Barclays is adding a new rewards card to its lineup — but it won't be available to new cardholders
Editor's Note
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
When the Apple Card came out a couple of years ago, it was largely a disappointment. While the white metal card is aesthetically pleasing, it doesn't have much else to offer unless you are a true Apple fan. With no sign-up bonus and few perks, you're most likely better off with a cash-back card instead.
Related: What it would take for me to consider the Apple Card
What most consumers are unaware of are Apple's pre-existing credit card offerings issued by Barclays. Among these options included the Barclaycard Financing Visa, Barclaycard Visa with Apple Rewards, Apple Credit Account and the Barclaycard with iTunes Rewards Visa.
If you're a cardholder of any of the above, these cards will soon be scrapped and automatically replaced by the Barclays View Mastercard or the Barclays® Financing Mastercard. You won't have to do anything for this product change, and both of these cards will continue to have no annual fees -- but will not be available to new cardholders.
In this post, we'll focus on the View Mastercard — a cash-back card that's replacing the Barclaycard Visa with Apple Rewards.
Improved rewards rate
If you're a current cardholder of the Barclaycard Visa with Apple Rewards, you're in luck. The new Barclays View Mastercard is an upgrade from the existing card, thanks to its improved rewards rate.
| Barclaycard Visa with Apple Rewards (old) | Barclays View Mastercard (new) |
|---|---|
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The new View card offers a better rewards rate for restaurant purchases and adds new bonus categories, including internet, select streaming, phone and TV services and grocery store purchases.
The downside is that there's no longer a bonus for Apple purchases, as this new card does not offer a rewards program tied to Apple. While you can apply for the Apple Card, you'll also likely be able to lock in bonus rewards by purchasing Apple products through a shopping portal.
The information for the Barclays View Mastercard, Barclaycard Visa with Apple Rewards, Apple Card, Barclaycard Financing Visa, Apple Credit Account and the Barclaycard with iTunes Rewards Visa have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Maximizing points, miles and coverage with Apple iPhone's 12
New redemption options
The previous Barclaycard with Apple Rewards offered an uninspiring loyalty program. You could redeem your points for Apple, iTunes or App Store gift cards.
With the overhaul of the Apple Rewards program, the new View Mastercard is no different than a simple cash-back card. You'll have three redemption options with your points:
- Cash back in the form of statement credits or direct deposit, starting at a minimum redemption of 2,500 points ($25 value)
- Gift cards, starting at a minimum redemption of 2,500 points ($25 value)
- Merchandise — redemption values vary
You'll most likely get your best value by opting for cash back or gift cards, as you're guaranteed 1 cent per point. While redemption values will vary for merchandise, it's unlikely you'll get a better value than the former options.
Related: Apple Card Family makes it easy to help kids, family members build credit
Other benefits
While you'll no longer be able to redeem your points through the Apple Rewards program, cardholders will occasionally have access to promotional financing offers on retailers such as Apple, Best Buy and more.
Furthermore, you'll also enjoy the following benefits:
- Access to Mastercard Global Services, including 24/7 customer service assistance with lost and stolen card reporting, emergency card replacement and emergency cash advance
- $0 fraud liability protection
- Contactless chip technology
Bottom line
While Barclays is adding this card to its lineup to replace the existing Barclaycard with Apple Rewards, it won't be available for new applicants.
Fortunately for existing cardholders, you'll enjoy an automatic product change, rewards rate boost and more redemption options. Since the Apple Rewards program was never convincing in the first place, your new View card will act like a cash-back card instead. If you're looking for a card with an earning rate centered around Apple purchases, you can still apply for the Apple Card.