In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product overview
    • Fees
    • Overdraft information
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Your reviews

Barclays Premier current account review

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Premier Current Account
Account fee
£0
Interest (AER)
0% AER
Overseas card transactions
2.99%
Representative example
Join Premier Banking by opening a Premier Current Account. You also need a gross annual income of at least £75,000 paid into the account, or a total balance of at least £100,000 in savings with us, in Barclays UK investments, or in a mix of savings and investments.

Representative example: 0% interest (variable) payable on arranged overdrafts up to £500. If you use an arranged overdraft above this amount the annual rate of interest is 35.0% (variable). 19.5% APR Representative (variable), based on a £1,200 overdraft balance. Overdrafts, including interest free amounts are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. You must be at least 18 years old and live in the UK to apply.
Our verdict

If you’re a keen traveller and you have a high income, discover what the Premier current account from Barclays has to offer and whether it could work for you.

Barclays Premier current account could be a good choice for those who travel frequently or who need to regularly send money abroad.

However, eligibility requirements are strict and the account is only suitable for those with a high income or those with a lot in savings. If you don't qualify, or even if you do, it's well worth comparing what else is out there to see whether it's really the best option. A number of challenger banks such as Monzo, for example, allow you to send money abroad cheaply, while there are a range of credit cards that let you collect Avios points, some of which have no monthly fee. Visit Barclays's website to apply or compare other Barclays accounts here.

Pros

  • Option to earn Avios points
  • Exclusive savings and mortgage rates
  • ATM withdrawals limits up to £2,000
  • Interest free overdraft
  • No monthly fee

Cons

  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • To apply for Avios Rewards you must pay a monthly fee
  • No interest paid on in-credit balances

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product overview
    • Fees
    • Overdraft information
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Your reviews

Details

Product overview

Account name Premier Current Account
Provider Barclays Bank
Account fee £0
ATM withdrawal limit £2000
Debit network Visa
Card type Cash / Debit
Minimum eligibility age 18 Years
Minimum operating balance £1
Minimum opening balance £1
Direct debits
Current account switch guarantee
Cheque Book

Fees

Foreign cash currency fee in Europe 2.99%
Foreign cash currency fee in rest of world 2.99%
Foreign cash transaction fee in Europe £0
Foreign cash transaction fee in rest of world £0

Overdraft information

Arranged overdraft available
Overdraft arrangement fee £0.01 to £15000:- £0 Per Request. £15000.01 and over:- 1.5% Per Request
Overdraft review fee £0.01 to £15000:- £0 Per Annum. £15000.01 and over:- 1.5% Per Annum
Overdraft Grace Period 15:00 same day
Representative example Join Premier Banking by opening a Premier Current Account. You also need a gross annual income of at least £75,000 paid into the account, or a total balance of at least £100,000 in savings with us, in Barclays UK investments, or in a mix of savings and investments.

Representative example: 0% interest (variable) payable on arranged overdrafts up to £500. If you use an arranged overdraft above this amount the annual rate of interest is 35.0% (variable). 19.5% APR Representative (variable), based on a £1,200 overdraft balance. Overdrafts, including interest free amounts are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. You must be at least 18 years old and live in the UK to apply.

Headquartered in London, Barclays is a British multinational universal bank that provides a variety of accounts and financial products for its 24 million UK customers. Here, we review its Premier current account.

What is the Barclays Premier current account?

The Barclays Premier current account offers a range of exclusive benefits and services for its customers, including Barclays Avios Rewards. The account also offers an interest-free overdraft of up to £500, and it can be opened individually or jointly.

However, because of the exclusive perks on offer, it also has strict eligibility criteria.

How does it work?

The Barclays Premier current account offers the following features:

  • Barclays Avios Rewards. Join for £12 a month and start collecting Avios to put towards your next trip with British Airways. You’ll earn 1,500 Avios every month, a joining bonus and an anniversary reward.
  • Withdraw up to £1,000 a day. Your exclusive black debit card lets you withdraw up to £1,000 each day, providing you have enough funds in the account.
  • Fee-free international payments. By using the Barclays app or online banking, you can send money around the world without having to pay a fee. International payments in a branch cost from £25. (The recipient’s bank may still charge a fee.)
  • Interest-free overdraft. Apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £500. If you use an arranged overdraft above this amount, you’ll be charged 35.0% (variable).
  • Access to a dedicated Premier relationship team. Available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is also a chat service in the app and video banking is available for some services.

Who is it for?

To be eligible for a Barclays Premier current account, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, a UK resident, and not in full-time education. You’ll also need an annual gross income of £75,000 or more paid into a Barclays current account or a minimum of £100,000 saved or invested with the bank.

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits to opening a Premier current account. If you’re a keen traveller, the option to rapidly build up Avios points may appeal, while if you send money to family or friends overseas, being able to send it fee-free will no doubt be attractive. The account’s interest-free overdraft of £500 could also be useful for those who sometimes slip into the red.

How to apply

The quickest way to open a sole Premier current account is to download the Barclays app and open it to start your application. Alternatively, you can apply online. If you already bank with Barclays, you can upgrade via online banking or by giving Barclays a call.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

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