Amazon Barclaycard: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Rewards Credit Card in 2024
The Amazon Barclaycard has arrived, offering exciting rewards for Amazon shoppers in the UK. Whether you’re a Prime member or a frequent Amazon buyer, this new credit card delivers cashback, 0% APR for six months, and additional perks that make it a strong contender for your wallet. Amazon Barclaycard: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Rewards Credit Card in 2024. We’ll explore the key benefits, eligibility criteria, and how the Amazon Barclaycard stacks up against other credit cards on the market in 2024.
Key Features and Rewards of the Amazon Barclaycard
- Up to 2% cashback for Prime members
If you’re a Prime member, you can earn up to 2% cashback on Amazon purchases during major events like Prime Day and Black Friday. This makes it an ideal card for heavy Amazon users. - 1% Cashback for Non-Prime Members
Not a Prime member? No problem. You’ll still receive 1% cashback on all Amazon purchases, which is competitive in today’s rewards market. - Rewards on Everyday Spending
The Amazon Barclaycard offers 0.5% cashback on non-Amazon purchases for the first year, dropping to 0.25% after the initial year. While this may not be the highest cashback rate, it provides steady rewards for everyday expenses. - Welcome Bonus
New cardholders receive a £20 Amazon gift card upon approval, which is a welcome bonus to start your rewards journey. - No Annual Fee
Enjoy all these perks without paying an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those who primarily shop on Amazon. - Introductory 0% APR for 6 Months
Take advantage of 0% APR on purchases for the first six months, after which the standard APR of 28.9% applies. This feature can help manage big purchases over time without accumulating interest. - Entertainment Perks
Through Barclaycard Entertainment, you’ll gain access to presale tickets for events and discounts at selected venues, adding value beyond just shopping rewards.
How Rewards Work
Your cashback accumulates in the form of Amazon gift cards, which you can redeem once you reach £5 through the Barclaycard app. Since the card is part of the Visa network, it’s accepted globally, adding convenience for travel or international purchases.
Amazon Barclaycard Application Process: Simple and Quick
Applying for the Amazon Barclaycard is straightforward:
- Eligibility Check: You can start with a soft credit check that won’t impact your credit score.
- Fast Application: The entire process takes only a few minutes to complete.
- Immediate Rewards: Upon approval, you’ll instantly receive a £20 Amazon gift card in your Amazon account and a digital card for immediate purchases.
Most applicants get a decision instantly or within 5-7 business days. However, some users have reported minor delays in the process.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be 18 or older.
- Be a UK resident for at least 2 years.
- Have no recent bankruptcies or serious credit issues.
Currently, the card is only available to new Barclaycard customers. However, existing Barclays current account holders without a credit card may apply, with plans to expand eligibility to other Barclaycard customers soon.
Is the Amazon Barclaycard Right for You?
Whether the Amazon Barclaycard suits your needs depends on how you spend:
- For Frequent Amazon Shoppers: The 1-2% cashback on Amazon purchases is a strong incentive, especially for Prime members who shop during major sales events.
- For Non-Amazon Spending: The 0.5% cashback on other purchases, which drops to 0.25% after the first year, may not be competitive with other cards like the Chase Debit Card, which offers a flat 1% cashback across all purchases with no minimum spending limit.
- Rewards Flexibility: Rewards are redeemable only as Amazon gift cards, unlike some cards that offer cashback or travel points, limiting the flexibility of your earned rewards.
Competitors: How the Amazon Barclaycard Stacks Up
The Amazon Barclaycard faces competition from other cashback cards:
- Chase Debit Card: This card offers 1% cashback on most purchases, giving you more flexibility because the rewards are cash instead of Amazon vouchers.
- Travel Rewards Cards: Cards that offer travel perks or Avios points may be more appealing to those looking to earn rewards for vacations rather than Amazon shopping.
- Apple Pay Compatibility: The Amazon Barclaycard currently lacks compatibility with Apple Pay, a potential drawback for those who prefer mobile payments.
Despite the competition, the Amazon Barclaycard remains attractive to heavy Amazon users thanks to its exclusive Amazon-focused rewards and perks like event pre-sales and dining discounts.
Maximising Your Amazon Barclaycard Rewards in 2024
Here’s how you can make the most of your new Amazon Barclaycard:
- Focus on Amazon Purchases: Use the card for all Amazon orders to maximise your cashback rewards.
- Take Advantage of Special Events: Earn 2% back during Prime Day and Black Friday if you’re a Prime member.
- Set it as Your Default Payment: Make it the default payment method on Amazon for easier rewards accumulation.
- Use Other Cards for Non-Amazon Spending: Since the non-Amazon cashback is lower, consider using a higher-reward card for those purchases.
- Avoid Interest Charges: Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid the 28.9% APR.
- Monitor Your Rewards: Use the Barclaycard app to track your rewards and redeem them promptly once you hit the £5 minimum.
Conclusion: Should You Get the Amazon Barclaycard?
The Amazon Barclaycard is a great option for regular Amazon shoppers, especially Prime members looking to maximise rewards during key sales events. While its everyday spending rewards fall short compared to other cards, it shines in its Amazon-specific perks. Before applying, consider whether Amazon is a big part of your shopping habits and whether the exclusive perks align with your lifestyle.
Remember, always use credit cards responsibly, paying off the balance in full to avoid interest charges. The Amazon Barclaycard is best suited for those who can take advantage of its rewards without accumulating debt.
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