Barclaycard credit card review
What do Barclaycard credit cards offer?
Barclaycard is the largest credit card provider in the UK and offers a wide range of cards to suit different borrowing and spending needs.
Currently, it has a range of 0% purchase and balance transfer deals, a credit-builder and a fee-free travel credit card that pays cashback – and three are Which? Best Buys.
The Barclaycard Rewards Visa (representative 28.9% APR variable) is a top pick for travel. It has no foreign transaction or cash withdrawal fees and, unlike other credit cards, it charges no interest on cash withdrawals, as long as your card is paid off in full each month.
The other standout deal is the Platinum All-Rounder Visa (representative 24.9% APR variable), which offers up to 21 months of interest-free purchases.
Barclaycard will change the minimum repayment required from July, which will result in lower repayments for some customers who could therefore remain in debt for longer (more on that below).
- Find out more: best credit card deals
How does Barclaycard compare with other providers?
Barclaycard achieved a customer score of 72% in our latest credit card provider satisfaction survey, putting the brand in joint-7th position out of 31 providers, alongside Halifax and Nationwide.
- Find out more: visit our best credit card providers guide to read the full survey results and compare Barclaycard's customer score with other companies.
Is Barclaycard a good credit card provider?
Our survey also reveals how Barclaycard customers rated the provider across the following five categories:
| Customer satisfaction category | Barclaycard star rating |
|---|---|
| Customer service | |
| Application process | |
| Clarity of statement | |
| Transparency of charges and penalties | |
| Ability to manage account online or via mobile app |
Table notes: star ratings are out of five and show levels of satisfaction for each category. We carry out this survey annually and update our review pages accordingly. Jump to the section on how we review Barclaycard to find out more about our research.
Your Barclaycard credit card questions answered
Grace, our credit card expert, answers the top questions people have about Barclaycard credit cards.
Does Barclaycard offer an eligibility check?
Yes. Barclaycard offers an eligibility checker that shows you which of its cards you're likely to be accepted for. The tool does a 'soft search' of your credit file that won't impact your credit score.
Where are Barclaycard credit cards accepted?
Barclaycard issues its credit cards on the Visa network, so they're accepted at millions of places in the UK and abroad.
Is Barclaycard part of Barclays Bank?
Yes. Barclaycard is the credit card division of Barclays plc.
How do Barclaycard's minimum payments work?
Currently, the minimum amount you pay will be personalised to you. The precise payments depend on the individual customer, but will be the highest of the following three calculations:
- 2.25%-4.25% of the main balance, plus any instalment plan payments – this is individual to each customer;
- 1%-3% of the main balance, plus any interest, default fees or account maintenance (and any instalment plan payments) – this is individual to each customer; or
- £5, or the total outstanding balance of an account if it's less than £5.
From July, for most customers it will change to the highest of the following three calculations:
- 1% of the main balance;
- 1% of the main balance plus any interest, default fees or account maintenance fees; or
- The customer’s total outstanding balance, if it’s less than £5.
Barclaycard said the change will result in 80% of customers' repayments decreasing or staying the same. But you can continue to pay more than the minimum by setting up a fixed direct debit, standing order, or making individual payments.
It's worth doing this if you can because the longer you borrow for, the more interest you'll pay.
Barclaycard said all customers have been given 60 days' notice of the changes and the option to opt out and close the account at the current interest rate and minimum repayment calculation.
- Find out more: how to pay off your debts
How we review Barclaycard
Here's more information about our research and the terms we use in this review.
Which? Best Buys
To become a Which? Best Buy, a credit card has to meet a range of category-specific benchmarks set by our analysts. For example, we look at the size of the balance transfer fee as well as the 0% period on balance transfer credit cards.
Customer score
Our customer scores for credit card companies are based on an online survey of 3,775 members of the public conducted in October 2023.
The score is calculated using a combination of overall satisfaction with the brand and the likelihood of recommending the provider to a friend.
Star ratings
We also ask credit card customers to rate brands on five categories, including customer service, application process, clarity of statement, transparency of charges and ability to manage the account online or via a mobile app, so you can get an idea of the quality of service you might receive before you sign up.
Star ratings for each category are calculated independently of each other and the provider customer score.
Providers must receive a minimum sample size of 40 respondents to be included in our customer satisfaction tables.
- Find out more: Which? symbols, logos and ratings explained
Why should you trust Which? research?
We’re not influenced by third parties. We work entirely on behalf of you, the consumer and nobody else. See our statement of editorial independence for more.
Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular T&Cs of a provider before committing to any financial products.