It’s the UK’s first credit card, and it’s still going strong – see if one of Barclaycard’s offers is right for you.
Barclays Bank traces its origins back to 1690, making it one of the oldest continuously operating banks in the world – it’s four years older than the Bank of England. Barclaycard, the bank’s credit card brand, also enjoys some impressive seniority – it was launched in 1966, making it the UK’s oldest credit card, and until 1972 it was the only credit card on the British market.
And while the credit card market has opened up significantly since then, it’s still a major player. With a decent selection of cards available, all designed to fit a different set of needs, which one is right for you? This unbiased guide will show you how the different cards stack up.
Bear in mind that the APRs quoted in our offers are representative, and that you may be offered better or worse deals depending on your own credit rating.
How do Barclaycard credit cards compare?
Barclaycard offers a range of different credit cards, each designed to cater for separate needs. These include:
- Barclaycard Forward: A credit builder card ideal for those looking for a first credit card or with a limited credit history. Used responsibly it can help improve your credit score and will also offer 0% interest on purchases when you open the account
- Barclaycard Rewards: This rewards card offers cashback on your spending and no charge on foreign currency transactions
- Barclaycard Platinum All-Rounder: This all-in-one card offers 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for a set period, although there will be a balance transfer fee to consider
Barclaycard features
With a Barclaycard, you get much more than their appealing cashback offers or 0% interest rates. Barclaycard customers also get access to a full suite of bonuses and extras. Some of these include:
- No fees: Every Barclaycard option comes without any monthly or annual fees – so that’s one expense you won’t have to worry about
- Savings on entertainment: Barclaycard currently offers access to selected live events, as well as festival presales and other customer-only perks
- Flexibility: With Barclaycard, you can add up to four extra cardholders to your account
- Online & mobile banking: You get access to Barclaycard’s online and mobile banking services, including the free mobile app. You can also set up alerts so you never have to worry about falling behind on repayments
- Fraud protection: Barclaycard promises a full refund for any fraudulent activity on your account – and they’ll cover any interest you’ve paid too
- Regulation: Barclaycard is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and you’re protected under the Consumer Credit Act. So if something goes wrong on a purchase you make between £100 and £30,000, you’ll get a full refund
How do I pick the best Barclaycard credit card?
Barclaycards cover a broad range of possible uses. Which card is best for you will depend on what you’d like to use your credit card for.
Barclaycard Forward is a credit-builder card: its credit limit starts low, but increases as your credit score improves. You can also spread the cost of some big purchases with the introductory 0% interest rate – but pay off the balance within the set period to avoid higher interest.
Barclaycard Rewards gives you cash back on your everyday expenditures – so long as you pay off the balance each month, you can save money on your regular spending with its cashback reward.
The Barclaycard Platinum All-Rounder is good for a big purchase or paying off an existing credit card debt – whatever you need credit for, you can pay 0% interest for a fixed number of months.
Am I eligible for a Barclaycard?
Barclaycard has a few eligibility criteria for each of its cards, although the offer you get will depend on your own circumstances, including your credit rating. Here’s what you need for a Barclaycard credit card:
- Barclaycard Forward: You’re 18 or older, with a minimum income of £3,000 a year
- Barclaycard Rewards: You’re 21 or older, with a minimum income of £20,000 a year
- Barclaycard Platinum All-Rounder: You’re 21 or older, with a minimum income of £20,000 a year
How likely am I to get accepted?
Your chances of being accepted for a Barclaycard credit card will depend on a range of factors – but the most important element is your credit score. You may be offered better rates if you have a history of responsible borrowing than you will if you’ve missed loan repayments or even defaulted in the past.
The best way to take control of your credit score is with MoneySuperMarket’s free Credit Monitor tool. You can use it to find out what your credit score is, and to work out simple ways to improve it. Once you have a better handle on your score, you should find it easier to get better deals on credit cards.
How long does it take to get a Barclaycard?
It’s quick and easy to get a great credit card deal with MoneySuperMarket – just answer a few short questions so we can access your credit score, and then you’ll be able to see all the available deals within minutes.
Once you’ve found a card that suits your needs, we’ll direct you to the provider, who will ask you to make a full application. This should only take a minute or two longer. Approval is usually automatic and quite quick, and your Barclaycard and PIN should arrive in the post in around 7 to 10 days.
Sometimes an application is flagged for a manual evaluation, which can take a few days extra.
How do I apply for a Barclaycard credit card?
MoneySuperMarket’s credit card comparison tool is a great way to apply for a Barclaycard. It’s simple: you give us a few details about yourself and your circumstances, and we scour our providers for the best deals available to you, including APR and credit limit. You then pick the one you like best.