Compare rewards credit cards

• Maximise spending in reward categories: Many rewards cards offer bonus points for specific types of spending, such as travel, dining, or groceries. Focus your spending in these categories to earn more rewards.

• Meet minimum spend requirements: Some cards require a minimum amount to be spent each month or within a certain period to unlock rewards. Be sure to meet these thresholds to fully benefit from your card.

• Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: Some rewards cards offer a sign-up bonus if you meet a spending requirement within the first few months. This can be an easy way to accumulate points quickly.

• Pay off your balance: To avoid interest charges, always pay off your balance in full each month. This will ensure rewards are not offset by high interest rates.

• Redeem strategically: Be mindful of how and when you redeem your points. Some rewards may have better value when used for travel, while others may be more useful as cashback or for vouchers.

• Be mindful of expiry dates: Rewards points or perks may have an expiration date. Stay on top of this to avoid losing any hard-earned rewards.

• Use additional perks (if available): Many rewards cards come with extra benefits such as travel insurance, purchase protection, or airport lounge access. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of these added features.

Reward cards are often competitive in other areas, allowing you to use them for different purposes. Even if you’re not a regular shopper, some reward cards could be worth considering for the added benefits on offer.

For example, as well as points, some cards might offer long 0% interest periods on balance transfers, or long 0% interest periods on purchases, or even both. Some of these interest-free periods can be as long as on other types of credit card.

What makes the best reward credit card for you will vary depending on what rewards you'll use most. Think about how much you will use a reward credit card, where you will use it, and what benefits or rewards would be most valuable for you.

If you do most of your shopping with a particular retailer it might be a good idea to get a reward card from that retailer (if it offers one). You can earn points that you'll be able to spend in its shops. But if you do your shopping in a number of supermarkets or retailers, you might not be getting the best deal. Even with a really attractive points deal, you'll be tied to shopping in one place when it comes to spending your rewards.

Premium cards are elite reward cards that offer exclusive rewards, like access to airport lounges or a concierge service, in exchange for a fee. 

There is usually a minimum income level that you have to meet in order to be approved for a premium reward card. There is also often a minimum monthly or annual spend to qualify for the rewards. 

Some top-end reward credit cards also charge an annual fee, so you need to weigh up the benefits and costs.

There is no limit to the number of reward credit cards you can have, although in terms of managing your personal finances you don’t want too many cards to have to pay off each month.

While different credit cards give different rewards, it’s better to pick the right reward credit card for you, rather than having lots of credit cards. This is because you may  have the temptation to overspend, and because lenders may be wary of you if you have applied for a lot of potential credit.

Having lots of credit cards, whether you use them or not, can affect your credit rating, and whether you are approved for credit such as a loan, mortgage, or mobile phone or broadband contract. Find out more about how to check your credit rating.