Barclays launches first British Airways co-branded credit card

The new card offers customers a multitude of exciting rewards and benefits, and will be accepted across the MasterCard global network with 27.3 million acceptance locations around the world, which include more than 1.9 million ATM locations worldwide.

Aimed at frequent travellers, the British Airways Barclaycard is the result of a unique partnership between Barclays, British Airways and MasterCard, offering exclusive in-the-air and on-the-ground travel perks.

Michael Miebach, Managing Director of Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), said:

"Barclays undertook extensive consumer research before launching this product, with results showcasing that the majority of credit card users are looking for a card that combines great on-the-ground privileges along with reward miles."

"We firmly believe that the new British Airways Barclaycard offers customers unparalleled rewards, getting them set and on their way to their next holiday faster," Miebach added.

Miebach also explained that, as one of the leading airlines in the world, partnering with British Airways was an obvious choice for Barclays when deciding to launch an airline-linked credit card.

"British Airways' reputation for excellent service, coupled with their extensive route network, is paramount to the success of the British Airways Barclaycard. In addition, MasterCard's global payment network guarantees that the card can be used anywhere at any time. We are delighted to have both British Airways and MasterCard on board and anticipate that the British Airways Barclaycard will achieve significant results for all parties," Miebach said.

Shaun Davis, British Airways' Executive Club Director, Asia & the Pacific, added: "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Barclays and MasterCard to offer our existing Executive Club members the opportunity to earn extra BA Miles, as well as expand the benefits that British Airways' Executive Club offers to a wider group of customers in the UAE."

Denzil Lawson, General Manager, Middle East & Levant, MasterCard Worldwide, said: "MasterCard is a critical link for businesses and cardholders worldwide and this collaboration with Barclays and British Airways is an example of how MasterCard works with businesses to develop secure, convenient and rewarding payment solutions that add real value for cardholders. MasterCard is thrilled to offer cardholders innovative programs that combine various travel benefits with the convenience of using a MasterCard credit card. We look forward to continue to develop timely, meaningful travel benefits for MasterCard cardholders."

Based on Barclaycard's principle of offering customers the choice, there will be two variants of the British Airways Barclaycard - Priority and Prestige - depending on the customer's travel and value needs. The cards offer varying benefits, although both allow cardholders to accumulate BA Miles each time they use the card.

Customers using the Priority card will receive 0.75 BA Miles for each $1.25 spent, with Prestige cardholders receiving 1 BA Mile for each $1.5.

The British Airways Barclaycard Priority and Prestige bundle is available to approved customers earning over Dhs5,000 and Dhs12,000 per month respectively. The Priority British Airways Barclaycard rewards customers with 5,000 BA Miles for card activation, with the Prestige British Airways Barclaycard awarding 10,000 BA Miles. Cardholders who utilise their card within the first three months to purchase a flight on ba.com will also receive an incredible 20,000 bonus miles, subject to terms and conditions.

British Airways Barclaycard users will benefit from membership of the British Airways Executive Club. Members of the Executive Club can earn a world of travel benefits such as free flights, the opportunity to use miles to upgrade to the next cabin, and airport lounge access. BA Miles can be redeemed for reward flights on any of British Airways 145 destinations worldwide, or more than 600 destinations through the oneworld alliance.

On the ground, British Airways Barclaycard users can enjoy an array of benefits including: one complimentary chauffer every month; a dedicated Barclaycard Butler service offering high-end concierge services; four complimentary valet parking services across the UAE; and access to over 500 VIP lounges in more than 90 countries and 275 cities worldwide (regardless of travel class). In addition, Prestige British Airways Barclaycard customers will be awarded with one complimentary visit to the Priority Pass lounge per month and Priority customers will receive six complimentary visits per year.

Customers can apply for the British Airways Barclaycard by calling 800 Barclays or visiting a Barclays Branch.