United Kingdom card comparison
Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card vs Barclaycard Avios Plus Card
The Amex Gold UK (Preferred Rewards Gold) and the Barclaycard Avios Plus are the mid-tier UK card comparison. The Amex Gold earns Membership Rewards points and has limited included lounge access. The Avios Plus earns British Airways Avios directly and is best paired with BA flying.
Last reviewed: . Card information is summarized from issuer benefit pages and is reviewed periodically. Always verify current terms with the issuer before applying.
American Express
Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Barclaycard
Barclaycard Avios Plus Card
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card | Barclaycard Avios Plus Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express | Barclaycard |
| Issuing country | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Annual fee | £195 | £240 |
| Lounge networks |
|
|
| Lounges this card opens (tracked) | 339 lounges across 172 airports | 339 lounges across 172 airports |
| Guest policy | 4 complimentary lounge visits per year | Discounted rate £20.50 per visit |
| Credit score | Good/Excellent (Inc. £20k+) | Excellent |
| Purchase APR | Representative 86.3% APR Variable | Representative 80.1% APR (Variable) |
Who should pick which
Pick the Preferred if
Best for travelers who want a flexible points currency (Membership Rewards transfers to Avios but also to other airlines).
See full Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card detailsPick the Barclaycard if
Best for travelers who fly British Airways primarily and want to bank Avios directly with companion-voucher acceleration on the higher tier.
See full Barclaycard Avios Plus Card detailsStrengths and trade-offs
Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Strengths
- Annual Fee Waived for First Year (£195 thereafter)
- £120 Annual Deliveroo Credit (£10/month)
- 4 Free Priority Pass Visits per year
- Earn up to 12,500 bonus points on spend per year
Trade-offs
- Annual fee £195 applies after year 1
- Lounge access limited to 4 visits
- FX fees apply (2.99%)
Barclaycard Avios Plus Card
Strengths
- 25,000 Avios Welcome Bonus (Spend £3k in 3 months)
- Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent
- British Airways Cabin Upgrade Voucher (Spend £10k)
- Access to 1,000+ lounges via DragonPass (£20.50/visit)
Trade-offs
- Monthly Fee £20 applies (£240/year)
- High Representative APR (80.1% Variable)
- Lounge visits are not free (£20.50 fee applies)
- Welcome bonus restrictions for existing customers
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