Barclaycard Avios vs Avios Plus
UK CARD COMPARISON · 5 MIN · UKCompare fees, everyday earning and annual reward thresholds — with a simple spending example.
The trade-off
The free card avoids a monthly fee. Plus charges for faster earning and a lower annual reward spending threshold. Both earn Avios directly. Check the current application page for welcome offers; they can vary by channel and eligibility.
| Feature | Avios | Avios Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | £0 | £20 per month / £240 per year |
| Everyday eligible spending | 1 Avios / £1 | 1.5 Avios / £1 |
| Yearly reward threshold | £20,000 eligible spend | £10,000 eligible spend |
| Yearly reward choice | Upgrade voucher or 7,000 Avios | Upgrade voucher or 7,000 Avios |
Card snapshot checked 13 October 2026. Confirm current terms with Barclaycard.
What £1,000 a month could earn
At the listed everyday rates, £12,000 eligible annual spending earns 12,000 Avios on the free card or 18,000 on Plus. The extra 6,000 Avios comes with £240 yearly fees. This example excludes welcome offers, annual rewards and interest.
The annual reward can matter more
A lower spending threshold can make a voucher reachable without extra spending. Check whether you can use it on the route, cabin and dates you want. A voucher still requires eligible award seats, Avios and the applicable cash payment.
Use the comparison tool with your own spending
Choose both cards on the Credit cards page, enter your normal monthly eligible spend and compare annual earnings alongside fees. Do not treat an Avios figure as cash profit or increase spending simply to reach a reward.
Common questions
Is Plus always better if I spend more?
No. Consider its fee, the incremental Avios and whether you can use the annual reward.
Is the upgrade voucher a free flight?
No. It applies to eligible Avios Reward Flights under BA’s terms; points, cash costs and seats are still required.
Sources & further reading
Keep exploring.
How travel points work · MR vs Avios · Points or cash
Reward references and card data are dated snapshots, not live prices, availability or personal financial advice. Check the linked programme and issuer before booking or transferring.