Back in February I started looking at the Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard. Among the benefits are earning 2 miles per dollar spent; redeeming miles with a 10% discount; and a complimentary subscription to TripIt® Pro mobile travel organizer with the $89 annual fee version; one year subscription with the no annual fee option.
Ever since I was able to open my second US Airways Dividend Miles card, I have gotten the fever of churning the same card over again. Barclays happens to be the most generous with allowing guests to earn a bonus over again, which in my opinion is ultimately the most promising aspect, so long as you use the card and let Barclay get a little skin in the game.
So I have been spending some time perusing the forums, reading other blogs, and even doing my own link manipulation over the past couple weeks to try and see if there are any better offers out there than the standard 20,000 miles/no annual fee or 40,000 mile/$89 annual fee offers. Fortunately, our affiliate channel placed one of the better offers into our system this week. The following is what we have been able to discover.
40,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases within ninety (90) days (affiliate link); $89 annual fee waived the first year.
20,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases within ninety (90) days (affiliate link); no annual fee.
What I find most interesting is that if you look at the Terms and Conditions of the 20,000 mile/no annual fee card, it links to the same terms as the 40,000 mile/$89 annual fee card. I am wondering if you take screenshots if you can convince Barclays that the terms stated you would get 40,000 miles, which they clearly do.
Note: Some of the above offers are affiliates links, and are noted accordingly. If you elect to use our offers, thank you.
Save Money, Travel More!
Source: InACents/FlyerTalk for targeted offers
With Barclays, do you have to close the first account before applying for the second card? How long between getting one and applying for the 2nd?
@LetGetToThePoints: I tend to be a little more conservative, and applied for my second Barclays card (US Airways) about 9 months after getting my first. I did not close down the first when applying for the second and was instantly approved. I’m still waiting on the bonus to get credited, but still haven’t even gotten to my first statement yet. I have seen reports of others opening a card, earning the bonus, closing the card, and then applying again on a 60-90 day rotation, but that’s a little too aggressive for us personally. Thanks for your questions!
Can Barclays World Mastercard points be converted directly to Airline or Hotel programs?
@LetGetToThePoints: Unfortunately, Barclays “miles” can not be converted directly into airline or hotel programs like Ultimate Rewards, etc. However, the nice thing is that the “miles” do get earned at 2 miles/$1, plus you get a 10% discount on redemptions, making the card a 2.2% return. The “miles” than get redeemed towards any travel expenditures you place on the card.