I wouldn't say Barclay's Luxury Card is desperate but they market to consumers just like other cards. Actually, I see a lot less marketing from them than I do from other lenders. But they have to put their name out there sometimes. While they strive for that mysterious upscale image, they aren't the AMEX Centurion card. From what I've seen, the Luxury cards aren't truly awful but they seem overpriced compared to the competition from what I can tell. I think their ads are misleading about the value they pack. For example, they tout their 1.5% cash value over 1% for CSR and 0.6% for AMEX, but CSR can earn the same when coupled with CFU if someone wants the option for higher UR cash redemption. And AMEX can earn 1.1% with a Charles Schwab Platinum. For airfare redemption, they compare their 2% to Chase's 1.5% in-portal rate but disregard the ability with CSR to transfer to airline or hotel partners for higher value, the ability to earn higher than 2% on dining or travel spending, and other variables.
But the cards are some of the heaviest and most 'impressive' metal cards available to the general public, weighing in at 22 grams. And reports that they give super-sized credit limits have surfaced. We had one member who is no longer on the forums who was a physician with a side business in real estate rental properties. He claimed his Titanium Luxury Card credit limit had climbed to $330,000. (See this post.) I just got the Barclays Aviator Red and have thought of applying for the Luxury card just out of curiosity to see what CL they would offer. DW has had an Aviator Red longer than I have had one and she got a snail-mail solicitation for the Luxury Black card. We don't hear much about them on the forums. I imagine we have members who don't want to have to defend carrying the card to its many critics. I've seen postings from those who have it who say the hotel travel benefits have added value (up to $500 per stay.) And there are other Mastercard benefits that can add value like Priceless Golf, Shop Runner, Lyft credits, and cell phone insurance.
@C6 wrote:I wouldn't trust them. I had a Barclay's card back around 2008. The interest rate was around 4%. As soon as I used about $6,000 of a $20,000 limit they reduced my limit and balance chased me. The luxury cards have high fees and few benefits. I think the Venture X and Sapphire Reserve are far superior products. There are a few posts on this site about poor customer service. I looked at the offers on Experian and when I clicked through the rate was 20.24. My Experian is frozen so I don't think I'd get a pre-approval.
Agreed. Barclays is not trustworthy.
]
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
