Card Features and Benefits
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus offers straightforward earning: 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. This simplicity means you don't have to swap cards for different categories. Miles are worth a penny each when redeemed for travel purchases as statement credits.
Traveling abroad? No foreign transaction fees and chip-and-PIN capability make this card handy overseas, especially at train station kiosks where chip-and-PIN is required.
How does it compare to peers? The chip-and-PIN feature is uncommon. It competes with Capital One's Venture Rewards, offering the same mile earnings rate, but Venture gains an edge with transfer partners. If simplicity is your priority, Barclaycard shines.
While it doesn't offer extras like airport lounge access or free checked bags, it covers travel basics effectively. For travelers who value ease over frills, this card's uncomplicated charm may be just right.
Earning and Redeeming Miles
Earning miles is simple: 2 miles per dollar on every purchase. Redeeming is equally straightforward, with each mile worth 1 cent towards travel expenses. Book a hotel or pay for a meal, then wipe the cost from your statement using miles.
Unlike some cards with confusing redemption options, Barclaycard keeps it simple with travel expenses only. If you prefer flexibility, cards like Capital One Venture Rewards offer mile transfers to travel partners. But if you want a no-fuss approach, Barclaycard's simplicity could be ideal.
As a bonus, you get 5% of your miles back upon redemption, helping your rewards stretch further. It's like finding extra change in the couch cushions, nudging you closer to your next adventure with each purchase.
Competitors and Alternatives
Let's compare the Barclaycard Arrival Plus to two strong contenders: Capital One Venture Rewards and Bank of America Premium Rewards.
- Capital One Venture Rewards: 75,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in three months, worth $750 in travel. 2 miles per dollar on most purchases, flexible transfer partners. $95 annual fee, waived the first year.
- Bank of America Premium Rewards: Up to 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, 1.5 points elsewhere. $200 travel credit offsetting its $95 annual fee. Preferred Rewards members can earn even higher bonuses.
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus stands out for its simplicity amidst these options. It doesn't chase bells and whistles but offers uncomplicated travel redemptions and a 5% miles rebate. If you prefer a fuss-free journey with straightforward rewards, the Arrival Plus could be your reliable travel companion.
Potential Drawbacks
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus has a few potential downsides to consider:
- High redemption threshold: You need at least 10,000 miles (equivalent to $5,000 in spending) before you can redeem for travel statement credits. This could be challenging for light spenders or those who don't frequently book travel.
- Limited non-travel value: Redeeming miles for cash back or gift cards cuts their value in half. If you want flexibility to use rewards for non-travel purchases, this might feel restrictive.
- Fewer premium perks: Unlike some high-end travel cards, the Arrival Plus doesn't offer airport lounge access or credits for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry. Travelers who value these comforts might find the card lacking.
Despite these drawbacks, the card's simplicity, 5% redemption rebate, and no foreign transaction fees could still make it appealing. It's about weighing the allure of straightforward rewards against missing frills and deciding what matters most for your travel style.
In the end, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus stands as a beacon of simplicity in a sea of choices. Its straightforward approach to travel rewards offers a refreshing alternative for those who value ease and predictability over frills. If your heart is set on uncomplicated adventures, this card might just be the steadfast companion you need on your journey.
- Mommy Points. The Two Credit Cards With The Simplest Miles And Points Structures. The Points Guy. 2019.
- Mackenzie Roche. Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard Review. NerdWallet. 2021.
- Ethan Steinberg. Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard Review. The Points Guy. 2019.
- Lyle Daly. 5 Things to Know About the Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard. NerdWallet. 2021.