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Barclays credit cards

Thinking of taking out a Barclays credit card? Read our guide on which kinds of credit cards they offer.

Thinking of taking out a Barclays credit card? Read our guide on which kinds of credit cards they offer.

Who is Barclays?

Barclays is one of the UK’s major banks, supporting consumers and small businesses through retail banking, and larger businesses and institutions through corporate and investment banking services.

As well as credit cards, Barclays offers customers a full range of personal banking services, including current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages and loans.

Which is the best Barclays credit card for me?

The best Barclays credit card for you will depend on your individual circumstances and eligibility.

The Barclays Rewards credit card is intended for everyday spending and offers cashback on new, eligible purchases.

The Barclays Purchase credit card allows you to spend without paying any interest on the balance over a set period. So, you can buy today and spread the cost over time, as long you stay within your credit limit and pay at least the minimum payment every month.

The Barclays Credit Building credit card can help you build your credit score or start a credit history from scratch. It gives you a reduced interest rate for the first two years if you make at least the minimum payments each month.

The Barclays Balance Transfer credit card can help you consolidate what you owe on credit or store cards with 0% interest for up to 29 months (Barclaycard Platinum). There’s a 3.45% balance transfer fee to pay and you’ll need to make at least the minimum monthly payments and stay within your credit limit to enjoy the interest-free benefit.

Why choose Barclays?

If you’re looking for credit with extra benefits, with a Barclays credit card, you could:

Borrow without paying interest
You enjoy interest-free spending provided you pay off your balance in full by the payment due date each month.

Reduce your interest payments
If you’ve borrowed on other credit cards, you can move your balance to a new 0% balance-transfer card to take a break from paying interest.

Manage your money better
You can easily keep track of your finances with statements that show all your payments.

Build a healthy credit rating
Spending within your means and making regular monthly payments will help you build a good credit rating.

Eligibility

To be eligible for your first Barclays credit card, you must:

  • Be over 18
  • Be employed
  • Earn over £3,000 a year
  • Have not been made bankrupt in the last six years – including having an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or Debt Relief Order
  • Have less than one outstanding County Court Judgement (CCJ’s) in the last six years
  • Have proof of address if you’ve moved house recently
  • Have not recently missed a bill payment.

Are there any charges?

There's a £12 late payment fee for each time:

  • You make a late payment
  • You miss a payment
  • You pay less than your minimum amount.

Why compare credit cards with Compare the Market?

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We compare credit cards from 20 lenders[1]

[1] Correct as of September 2024.

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

How well is Barclays reviewed on Trustpilot?

In November 2023, Barclays was rated 1.4 on Trustpilot.

See Barclays’ current Trustpilot rating

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a Barclays credit card?

If you’re approved for a Barclays credit card, your card is sent to you, and you should receive it within five working days.

Can I get a Barclays credit card with bad credit?

Yes, even with bad credit you may be eligible for a Barclays credit card. The Barclays credit building card helps you improve a bad credit score or start building a credit history from scratch.

How do I contact Barclays?

You can contact Barclays directly through the Barclays app. When you call through the app, Barclays can immediately identify it’s you, and so won’t need to ask you security questions.

You can also message any time through the app by going to ‘Contact us’, ‘Help and Support’ in Online Banking.

If you don’t have the Barclays app, you can speak to a customer service agent by calling 0345 734 5345.

How do I apply for a Barclays credit card?

You can apply for a Barclays card online. But to check whether you’re likely to be accepted for a Barclays credit card, or other credit cards, use our credit card eligibility checker.

It will show you which cards you’re most likely to be eligible for, so you can compare and see if there are any you want to apply for.