
Compare Barclaycard credit cards for March 2023
The best Barclaycard credit cards, with rates and APRs including for Platinum Visa. Expert analysis of balance transfer, travel and credit-builder cards, plus customer reviews.
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Compare Barclaycards
Approval for any credit card will depend on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow.
What is Barclaycard?
Offering the UK’s first credit card, Barclaycard has a long history of providing market-leading deals including some of the longest balance transfer periods going. Issued on the Visa network, Barclaycard is backed by one of the oldest banks in the UK – Barclays plc.
Will Barclaycard check my credit record?
Yes, in order to lend responsibly, Barclaycard will run a full “hard search” of your credit file when you apply. This usually has a very slight negative impact on your credit score, so the general rule of thumb is: don’t submit lots of applications for credit in a short space of time.
If your credit rating isn’t excellent, Barclaycard does have a credit builder in its range.
Can I find out if I’ll get approved without affecting my credit score?
Yes. Like most card issuers, Barclaycard offers a “soft search” facility, meaning it can check your credit file to let you know whether or not it’s worth applying, without any impact on your credit score.
How long does it take to get a Barclaycard?
Online applications get a decision almost instantly (although there are rare situations when Barclaycard will need a bit more information and/or time in order to reach a decision. Once you’ve had a formal offer and accepted it, your Barclaycard will then arrive in the post within approximately 7-14 days (at which point you’ll need to get on the phone to activate it).
Types of Barclaycards
With Barclaycard you will find a credit card product for almost every individual situation, each worth a close look to find the card that suits your needs best. You can build your credit record, save money by transferring a balance from a different card provider, or collect hotel loyalty points as you spend.
- 0% balance transfer cards. Barclaycard offers leading 0% balance transfer periods of several years and competitive balance transfer fees, even for average credit scorers. Alternatively, pick a card with a shorter 0% offer and no balance transfer fee, or a card which offers a mix of a long 0% period – and a lower balance transfer fee. Barclaycard offers a handy balance transfer calculator to help you choose the right card.
- 0% purchase cards. If you have a big purchase coming up that you want to repay over a period of time, Barclaycard’s 0% offers on purchases are an excellent choice. Spread your repayments over several months without paying any interest with a 0% purchase card.
- All-round cards. Do you need to save money on existing interest charges and also need to make a large purchase? Barclaycard has the card product for you: pay 0% on both balance transfers and purchases through the Platinum card that offers an interest-free period on purchases and balance transfers. Though you should make your balance transfers straight away, the 0% offer on purchases is valid for any purchases made during the offer period.
- Rewards cards. Collect rewards as you spend using one of Barclaycard’s rewards credit cards. The Freedom Rewards card clocks up Freedom Rewards points for each pound you spend, and you can redeem your Freedom Rewards points for a range of products and services.
Learn more about rewards cards - Overseas spending cards. Frequent travellers should always look at a credit card that charges no commission on foreign currency conversion, both at ATM withdrawals and point of sale transactions. Most credit card providers charge close to 3% on top of spot currency rates when you spend abroad so these cards can lead to significant savings.
Using a Barclaycard abroad - Credit builder cards. If you have no credit history, or are in the process of building your credit score, the Initial credit card from Barclaycard may be for you. This card is easier to get approved than other Barclaycard products, and the reasonable interest rate and credit limit will help you prove your credit-worthiness so that you can qualify for better deals later.
Looking for a business Barclaycard? We have a page for that.
What benefits can I get with a Barclaycard?
- Rewards. Barclaycard offers rewards cards that offer an excellent way to treat yourself by means of your everyday credit card spending. You’ll earn points each time you use your rewards card, and these can be redeemed for a selection of top choices at the Freedom Rewards Store.
- Complimentary extras. Your Barclaycard comes packed with extras, including an Uber customer offer and entertainment offers such as the ever-popular British Summer Time in Hyde Park.
- Mobile payments. Pay conveniently using your mobile phone linked to your Barclaycard. Barclaycard supports both Apple Pay and Android Contactless Mobile for payments, so you can simply tap and pay without retrieving your credit card from your wallet.
- Security. As a leading provider of credit cards, Barclaycard offers excellent security measures to protect its customers. You won’t be expected to pay for fraudulent transactions and you’ll be alerted by means of a phone call within 60 seconds of any activity that appears fraudulent.
Barclaycard has offered me good deals with companies like Expedia, for example. I find the card very easy to use and pay off monthly.”
How can I apply for a Barclaycard?
- Decide which card is most appropriate for your personal priorities: do you need to save on existing interest charges, or would you like to collect rewards points on your day to day spending?
- Consider your current credit score before you apply, and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. You can test your eligibility with the Barclaycard eligibility checker, which won’t impact your credit record.
- Once you’ve read the detailed specifications for the card you want to apply for, click on Apply Now to proceed to the application stage.
- Enter your details, making sure you accurately complete each section. Small details such as your exact dates at your current and previous address is important too.
- You may receive a confirmation of approval or rejection straight away, or Barclaycard may refer your application for manual checking which can take a couple of working days.
What supporting documents and information will I need?
Before you start the application process, make sure you have available your past addresses covering the previous three years, including the dates on which you moved home, if any. Barclaycard will also require information on your current income and the details of your employer.
Barclaycard customer reviews
Customers in Finder’s 2022 customer satisfaction survey were positive about Barclaycard. Many customers described the provider as reliable and easy to use, with “great” customer service. One customer said: “It’s a brand I can trust and it is also very reliable and helpful.”
Barclaycard won the “highly commended” award in our 2021 customer satisfaction awards and in 2022 had a rating of 4.5 out of 5. 84% of Barclaycard customers also said they would be happy to recommend the brand to a friend.
The bottom line
A Barclaycard can help you manage your finances and pay for large purchases over a period of time, without forking out a large sum in interest charges. If you pay off your balance at the end of every month, a rewards card from Barclaycard can deliver perks on day to day spending.
Frequently asked questions about Barclaycards
Got a Barclaycard but want to cancel it?
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Finder credit card ratings
Our customer satisfaction scores ("Customers say") are based on a survey of 2,749 customers carried out in December 2022.
To find out more, read our full methodology.
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Ask an Expert
I need money to get the furniture in the house and more
Hi Daniela,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
While we do not provide specific product recommendations, we can help guide you through the process of comparing options. On the page you’re on, we have a comparison table that provides a list of Barclaycards.
You may sort them by Purchases, Balance transfer, Annual/monthly fees and Rep. APR. You can also compare them side by side by clicking the ‘Compare box, a product comparison table will show for you to compare features from each card. If you want to find out more information about the card,click on the ‘More info’ option to read our detailed product review. If you’re ready to open the account, please go the providers main website.
Hope this helps.
Please feel free to contact us at any time if any other questions arise.
All the best,
Faye