American Express Rewards Credit Card vs Barclaycard Rewards
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
American Express Rewards Credit Card wins 3-1. A free way into Membership Rewards points in the UK. Barclaycard Rewards is still the right call if spending abroad from the uk with no foreign transaction fees..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Rewards Credit Card | Barclaycard Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 1% (general) | · 0.25% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 1% | · 0.25% |
| Forex markup | = N/A | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | 10,000 Membership Rewards points after £2,000 spend in three months | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = £15,000 | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | = N/A | = N/A |
| Editorial rating | · 4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Rewards Credit Card
- 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent
- No annual fee
Barclaycard Rewards
- 0.25% cashback on eligible purchases, credited once a year or on request
- No transaction fees when you spend or withdraw cash abroad
FAQ
›American Express Rewards Credit Card vs Barclaycard Rewards: which is better?
American Express Rewards Credit Card wins on more dimensions (3 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Rewards Credit Card for its best categories, Barclaycard Rewards for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Rewards Credit Card: 10,000 Membership Rewards points after £2,000 spend in three months. Barclaycard Rewards doesn't list a welcome bonus.