Marriott Bonvoy American Express (UK) vs Barclaycard Avios
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
It's a true tie, neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Marriott Bonvoy American Express (UK) | Barclaycard Avios |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · £95 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 2x (general) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2x | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = N/A | = N/A |
| Welcome bonus | = 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after £3,000 spend in three months | = 5,000 Avios after £1,000 spend in three months, for new Barclaycard customers |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = Not verified | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | = N/A | = N/A |
| Editorial rating | · 4/5 | 4.1/5 |
Benefits compared
Marriott Bonvoy American Express (UK)
- 2 Marriott Bonvoy points for every £1 spent
- One free night (up to 25,000 points) after £25,000 of spend in an anniversary year
- Gold Elite status when you spend £15,000 a year, and 15 Elite Night Credits
Barclaycard Avios
- 1 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases
- No monthly fee
- Spend £20,000 in 12 months to choose a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher
FAQ
›Marriott Bonvoy American Express (UK) vs Barclaycard Avios: which is better?
It's a true tie, pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Marriott Bonvoy American Express (UK) wins on 2 criteria, Barclaycard Avios on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Marriott Bonvoy American Express (UK) for its best categories, Barclaycard Avios for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Marriott Bonvoy American Express (UK): 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after £3,000 spend in three months. Barclaycard Avios: 5,000 Avios after £1,000 spend in three months, for new Barclaycard customers.