, ensure you meet the general eligibility criteria and have the necessary information ready.
General Eligibility Criteria (may vary slightly):
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a resident of the UK.
- You should have a good to excellent credit history.
- You should have a stable income.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the Official Barclaycard Website: The most secure and reliable way to apply is directly through the Barclaycard UK website. Avoid third-party sites unless they are trusted financial comparison platforms directing you to the official application. You can usually find information on their website by searching for “Barclaycard Avios Plus Card.”
- Navigate to the Card Details Page: Locate the dedicated page for the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card. Here, you’ll find comprehensive information about the card’s features, benefits, fees, and the current welcome offer. Read through these details carefully.
- Check Eligibility (Pre-Application Tool): Some banks offer a soft eligibility check tool that allows you to see if you’re likely to be approved without impacting your credit score. If available, this can be a useful first step.
- Click “Apply Now”: Once you’re ready, click the “Apply Now” or similar button. You will be redirected to a secure online application form.
- Complete the Online Application Form: You will need to provide various pieces of personal and financial information. Be prepared with:
- Personal Details: Full legal name, date of birth, current and previous addresses (last 3-5 years), contact number, and email address.
- Financial Details: Employment status, annual income (pre-tax), details of your employer, and your monthly outgoings (e.g., rent/mortgage, other loan repayments).
- Bank Account Details: You may need to provide your bank account details for direct debit setup.
- Existing Barclaycard/British Airways Executive Club Details: If you already have a Barclaycard or are a member of the British Airways Executive Club, you might be asked for these details.
- Review and Consent: Carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure accuracy. Read and agree to the cardholder agreement, terms and conditions, and privacy policy. It’s crucial to understand the interest rates, fees, and penalties associated with the card.
- Submit Your Application: Once you’ve double-checked everything, submit your application.
- Decision and Next Steps:
- Instant Decision: Many applicants receive an instant decision. If approved, you’ll typically receive confirmation, and your card will be mailed to you within a few business days.
- Further Review: If your application requires further review, Barclaycard may contact you for additional information or documents. This process can take a few days to a week.
- Declined: If your application is declined, Barclaycard will usually provide a reason for the decision, or you can request one. This gives you insight into areas you might need to improve for future applications.
- Activate Your Card: Once you receive your card in the mail, you will need to activate it, usually through the Barclaycard app, online banking, or by phone, before you can start using it and earning Avios.
Important Considerations Before Applying:
- Credit Score: Ensure you have a strong credit score. Barclaycard, like all lenders, assesses your creditworthiness. A history of responsible credit use significantly increases your chances of approval.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders look at your existing debt in relation to your income. A high debt-to-income ratio can be a red flag.
- Recent Credit Applications: Applying for too many credit products in a short period can negatively impact your credit score and signal risk to lenders.
- Understand the Fees: Be fully aware of the monthly fee and any other potential charges (e.g., late payment fees, cash advance fees) before you apply.
- Maximize the Welcome Bonus: Plan your initial spending to meet the welcome bonus threshold without overspending.
Conclusion
The Barclaycard Avios Plus Card is a powerful tool for serious Avios collectors and frequent British Airways travelers. Its elevated earning rate, combined with the immensely valuable Companion Voucher and a suite of premium travel benefits, can transform your everyday spending into exciting travel experiences. While it carries a monthly fee, the potential value derived from its features often far outweighs this cost for those who effectively utilize the card. By understanding its benefits and following a careful application process, you can unlock a world of travel rewards and make your Avios dreams a reality.
