The best Barclaycard credit cards, with rates and APRs starting from 24.9% to 80.1%. Expert analysis of the Platinum Visa, balance transfer, travel and credit-builder cards, plus customer reviews.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.
Approval for any credit card depends 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. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Moneyfacts.
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?
To ensure responsible lending, Barclaycard will run a “hard search” on your credit record as part of the application process. It’s important to note that this may result in a minor decrease in your credit score. It’s generally advised to avoid submitting multiple credit applications within a short period as a rule of thumb.
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 typically receive an instant decision – although there may be rare occasions where Barclaycard may require additional information or time to reach a conclusion. Once you receive a formal offer and accept it, your Barclaycard will be delivered in the post within approximately 7-14 days. Once you receive it, you will need to activate your card by calling a designated phone number.
Types of Barclaycards
Barclaycard offers a wide range of credit card products tailored to individual situations, each worth a close look to find the card that suits your needs best. Whether you aim to improve your credit score, save money through balance transfers from other card providers, or earn hotel loyalty points while making purchases, there is a Barclaycard option for you. Take a closer look at the Barclaycard range to find the perfect card for your requirements.
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.
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. Learn more about 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.
Barclaycard customer reviews
In our 2024 customer satisfaction survey, 87% of Barclaycard credit card customers said they would recommend the brand to a friend. Customers in our survey tended to agree on how the credit card was easy to use as well as reliable. One respondent also described Barclaycard as having “helpful staff who quickly assist with fraud issues”.
However, over on the reviews platform Trustpilot, customer reviews were mixed, with Barclaycard receiving a low score of 1.3 out of 5. Some customers there cited problems around cancelling direct debit payments (updated February 2024).
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.
Contact Barclaycard customer support
Live chat support
Live chat support offered through the Barclaycard app
Telephone support
Call 0800 151 0900 Mon-Fri from 8am to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.
Closing your account
To close your account, start a ‘chat’ using the Barclaycard app. Or, you can call customer services for support.
Order replacement card
You can request an emergency replacement card either through the app or you can ring 0800 161 5308 and press option 1.
Report card lost or stolen
You can report a lost or stolen card either through the app or you can ring 0800 161 5308 and press option 1.
Overview of Barclaycard credit cards
Representative APR
From 24.9% to 80.1%
0% balance transfer offer
Up to 32 months
0% purchases offer
Up to 23 months
0% money transfer offer
No money transfer offer available
Cashback with brand
Up to 1.5%
Cashback elsewhere
Up to 1.5%
Cash advance
From 24.9%
Introductory bonus offer
Up to 25,000
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).
The Barclaycard HQ is in London.
No, Barclaycard doesn’t offer a student credit card. If you’re looking for a credit card at uni, you can compare a range of cards here.
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. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio
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Chris has written 582 Finder guides across topics including:
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