Barclays credit cards offer strong travel perks and valuable airline miles on every purchase.
They’re designed for people who travel often and want rewards that make trips more affordable.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the card’s key benefits, eligibility, and how to apply easily online.
Key Features and Benefits
Barclays credit cards are built to reward your travel spending with valuable perks and convenience.
They offer benefits that help you save money, earn miles faster, and travel with peace of mind. Here are the key features and benefits:
- Airline Miles on Every Purchase: Earn miles for every dollar spent, with higher rewards on travel and dining.
- Bonus Offers for New Members: Get extra miles or statement credits when you meet minimum spend requirements.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card abroad without paying extra charges.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy comfort at select airport lounges through Mastercard World Elite benefits.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes trip delay, cancellation, and lost baggage protection.
- Fraud Protection: Get real-time alerts and zero liability on unauthorized charges.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem miles for flights, seat upgrades, hotels, or merchandise.
- Contactless and Mobile Payments: Pay quickly and securely with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
Popular Barclays Travel Credit Cards
Barclays offers travel cards for different budgets and travel needs.
Whether you want airline perks or flexible rewards, there’s one that fits you. Here are the top options:
- Emirates Skywards World Elite Mastercard®: Earn high miles on Emirates flights plus lounge access.
- Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Lower fee, strong mile earnings on travel and daily spend.
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®: Great for American Airlines travelers with free checked bags.
- JetBlue Plus Card: Ideal for JetBlue flyers with free bags, bonus points, and yearly rewards.
- AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard®: No annual fee and 3% back on airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet a few basic conditions before applying for this travel credit card.
These ensure you’re eligible and financially ready. Here are the main requirements:
- Age: Must be 18+ and a U.S. resident with a valid SSN or ITIN.
- Credit Score: Aim for 700 or higher for better approval odds.
- Income: Show a steady income to cover monthly payments.
- Address: Provide a physical U.S. address, not a P.O. box.
- Credit History: Keep a clean record with few recent inquiries.
- Debt Ratio: Maintain a balanced debt-to-income level.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for a Barclays travel credit card is simple and can be done online in minutes.
Have your personal and financial information ready before starting. Follow these clear instructions to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Visit the official Barclays site to explore and compare travel card options.
- Choose Your Card: Pick the option that best fits your travel and spending needs.
- Click “Apply Now”: Access the secure application form directly on the site.
- Enter Personal Details: Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, and contact info.
- Provide Financial Information: Add income, employment, and housing details accurately.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Read the rates, fees, and privacy disclosures carefully.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and send your form. You’ll receive an instant or email decision.
Rates, Fees, and Terms
Here’s a clear list of typical rates, fees, and terms you’ll see with Barclays travel credit cards. These give you a snapshot of what to expect before applying.
- Annual Fee: For example, the AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard from Barclays carries $0 annual fee.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Many travel cards from Barclays have a 0% foreign transaction fee.
- Cash Advance Fee: The AARP Travel Rewards card lists a cash advance fee of 5% of the amount (minimum $10).
- Balance Transfer Fee: Some terms show “Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.”
- Purchase APR / Variable Rate: While a specific rate for each card isn’t quoted here, the terms reference a “variable rate” based on creditworthiness. Redemption Terms for Rewards: Miles can be redeemed from 2,500 and stay valid while the account is active and in good standing.
Earning and Redeeming Airline Miles
Barclays travel cards let you easily earn and redeem airline miles. You can collect miles from daily spending and use them for flights or upgrades.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Earn on Purchases: Get miles for every dollar spent, with higher rewards on travel.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn extra miles after meeting a spending target.
- Bonus Categories: Boost miles on airlines, hotels, and dining.
- Airline Partners: Link your card to loyalty programs for faster earning.
- Flexible Redemptions: Use miles for flights, hotels, or upgrades.
- No Expiration: Miles remain active as long as your account is open.
- Easy Redemption: Redeem online via barclaycardus.com or partner sites.
Tips to Maximize Travel Rewards
Here’s a clear list of typical rates, fees, and terms you’ll see with Barclays travel credit cards.
These give you a snapshot of what to expect before applying.
- Purchase APR: Variable rate based on credit; confirm on your card offer.
- Annual Fee: Depends on card; ranges from $0 to premium rates.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Most travel cards charge 0% abroad.
- Cash Advance Fee: About 5% or a set minimum, whichever is higher.
- Balance Transfer Fee: Usually 3% of the transferred amount.
- Late Payment Fee: Varies by card; check official terms.
- Redemption Terms: Rewards are valid only if the account stays active and in good standing.
Pros and Cons
Barclays travel credit cards offer great rewards, but also have a few downsides.
Knowing both helps you decide if they fit your travel and spending habits. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
- High travel rewards: Earn generous miles or points on flights, hotels, and everyday purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees: Ideal for frequent travelers making international purchases.
- Airline perks: Some cards include free checked bags, priority boarding, or lounge access.
- Flexible redemptions: Use miles for flights, upgrades, hotels, or partner programs.
Cons:
- Good credit required: Approval often needs a score of 700 or higher.
- Annual fees: Premium cards charge yearly fees that may offset benefits.
- Travel-focused value: Best suited for frequent travelers; less rewarding for casual users.
- Customer service concerns: Some users report delays with issue resolution.
Additional Perks and Protections
Here are some additional perks and protections that come with Barclays travel credit cards.
These benefits help you travel more securely and confidently.
- Travel accident insurance: Coverage for accidental loss of life, limb, sight, speech, or hearing during a covered trip.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: Covers non-refundable travel costs if your trip is canceled or interrupted for covered reasons.
- Baggage delay and loss protection: Coverage if your checked bags are delayed or lost during travel.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Protection when you use the card to rent a car and decline the rental company’s collision coverage.
Customer Support and Contact Information
Here’s the contact info you’ll need for customer support with Barclays travel cards. Use the option that applies to your situation.
- General Customer Service: 1-877-523-0478 (U.S. toll-free)
- International Collect Calls: 1-302-255-8888
- Credit Card Activation: 1-877-408-8866
- Mailing Address: Card Services, P.O. Box 8801, Wilmington, DE 19899-8801
- Help Center Online: Visit [cards.barclaycardus.com → Contact Us] for live chat and secure messages.
Final Takeaway
Barclays travel credit cards give you substantial rewards, valuable perks, and reliable protections that make traveling easier and more rewarding.
Whether you want to earn airline miles or enjoy exclusive benefits, there’s a card that fits your travel goals.
Apply today on barclaycardus.com and start earning miles toward your next trip.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and reference purposes only.
Card terms, rates, and benefits may change at any time—always verify the latest details directly with Barclays before applying or making financial decisions.
