American Express Platinum (UK) vs Barclaycard Avios Plus
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Barclaycard Avios Plus wins 3-1. Higher Avios earn for people who spend £10,000 or more a year. American Express Platinum (UK) is still the right call if frequent flyers in the uk who will use the lounges and dining credits..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Platinum (UK) | Barclaycard Avios Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · £650 | £240 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 1% (general) | 1.5% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 1.5% |
| Forex markup | = N/A | = N/A |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 Membership Rewards points after £6,000 spend in three months | = 25,000 Avios after £3,000 spend in three months, for new Barclaycard customers |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = £35,000 | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | = N/A | = N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Platinum (UK)
- 1 point per £1, plus 1 more per £1 at American Express Travel Online
- Complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
- From 1 January 2028, Priority Pass is limited to 20 visits a year (10 per supplementary cardmember) unless eligible spend reached £30,000 in the previous calendar year; other Global Lounge Collection lounges stay unlimited
- Up to £200 a year in dining statement credits in the UK and £200 abroad, enrolment required
- Wellness credits worth up to £350 a year across lululemon, Oura and Calm, enrolment required
Barclaycard Avios Plus
- 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases
- £20 monthly fee (£240 a year)
- Spend £10,000 in 12 months to choose a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher
FAQ
›American Express Platinum (UK) vs Barclaycard Avios Plus: which is better?
Barclaycard Avios Plus 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 Platinum (UK) for its best categories, Barclaycard Avios Plus for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Platinum (UK): 50,000 Membership Rewards points after £6,000 spend in three months. Barclaycard Avios Plus: 25,000 Avios after £3,000 spend in three months, for new Barclaycard customers.