Verdict · Updated April 2026
Barclays Arrival Premier for Travel
The Barclays Arrival Premier isn't optimized for travel — ranked #44 of 54 eligible cards. Unless you already hold it for other reasons, consider one of the alternatives below.
Rank #44 of 5419th percentileConsider alternatives
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|Data-driven ranking|Updated April 2026
Barclays Arrival Premier
Barclays · $150 annual fee
A rare flat-rate travel card: earn 2x miles on every single purchase with no categories, no activation, and no thinking required. Miles redeem at 1 cent each against any travel purchase — one of the most flexible redemption systems available. No foreign transaction fees completes the traveler-friendly package.
Full card review
Earn math — Travel profile
Based on typical travel spending of $25,200/year across the categories below.
Annual rewards
$504
Annual fee
$150
Net value
$354
Transfer partnersLounge accessNo foreign transaction feeTrip protection
Where the Barclays Arrival Premier wins for travel
- No foreign transaction fee — saves 2-3% on every international purchase
Where it falls short
- Limited travel-specific perks — stronger travel cards exist
- No intro 0% APR and a high regular APR (27.99%) — carrying a balance is expensive
Top 3 alternatives for travel
Cards that rank higher than or close to the Barclays Arrival Premier on our travel scoring model.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Barclays Arrival Premier a good card for travel?⌄
The Barclays Arrival Premier isn't optimized for travel — ranked #44 of 54 eligible cards. Unless you already hold it for other reasons, consider one of the alternatives below.
How much can I earn with the Barclays Arrival Premier on travel spending?⌄
At the typical travel spending profile of $25,200/year, this card earns approximately $504 in rewards — net $354 after the $150 annual fee.
What are better alternatives to the Barclays Arrival Premier for travel?⌄
Our top 3 alternatives are IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Citi Strata Premier Card, American Express Platinum. Each ranks higher on our use-case scoring model for travel.
What credit score do I need for the Barclays Arrival Premier?⌄
The Barclays Arrival Premier typically requires good credit. Approval also depends on income, existing debt, and application history — a score in the stated range doesn't guarantee approval.
Is the Barclays Arrival Premier's annual fee worth it for this use case?⌄
The $150 annual fee breaks even when you earn $150 in rewards. At the typical travel profile ($25,200/year), this card earns $504 — net positive after the fee.
Want the full card review?
See rewards, fees, and all perks of the Barclays Arrival Premier