Ultimate Guide to Maximising Your Barclaycard Avios Plus

If you love the idea of turning your everyday purchases into something more, then this card is a fantastic option.

The Barclaycard Avios Plus is more than a credit card — it’s a tool for unlocking premium travel experiences and extracting value from everyday spending. This in-depth guide shows you exactly how to maximise Avios points, avoid common pitfalls, and use insider strategies that even seasoned travellers miss.

CREDIT CARD

Barclaycard Avios Plus

welcome bonus Barclays Avios Rewards

APPLY NOW You will be redirected

🧭 How to Use the Barclaycard Avios Plus Effectively

Here’s how to get the best ROI from your card from day one:

1. Hit the Welcome Bonus Fast

• Spend £3,000 within the first 90 days to unlock the 25,000 Avios bonus.
• Strategy: Pay for high-cost categories (insurance, groceries, holiday bookings) upfront.
• Use Curve or PayPal to route payments where Mastercard is not accepted directly.

2. Maximise Everyday Spend Categories

• Use your card for all supermarket, fuel, streaming services, and phone bills — all earn 1.5 Avios per £1.
• Avoid using it where merchant fees are passed on (e.g., small local shops), unless the Avios earned outweighs the fee.

3. Spend Overseas with Confidence

• There are no FX fees, so using this card abroad is cheaper than most debit cards.
• Combine with Revolut or Wise for cash withdrawals and use Barclaycard for purchases.

4. Reach the £10,000 Threshold

• Hitting £10,000 in annual spend earns you a Cabin Upgrade Voucher for British Airways flights.
• These vouchers are especially valuable on long-haul routes like London to New York or Tokyo.

💼 Avios Redemption: Getting Maximum Value

The real power of the Avios Plus lies in how you redeem your points. Here’s how to avoid poor-value redemptions and focus on strategic ones:

🔄 Best-Value Avios Uses

• Long-haul business class upgrades: A one-way Club World upgrade can be worth over £1,200 using 20,000 Avios + voucher.
• Partner airlines off-peak: Iberia and Qatar Airways offer great redemption rates via BA’s portal.
• Multi-city trips: Use Avios for multi-leg bookings with Oneworld partners (Cathay Pacific, Finnair, etc.)

🚫 Avoid These Low-Value Redemptions

• Short-haul economy flights with high taxes
• Avios for merchandise (e.g., headphones, wine)
• Part payment with Avios on low-cost fares

Pro Tips & Hacks from Avios Experts

• Use BA’s Reward Flight Finder tool to discover best redemption routes and off-peak calendar dates.
• Book outbound and inbound separately to access more availability.
• Link your BA and Iberia accounts to access cheaper Iberia reward flights.
• Use Avios + Money when short on points — the value is still favourable when calculated per Avios.
• Combine household accounts to pool Avios for family trips.

Is the Avios Plus Still Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely — if you travel at least once per year or spend over £833/month. The real value is unlocked not just from the earn rate, but through smart redemption and optimised travel behaviour. The card holds up strongly even as inflation affects travel costs.

Alternatives & Complementary Cards

💡 Pro Tip: Pair Barclaycard Avios Plus with Chase UK for ATM withdrawals and cashback, or Amex Gold for non-BA travel flexibility.

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• You need a minimum annual income of £20,000.
• Available to new customers only.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the Barclaycard website.
2. Click on the “Apply Now” button for the Avios Plus Mastercard.
3. Fill out the online application form with your personal details.
4. Submit the application and await approval.

❓FAQs Most People Miss About This Card

1. Can I downgrade after earning the bonus? Yes, but only after holding the card for several months. You’ll forfeit the upgrade voucher if you cancel too soon.

2. Do Avios expire? Yes, after 36 months of inactivity. Use or collect at least 1 Avios every 3 years.

3. Is this better than Amex Gold? For BA flyers — absolutely. No FX fees and higher earn rate outweigh Gold’s flexibility if you’re airline loyal.

4. Can I get two upgrade vouchers per year? No — only one voucher per year regardless of spend beyond £10,000.

5. Does supplementary card spending count? Yes, it contributes toward your total spend target for the upgrade voucher.

6. Can I transfer Avios to another airline? Only within Oneworld partners via BA. No transfer to SkyTeam or Star Alliance.

7. What if I fly rarely? Consider the free Barclaycard Avios card (lower earn rate, no fee) instead.

Final Verdict: The Best Card for British Airways Loyalists

If you’re loyal to British Airways and travel frequently — even just once or twice a year — the Barclaycard Avios Plus delivers immense value. With top-tier Avios earn rates, upgrade vouchers, and no FX fees, it’s the best UK travel credit card for optimised rewards.

CREDIT CARD

Barclaycard Avios Plus

welcome bonus Barclays Avios Rewards

APPLY NOW You will be redirected