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.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Approval for any credit card will depend on your status. The APR shown represents 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.
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, Barclaycards are 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.
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.
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.
Help and support for Barclaycard customers affected by coronavirus
If you’re already a Barclaycard customer and have been affected by coronavirus, Barclaycard may be able to offer you some support. For example, you might be experiencing difficulty with repayments due to coronavirus, or perhaps you’re seeking help to recover a payment made using your Barclaycard for a cancelled product or service. Visit Barclaycard’s coronavirus support page to learn more.
Frequently asked questions about Barclaycards
Barclaycard does offer some credit cards that are suitable for people who are building their credit history. However, to successfully apply, make sure you pick one of the Barclaycard products that you qualify for. The free Barclaycard eligibility checker will help you to pick the best card to apply for.
Approval can be instant, but sometimes small discrepancies in your application form can require Barclaycard to perform a manual credit check which can take several business days.
At the time of writing, none of the Barclaycard products aimed at consumers levy an annual card fee.
As an established provider of credit cards, Barclaycard can offer generous credit limits, but the credit limit you receive upon application will depend on factors like your credit history and the existing amount of credit you have available to you. Cards targeted at credit builders and people with average credit histories will have lower initial limits.
You can apply to Barclaycard to have your credit limit increased (or decreased) and the bank will assess whether it can do this for you, based on your perceived risk. If you’re deemed eligible for a credit limit increase, this will take place instantly. Sometimes, Barclaycard will get in touch with you offering a credit limit increase.
It is easy to set up online services with Barclaycard. Simply keep handy the credit card you received in the mail and complete the required details on the Barclaycard website, including a memorable word you won’t forget. Keep the letter that specifies the credit limit you were given as you will need this figure when you sign up for online services.
If you suspect your Barclaycard has been stolen or you cannot find it you should call Barclaycard straight away. They will block your existing card to prevent any unauthorised transactions and issue you with a new card free of charge. If your card is stolen you are protected against any transactions made with it – but make sure you alert Barclaycard the moment you become aware that your card is missing.
Barclaycard uses Experian, Equifax and TransUnion (formerly Callcredit).
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.
Chris Lilly is a publisher at finder.com. He's a specialist in credit-based products including business and personal loans, mortgages and credit cards, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their borrowing. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more.
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.
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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