Barclaycard Avios vs Avios Plus: Which Card Should You Get?

When it comes to earning Avios points and enjoying travel perks, Barclaycard offers two compelling options: the Barclaycard Avios Credit Card and the Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card. While both cards are designed to help you accumulate Avios for flights, upgrades, and more, they differ in terms of fees, earning rates, and additional benefits.

Let’s break it down.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Sign-Up Bonuses

• Barclaycard Avios: Earn 5,000 Avios after spending £1,000 in the first three months.
• Barclaycard Avios Plus: Earn 25,000 Avios after spending £3,000 in the first three months.

Tip: If you can meet the higher spend requirement, starting with the Avios Plus card to earn the larger bonus and then downgrading later could be a strategic move.

Also, keep an eye out for offers to refer a friend. Barclaycard occasionally offers bonus Avios for successful referrals, so it’s a win-win if your mate signs up, too.

Avios Earning Rates

• Barclaycard Avios: 1 Avios per £1 spent.
• Barclaycard Avios Plus: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent.

The Avios Plus card offers a higher earning rate, which can significantly boost your Avios balance over time, especially if you use the card for everyday spending.

Stack it: Shop via the British Airways eStore and pay with your Avios card; you’ll earn double Avios for the same purchase. Click here to read more about it.

Upgrade Vouchers

Both cards offer an upgrade voucher, allowing you to move up one cabin class on a British Airways flight booked with Avios. Click here to read more about it.

• Barclaycard Avios: Earn a voucher after spending £20,000 annually.
• Barclaycard Avios Plus: Earn a voucher after spending £10,000 annually.

Alternatively, you can opt for 7,000 Avios instead of the voucher.

Note: The voucher is valid for two years and can be used to upgrade one return flight for one person or one leg of a return flight for two people.

Pro tip: You’ll get the best value when using the voucher to go from Premium Economy to Club World. That’s a big leap in comfort and cash savings.

Foreign Spending

Both cards charge a 2.99% fee on non-sterling transactions. If you frequently travel abroad, consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid these charges, such as the Hilton Honors card (review here).

Lounge Access

• Barclaycard Avios: Dragonpass provides access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide at a discounted rate of £20.50 per visit.
• Barclaycard Avios Plus: You’ll have the same discounted access, and if you have a Barclays Premier account, you’ll receive four free lounge passes annually.

Flexibility: Upgrading or Downgrading

You can switch between the two cards via the Barclaycard app. However, note that any spend towards the upgrade voucher does not carry over when switching cards. It’s best to hit your voucher threshold first, then make the switch.

Use with a BA Household Account

If you’re earning solo but booking for the family, a British Airways Household Account lets you pool Avios with up to six people living at your address. This is perfect for Companion Vouchers and group redemptions.

Final Thoughts

• Choose Barclaycard Avios if:
  • You prefer a card with no annual fee.
  • You’re a moderate spender, unlikely to meet the £10,000 threshold for the Avios Plus voucher.
  • You want to earn Avios on a Mastercard, which is widely accepted.
• Choose Barclaycard Avios Plus if:
  • You can meet the £10,000 annual spend to earn the upgrade voucher.
  • You want to maximise your Avios earning rate.
  • You’re interested in additional perks like lounge access, especially if you have a Barclays Premier account.

Both cards offer valuable benefits for Avios collectors, and your choice depends on your spending habits and travel goals.

For more detailed reviews, check out our articles on the Barclaycard Avios Credit Card and the Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card.

Note: Always ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and understand the terms and conditions before applying for a credit card.

Keep the Miles Rolling: More Reads

• BA Amex vs BA Amex Premium Plus: Which Card Should You Get?
• Virgin Atlantic Reward vs Reward+ – Which Credit Card Should You Get?
• How to Max Out the Value of Your Barclaycard Avios Voucher