2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
BEST BARCLAYS CREDIT CARDS


2017 Guide: The Best Barclays Credit Card Offers

It’s a simple fact: everyone needs credit. Without a solid credit history, it can be difficult—or even impossible—to purchase a car, take out a mortgage, or even rent an apartment.

The best credit cards will not only offer the opportunity to establish credit, but they will also provide enhanced benefits, making credit worthwhile and even profitable.

Credit cards are everywhere, but it’s important to filter through each offer and choose the right bank with the right benefits. Barclays credit cards come with high standards in banking and diverse rewards programs, making them an excellent choice for a personal line of credit.

Best Barclays Credit Card Offers

Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Barclays Credit Card Offers

With humble beginnings stretching back more than 300 years ago in London, Barclays has prospered by keeping a strong set of company values. Each Barclays Bank credit card strives to make credit affordable, accessible, and even profitable.

Today, Barclays credit cards are in more than 36 million wallets around the world. With company headquarters settling down in Delaware, American consumers can enjoy the benefits of a Barclays US credit card.

Our review aims to provide an in-depth look at the best Barclays credit cards. American consumers will be well-equipped to find the Barclays US credit card that offers enhanced value and rewards, gaining much more than just a simple line of credit.

See Also: Top Best Prepaid Debit Cards | Ranking, Including Prepaid Debit Cards With No Fees



AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Barclays Credit Cards

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):


Top 6 Best Barclays Credit Cards | Brief Comparison & Ranking

Credit Card Name

% (Min)

% (Max)

Balance Transfer Intro % Duration

Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard®

17.24%

24.24%

12 months

Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard®

15.99%

23.99%

15 months

Choice Privileges®Visa Signature® Card

15.49%

25.24%

15 months

JetBlue Card®

12.24%

25.24%

12 months

Upromise World MasterCard®

14.24%

23.24%

15 months

Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card

15.49%

25.24%

15 months

Table: Top 6 Best Barclays Credit Card Offers | Above list is sorted alphabetically



How to Choose the Best Barclays Credit Card Account

When looking for a credit card from Barclays, there are a few key features that should be considered. The top-rated Barclays credit cards come with enhanced rewards, competitive interest rates, and attractive introductory offers.

Thus, finding the best Barclays credit cards means understanding your spending habits and financial goals.

barclays credit cards

Photo courtesy of: Barclays Bank

When determining which Barclays credit card is right for you, keep in mind the following features:

  • Interest rate: If you plan on carrying a balance each month, then you will want to choose a Barclays US card with a lower interest rate. Conversely, if you typically pay credit card balances off each month, the interest rate for a Barclays credit card may not be quite as important.
  • Balance transfers: For those with previously established credit card debt, using a Barclays US credit card to transfer a balance can help avoid interest and save money over time. Rather than keep an existing balance on a card with high interest rates, choosing a Barclays credit card with low rates on balance transfers can make debt management both affordable and convenient.
  • Incentivized rewards programs: Having a Barclays Bank credit card that offers value and profitability means benefitting from incentives and rewards for spending. Depending upon your spending habits, it may be more profitable to find a Barclays travel credit card that offers rewards for travel expenses, like flights or hotels. Conversely, if your spending is more generalized, choosing a Barclays cash back credit card may be the best option. Make sure to choose Barclays credit cards that offer high levels of value for your personal spending habits.


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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology

What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?

Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.

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Detailed Review—Top Ranking Best Barclays Credit Cards

Below, please find a detailed review of each credit card on our list of Barclays credit cards. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these Barclays credit card offers to score so high in our selection ranking. 



Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard® Review


For those who are constantly traveling, the Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard® is an incredibly competitive option. With multiple ways to earn airline miles and competitive rates, this Barclays travel credit card is perfect for those who are constantly on the go.

barclays bank credit card

Photo courtesy of: Barclays Bank

Key Rewards & Benefits

This credit card from Barclays Bank offers a dynamic rewards program, making traveling easy and even profitable. When looking for a Barclays travel credit card, consider the following rewards of the Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard®:

  • Opportunity to earn 40,000 bonus miles: For cardholders who spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days, 50,000 bonus miles are awarded. This translates into $500 in travel credit, which can certainly benefit cardholders who are constantly in and out of airports.
  • All purchases earn 2x miles: Every dollar spent on this Barclays Bank credit card awards 2 travel miles. Miles can be redeemed for cash back or for travel expenses, although the latter is certainly more profitable. For those who choose the cash back option, a total of 5,000 miles generates $25. For travel redemptions, however, a total of 10,000 miles generates $100.
  • Competitive rates: This Barclays US credit card carries a competitive purchase APR of 17.24%–24.24%, keeping to average rates without overcharging cardholders. What makes a difference is the 0% interest offer for balance transfers. Any transferred balance remains interest free for 12 months, making debt both manageable and affordable.

Final Considerations

For consumers who spend the most on airline travel, this Barclays rewards MasterCard is the best option. This is particularly true for international travelers, as there are zero foreign transaction fees attached to the Barclays credit card account.

While the purchase APR may not be as competitive as other Barclays credit cards, the immense travel rewards make this a competitive and worthwhile Barclays travel credit card.

Related: Top Best First Credit Card for Young Adults, Teenagers, First-Timers & Beginners | Ranking and Comparison



Barclaycard CashForward™ World MasterCard® Review


Editor’s Note: While the Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard has since been discontinued, please find our previous review of the card in the sections below.

This Barclays US credit card consistently gets high ratings from cardholders and experts alike, due to its high rewards and high value. It was awarded a 93% approval rating on ValuePenguin, a top credit card reviewing site.

For cardholders who value unlimited rewards with low fees, this Barclays rewards MasterCard is an ideal option.

Key Rewards & Benefits

As a Barclays cash back credit card, the Barclaycard CashForward™ World MasterCard® comes with some impressive rewards. These rewards include:

  • $100 bonus for new cardholders: Spending $500 within the first three months generates $100 in cash rewards. For those who plan to start using their Barclays credit card account right away, this is a great benefit.
  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back: The ability to earn cash back on every purchase makes this one of the most valuable Barclays credit cards. Additionally, redeeming Barclays cash back credit card rewards earns an additional 5%, increasing the overall value of the program.
  • Competitive rates: In comparison to other Barclays credit cards, the purchase APR starts slightly lower, with a beginning rate of 15.99%. However, those who are planning on transferring a balance to this Barclays Bank credit card will be pleasantly surprised. The Barclaycard CashForward™ World MasterCard® offers an impressive 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers.

Final Considerations

With a $0 annual fee and multiple ways to earn cash back, this is one of the best Barclays credit cards to consider. Not only is it affordable, but it is also a profitable Barclays rewards MasterCard.

It should be noted that this Barclays US credit card does have a 3% foreign transaction fee, so those who frequently travel abroad may want to avoid using the card outside of the US.



Choice Privileges® Visa Signature® Card Review


If the majority of your credit card spending goes toward hotel stays, then the Choice Privileges® Visa Signature® Card is one of the best Barclays credit cards to consider. With more than 1,500 eligible hotels and a dynamic cash back program, cardholders have plenty of opportunities to earn points toward free hotel stays.

Key Rewards & Benefits

While specifically formatted to offer rewards for hotel stays, this Barclays US credit card features a dynamic list of spending incentives. Highlights of this Barclays Bank credit card include:

  • Points on everyday purchases: Each dollar spent earns 2 points, with no purchase restrictions. These points can be redeemed on hotel stays or gift cards.
  • Enhanced rewards for hotel stays: Using this Barclays US card on eligible hotels earns a whopping 15 points for each dollar spent. Additionally, a 10% bonus is given for each hotel stay through Choice Hotels®. For those who plan to use their Barclays Bank credit card right away, this credit card from Barclays will be particularly beneficial. $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days earns 32,000 bonus points, or 4 free nights at a hotel.
  • Competitive rates: As with previously reviewed Barclays credit cards, this Barclays US credit card offers 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers. Of course, transferring a balance won’t earn rewards, but it can certainly help manage debt by escaping high interest rates.

Final Considerations

If saving money on hotels is an important financial goal, this is one of the best Barclays credit cards to use. The rewards system is impressive, offering points for general purchases and hotel stays.

What makes this Barclays US card even better is the $0 annual fee, making for a completely manageable and affordable Barclays credit card.

Popular Article: Top Best Interest-Free Credit Cards | Ranking | Best Zero Interest Credit Cards (Reviews)




JetBlue Card® Review


For travelers who prefer to spend airline miles flying with JetBlue, Barclays offers enhanced options to earn points toward future flights. The JetBlue Card® features an impressive rewards system and competitive rates to provide optimum benefits for cardholders.

barclays us credit card

Photo courtesy of: Barclays Bank

Key Rewards & Benefits

If JetBlue is your preferred airline, this Barclays Bank credit card is the perfect option. Rewards and benefits are all catered specifically toward JetBlue flights, making it one of the best Barclays credit cards for frequent flyers. These benefits include:

  • Versatile TrueBlue points system: This Barclays US credit card offers three different point categories to earn free flights: JetBlue airline tickets, restaurant and grocery store purchases, and general purchases. Cardholders get 1 point for each dollar spent on general purchases, 2 points for groceries and restaurants, and 3 points for JetBlue airline tickets.
  • In-flight savings: Cardholders can enjoy up to 50% savings on cocktails and purchases while on their flight. For those using their Barclays Bank credit card for frequent JetBlue flights, this is a noted benefit.
  • Competitive rates: With a purchase APR starting at 13.24%, this is one of the lowest interest rates amongst Barclays credit cards. Not only is this one of the best Barclays credit cards for purchase APRs, but it is also among the best for balance transfers, too. Cardholders can enjoy 12 months without interest for balance transfers made within the first 45 days.

Final Considerations

For cardholders who plan to spend most of their money on airline travel—and who prefer to use JetBlue—this is the best Barclays Bank credit card offer. Global travelers will be pleased to see 0% foreign transaction fees as well, making this a great Barclays US credit card for international travel.

Read More: Top Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores | Reviews | Best, Fastest Ways to Build Credit



Upromise World MasterCard® Review


For entertainment, shopping, and educational expenditures, the Upromise World MasterCard® is a prime option. Not only does it offer a wide range of ways to earn cash back, but it also features rewards redemptions into savings plans and student loan payments.

Key Rewards & Benefits

Whether you are a current student, a recent graduate, or celebrating a 30-year reunion, this Barclays US credit card boasts a dynamic rewards program to enhance cardholder savings. When considering a Barclays Bank credit card, keep in mind the following benefits:

  • Multiple ways to earn cash back: As a Barclays rewards MasterCard offer, the Upromise World MasterCard® offers multiple incentives for responsible spending. Online shopping, travel, and restaurant purchases earn 5% cash back. Purchases in department stores and movie theatres earn 2% cash back. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
  • Student loan payments: Earned rewards can be transferred as payments toward eligible student loans. Not only does this make payments easy, but it creates responsible incentive for cardholders to use their Barclays US credit card.
  • Competitive rates: With the purchase APR starting at 14.24%, this is certainly one of the lowest rates for a credit card from Barclays. Balance transfers are also incredibly affordable, with an impressive 15 months interest-free.

Final Considerations

While anyone can benefit from this Barclays US credit card, it may be more beneficial for younger cardholders. Still, those who typically apply their credit toward entertainment and shopping will find that this is one of the best Barclays credit cards to match their spending habits.

By and large, one of the best benefits of this Barclays Bank credit card is the ability to use rewards balances to pay off student loans. This increases the value and versatility of the card, making it a great Barclays US credit card to consider.


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Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card Review


As the world’s largest vacation business, Club Wyndham offers 100 resorts and more than 14,000 vacation properties across the globe. For timeshare owners, the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card is almost too good to be true, allowing cardholders to earn free hotel stays through timeshare ownership.

Key Rewards & Benefits

For Wyndam timeshare owners, this Barclays Bank credit card offers rewards and benefits to enhance travel experiences, and to make ownership easy. Owners will certainly want to consider the following rewards and benefits of this Barclays US credit card:

  • Earn points while on vacation: While staying at a Wyndham timeshare property, any expenses put onto this Barclays travel credit card earn 3 points. This includes yearly maintenance fees for timeshare properties. Gas, grocery, and utility bill charges earn 2 points for each dollar spent.
  • Personal travel service: Travelers will certainly benefit from the personal assistance that this Barclays Bank credit card offers. Recommendations are available for dining, travel, hotels, and entertainment, making traveling to a new place a little easier.
  • Competitive rates: Although the purchase APR starts at an impressively low 15.49%, Wyndham timeshare owners can experience enhanced APR rates. Any timeshare purchases or payments will be awarded a 0% interest fee for 6 months.

Final considerations

For enhanced savings on travel and timeshare stays, this is certainly one of the best Barclays credit cards to apply for. Everything from the points system to the APR rate is built to enhance rewards and travel experiences for cardholders.

While the Wyndam Rewards® Visa® Card offers superior benefits for timeshare owners, it is worth noting that this Barclays Bank credit card is formatted specifically for timeshare owners.


Conclusion—Top 6 Barclays Credit Cards

When looking for the best Barclays credit cards, keep in mind the importance of spending habits and financial goals.

As with any credit card, each Barclays Bank credit card has its own unique benefits and rewards. Whether your interests lie in travel, flights, shopping, entertainment, or gas and groceries, chances are that there is a credit card from Barclays that suits your spending preferences.

With a vast array of rewards programs, spending incentives, and cardholder benefits, a Barclays US credit card is a great option for a personal line of credit.

Our detailed list of the top Barclays credit cards can provide valuable insight into the unique benefits of each different card, enabling consumers to expertly identify the best Barclays credit cards for their needs.



AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:

Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.

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