Finally a decent offer again!
Barclaycard Avios Plus: Is the 35,000 Avios Welcome Bonus Still Worth It for Families?
Remember when the Barclaycard Avios Plus welcome bonus was 75,000 Avios?
Those offers were exceptional, and we’re unlikely to see them often. Today’s promotion doesn’t reach that level, but the current 35,000 Avios offer is still strong for UK families looking to make their travel more comfortable and affordable.
A bonus of 35,000 Avios can significantly reduce the cost of flights, help with upgrades, cover luggage, or simply reduce how much you pay out of pocket. With the right strategy, this card can still be worthwhile for anyone looking to build an Avios balance.
Why This Card Matters (Even If You Already Use Amex)
Not every shop or business in the UK accepts American Express, and many points collectors have experienced that moment at checkout when their Amex is declined. Having a Mastercard or Visa alongside an Amex is essential, and the Barclaycard Avios Plus is designed to fill that gap while still earning Avios on everyday spending.
Key reasons this card is useful:
Avios earned on the card go directly into your British Airways Club account.
The paid version of the card offers a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher once you reach £10,000 of annual spending.
Any tool that reduces the Avios required for family flights is a major advantage.
The upgrade voucher is similar to the one offered via Barclays Avios Rewards in Barclays current accounts, although that version does not require a minimum spending threshold.
A key eligibility requirement:
You must be a new Barclaycard Avios customer (or not have held the card in the last 6 months) in order to receive the welcome bonus.
If you meet the criteria and can spend £3,000 in the first three months, the 35,000 Avios bonus represents strong value. Since Mastercard is widely accepted, reaching the spend target is usually achievable for most households.
What You Get With the Barclaycard Avios Plus (Paid Card)
Here is an overview of the main features of the paid version of the card:
Monthly Fee
£20 per month, reduced to £15 for Barclays Premier customers who have Avios Rewards activated.
Welcome Bonus
25,000 Avios once you spend £3K in the first 3 months, and an extra 10,000 avios when spending £6K in the first 6 months.
Apple TV Subscription
A complimentary 12-month Apple TV subscription for customers who are new or have not subscribed in a long time. But remember, if you already have a Barclays Premier account, you have this benefit anyway.
Everyday Earning Rate
1.5 Avios per £1 spent on the card. Fab value!
Cabin Upgrade Voucher
Earn a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher by spending £10,000 within the card year. The voucher is valid on BA flights departing from the UK.
Alternative to the Voucher
Instead of the upgrade voucher, cardholders may choose to receive 7,000 Avios. Not worth it!
Discounted Airport Lounge Access
Cardholders can purchase lounge access through DragonPass at a reduced price.
Flexible Cancellation
The fee is billed monthly, so the card can be cancelled at any time.
As always, it is important to check the up-to-date card terms and promotional details before applying.
My Honest Opinion
The Barclaycard Avios Plus offers excellent initial value: the welcome bonus paired with the upgrade voucher makes this card appealing for families looking to reduce travel costs or improve comfort.
However, after collecting the bonus and the voucher, the long-term value becomes less compelling. Other Barclays products provide similar benefits without requiring an ongoing credit card fee. For most families, this card works best as a short-term strategy: earn the bonus, use the voucher, and then either downgrade or cancel.
A full breakdown of Barclays products that offer strong value for families is coming soon, so keep an eye out for this!
Additional Notes
Barclaycard does not provide referral bonuses for this card. But you can apply here.
Existing Barclaycard Forward customers may occasionally see an upgrade option in the app, but this depends entirely on Barclaycard’s internal decisioning and is not guaranteed.
If the timing aligns with your travel goals and you meet the eligibility requirements, this card can still provide meaningful value for UK families looking to build Avios efficiently.
