The Barnes & Noble Mastercard®, issued by Barclays, is a credit card designed for book lovers, especially loyal Barnes & Noble customers. It offers rewards tailored to readers, students, educators, and anyone who frequently shops at Barnes & Noble stores or online. With no annual fee and a generous rewards program, this card can be a smart choice for those who want to earn back on book-related purchases and everyday spending.
Key Features of the Barnes & Noble Mastercard®
1. No Annual Fee
One of the most attractive features of the Barnes & Noble Mastercard® is that it comes with no annual fee. This means cardholders can enjoy the benefits and earn rewards without worrying about a yearly cost.
2. Reward Program
The Barnes & Noble Mastercard® has a straightforward and rewarding cashback program:
- 5% back at Barnes & Noble – Earn unlimited 5% back on all purchases at Barnes & Noble stores and BN.com.
- 2% back at Restaurants – Earn 2% back when dining out.
- 1% back on all other purchases – Earn 1% back on all other eligible purchases made with the card.
These rewards come in the form of Barnes & Noble gift cards, which are automatically issued every time you accumulate 2,500 points. That equals a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, making it a great perk for frequent shoppers.
3. Introductory Offer
New cardholders may be eligible for an attractive welcome bonus:
- Earn a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card after your first purchase using the card.
This is a simple and quick way to start benefiting from your new credit card right away.
4. Exclusive Discounts and Promotions
Cardholders may also receive exclusive offers and early access to certain Barnes & Noble promotions. From pre-orders to seasonal sales, this can be a big plus for avid readers.
5. Chip Technology and Contactless Payments
The card comes equipped with EMV chip technology for secure in-store transactions, and also supports contactless payments, making it more convenient to tap and go.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you’re a traveler who enjoys purchasing books abroad or online from international sellers, the Barnes & Noble Mastercard® has no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid option for global use.
Barnes & Noble Membership Integration
While the card doesn’t include a Barnes & Noble Membership automatically, it complements the B&N Membership program quite well. If you’re already a member (which costs $25/year), you can stack the 10% member discount with the 5% cashback from the card. This combination can provide significant savings on books, café items, and gifts.
Who Should Consider This Card?
The Barnes & Noble Mastercard® is ideal for:
- Avid readers who frequently shop at Barnes & Noble.
- College students and educators who purchase textbooks or teaching materials regularly.
- Families with young readers who make regular book purchases.
- Anyone who dines out often, since the card offers 2% back at restaurants.
If you’re someone who prefers cashback in the form of direct deposits or statement credits, this card may not be for you, as the rewards are exclusively redeemed for Barnes & Noble gift cards.
How to Apply for the Barnes & Noble Mastercard®
Applying for the Barnes & Noble Mastercard® is quick and can be done entirely online. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
Go to the official Barnes & Noble Mastercard® website, which is hosted by Barclays. You can also find a link to apply through Barnes & Noble’s official site under the “Credit Card” section.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application
You’ll be asked to provide standard information, including:
- Full Name
- Mailing Address
- Email and Phone Number
- Social Security Number
- Employment and Income Information
Make sure all details are accurate to improve your chances of approval.
Step 3: Review Terms and Submit
Before submitting, review the cardholder agreement, which includes information about:
- APR (variable, typically based on creditworthiness)
- Late fees and penalty APRs
- Billing cycle and payment due dates
After submission, you may receive an instant decision, though in some cases, Barclays might take a few days to process the application.
Step 4: Receive and Activate Your Card
If approved, your Barnes & Noble Mastercard® will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. Once you receive the card:
- Go to the Barclays activation website or call the provided phone number.
- Register for online account management to track purchases, points, and statements.
Tips for Maximizing Rewards
- Combine with Membership: Use your B&N Membership for 10% off and the Mastercard for 5% cashback.
- Use for Dining: Take advantage of the 2% back at restaurants for casual and fine dining.
- Set Up Auto-Pay: Avoid interest and late fees by setting up automatic payments from your bank account.
- Monitor Points: Log in to your Barclays account regularly to check your points balance and track when your next $25 gift card is coming.
Final Thoughts
The Barnes & Noble Mastercard® is a niche but valuable credit card for readers and book lovers. With 5% back at all Barnes & Noble locations, no annual fee, and an easy-to-reach $25 gift card threshold, it offers consistent value if you regularly purchase books, gifts, or educational materials.
For casual readers or those who prefer more flexible cashback redemption options, there may be better cards out there. But for loyal Barnes & Noble customers, this card brings a unique blend of perks and savings that can make your love for books even more rewarding.
