In terms of on-going earning rates, 1.5 Avios per £1 is excellent compared to most other Visa or Mastercard credit cards. It matches the 1.5 Virgin Points per £1 rate on the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard and no other non-Amex card on the market comes close.

Whether the Barclays Avios Mastercard (or the Plus version) is worth it depends heavily on your loyalty to British Airways or other IAG airlines (like Aer Lingus or Iberia). For frequent UK or international travelers, the primary "worth" comes from the Cabin Upgrade Voucher, which is earned after reaching a specific spending threshold (usually £10,000 on the Plus card). This voucher can save you tens of thousands of Avios points when booking a premium seat. The "Plus" card offers a higher earn rate of 1.5 Avios per £1, which is one of the best in the market, though it comes with a monthly fee. If you are a "casual" traveler who doesn't fly with BA often, the card might be less valuable, as Avios points can be harder to use for high-value redemptions during peak seasons. However, for those who "hack" the system by using Avios for short-haul European flights (where the value is often highest) or for upgrading long-haul business class seats, the card is an essential tool. It is also a great way for UK residents to diversify their point-earning away from American Express, as Mastercard is accepted more widely across the country.