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Rewards credit cards

Earn rewards or cashback on your spending with a rewards credit card

If you spend with a reward card you'll earn points you can exchange for store discounts, flights, holidays or even cash

If you know which card you'd like

Enter a few details about yourself and find the cards you're most likely to be accepted for
Fact checker
Last updated
February 7th, 2024
16 results found, sorted by popularity.

M&S Bank Transfer Plus Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Account fee
£0
Rewards
M&S Points
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% on balance transfers for 26 months, available for 90 days from account opening (3.49% fee applies, minimum £5)
  • Collect one point per £1 spent at M&S online and in-store. Collect one point per £5 spent elsewhere and abroad. You will be rewarded in vouchers to spend at M&S
  • 0% on shopping for 3 months
Eligibility
  • have a good credit rating
  • be 18 or older
  • be a permanent UK resident
  • have an annual income/pension of at least £6,800
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

M&S Bank Purchase Plus Credit Card -Excl

Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Account fee
£0
Rewards
M&S Points
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% on balance transfers for 12 months, available for 90 days from account opening (3.49% fee applies, minimum £5)
  • 0% on shopping for 20 months
Eligibility
  • have a good credit rating
  • be 18 or older
  • be a permanent UK resident
  • have an annual income/pension of at least £6,800
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Award Winner

Nectar Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
37.8%APR
Account fee
£30
Rewards
Nectar Points
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 37.8% (variable).£30 annual fee.
More Information
Additional information
  • 20,000 Nectar points when spending £2,000 within the first 3 months
  • Minimum 3 points per £1 with Nectar partners, 2 points per £1 spent elsewhere
  • First year of card membership has no annual fee, £30 thereafter (Terms apply)
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • have a current UK bank or building society account
  • have a permanent UK home address
  • have no County Court Judgements
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Award Winner

British Airways Premium Plus Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
113.1%APR
Account fee
£250
Rewards
Avios
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 113.1% (variable).£250 annual fee.
More Information
Additional information
  • Earn 25,000 bonus Avios when you spend £3,000 in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers Only. Terms Apply.
  • 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent; 3 Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways.
  • Companion voucher when you spend £10,000 in one year.
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • have a current UK bank or building society account
  • have a permanent UK home address
  • have no county court judgements
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Award Winner

Amex® Rewards Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
31%APR
Account fee
£0
Rewards
Membership Rewards
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 31% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend £2,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership
  • Choose from multiple airlines: transfer your Membership Rewards© points to 12 airline partners' loyalty programmes, including British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • have a current UK bank or building society account
  • have a permanent UK home address
  • have no County Court Judgements
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Award Winner

British Airways Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
31%APR
Account fee
£0
Rewards
Avios
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 31% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • Earn 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £1,000 in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers Only. Terms Apply.
  • Companion voucher when you spend £12,000 in one year
  • 1 Avios point for every £1 spent
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • have a current UK bank or building society account
  • have a permanent UK home address
  • have no County Court Judgements
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
No annual fee in the first year

Amex® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
88.8%APR
Account fee
£195
Rewards
Membership Rewards
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 88.8% (variable). £195 annual fee.
More Information
Additional information
  • New Cardmembers earn 20,000 Membership Rewards® Points when you spend £3,000 in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply. UK 18+, subject to status.
  • No annual fee in the first year
  • Choose from multiple airlines: transfer your Membership Rewards© points to 12 airline partners' loyalty programmes, including British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
  • Eligible for two £5 Deliveroo vouchers per month (£10 total), when you spend at Deliveroo with your Gold Card
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • have a current UK bank or building society account
  • have a permanent UK home address
  • have no County Court Judgements
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Award Winner

Amex® Platinum Card

Representative APR (variable)
704.6%APR
Account fee
£650
Rewards
Membership Rewards
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 704.6% (variable).£650 annual fee.
More Information
Additional information
  • New Cardmembers earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points when you spend £6,000 in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply. UK 18+, subject to status.
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • have a current UK bank or building society account
  • have a permanent UK home address
  • have no County Court Judgements
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Uswitch Limited is a credit broker, not a lender, for consumer credit.
Our services are provided at no cost to you. We may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to, but this does not affect what you will pay for the product you choose.

What is a reward credit card?

A man and a woman are in a shop behind a till looking a computer screen

A reward credit card gives you points when you spend on your credit card. These can then be redeemed against goods and services, such as:

  • Shopping vouchers

  • Discounts

  • Flights or hotels

  • Days out

  • Special offers

Some reward credit cards offer specific rewards such as air miles, discount vouchers and cashback.

You may have to spend a minimum amount on your reward credit card each month, in order to qualify for rewards or perks.

It's best not to use these types of reward credit cards for borrowing or withdrawing cash, as the interest rates on them can be quite high.

How they work

Rewards cards take advantage of something called the "interchange fee". 

This is what credit card providers charge retailers for sorting out the payment process each time you use them.

With a rewards card, the bank issuing the card tends to charge retailers a higher interchange fee to fund the rewards it gives you. The trade off for the retailer is that you might end up spending more with a rewards card than you would with another type of card so you can earn more points. 

But rather than just giving you back a percentage of the money you spend, some credit card companies secure deals with travel companies, supermarkets and more to generate bigger rewards for you.

  • Each time you spend, you can earn something back in reward points as a reward for your loyalty - this can be cash or special deals

  • If you pay off your balance in full each month you get the reward card perks without paying any interest

  • Some of the best credit card rewards allow you to exchange points for store discounts, gift vouchers, hotel stays and even almost free flights

If you have existing credit card debt, or are paying interest on one or more credit cards, reward cards are probably not for you. You could consider balance transfer credit cards instead.

Is a rewards card right for me?

Rewards credit cards are typically meant for those who have good incomes, and who can use their credit card for everyday purchases and pay off the balance in full each month. That's because rewards cards usually have high interest rates and often even charge an annual fee. So if you tend to carry a balance or struggle with overspending, the allure of rewards might lead to accumulating high-interest debt, and eventually any rewards you earn might be worth less than the interest you owe if you don’t clear the balance each month.

Ultimately, a rewards credit card can be advantageous if used wisely. It can provide financial perks and additional benefits, such as travel insurance or purchase protection. However, it's essential to evaluate your financial habits and goals before committing to a rewards card to ensure it aligns with your needs and helps you achieve your objectives without risking financial instability.

Types of reward cards

Air miles credit cards

Air miles credit cards

An air miles or airline credit card is a reward credit card for travel. 

Depending on which program the card is affiliated with, it might allow you to collect British Airways Avios points or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles through your everyday spending.

You can exchange Avios or other points for spending towards travel costs including flights, seat upgrades, hotels and car rental.

Cash back cards

Cash back cards

Instead of earning points, a cashback credit card allows you to earn back a percentage of the money you spend.

The money you earn will be put back into your account either monthly or annually.

Unless you pay off the credit card amount each month, the cost of interest might outweigh the rewards.

Supermarket credit cards

Supermarket credit cards

Supermarket credit cards have been a staple of the rewards credit card market. These are cards offered by one of the large supermarkets or department staores, most notably Sainsbury's or Tesco and M&S or John Lewis. These cards offer more points when spent in the retailer's own shops, but you can also earn points by spending at other retailers.

Store credit cards

Store credit cards

Store cards are a type of credit card that are issued by a retailer and can only be used to make purchases in that particular store. More recently, however, a number of store cards have disappeared from the market. This has predominantly been a result of a declining high street, shops going out of business and many being taken over by e-retailers.

Types of reward cards

Air miles credit cards

Air miles credit cards

An air miles or airline credit card is a reward credit card for travel. 

Depending on which program the card is affiliated with, it might allow you to collect British Airways Avios points or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles through your everyday spending.

You can exchange Avios or other points for spending towards travel costs including flights, seat upgrades, hotels and car rental.

Cash back cards

Cash back cards

Instead of earning points, a cashback credit card allows you to earn back a percentage of the money you spend.

The money you earn will be put back into your account either monthly or annually.

Unless you pay off the credit card amount each month, the cost of interest might outweigh the rewards.

Supermarket credit cards

Supermarket credit cards

Supermarket credit cards have been a staple of the rewards credit card market. These are cards offered by one of the large supermarkets or department staores, most notably Sainsbury's or Tesco and M&S or John Lewis. These cards offer more points when spent in the retailer's own shops, but you can also earn points by spending at other retailers.

Store credit cards

Store credit cards

Store cards are a type of credit card that are issued by a retailer and can only be used to make purchases in that particular store. More recently, however, a number of store cards have disappeared from the market. This has predominantly been a result of a declining high street, shops going out of business and many being taken over by e-retailers.

How do I choose the right rewards credit card?

The card you choose will depend on your needs and spending habits. 

Some cards offer you the chance to earn points that you can spend with a specific retailer. Others provide vouchers that you can spend across a variety of retailers.

For example, some reward cards give you the chance to collect Nectar points, which can be put towards anything from restaurant bills to hotels.

UK monthly credit card purchases[1]
£20.6billion
Rewards cards typically charge higher interest rates, so they’re are best suit for those who frequently use credit, pay off balances monthly, and seek perks for everyday spending.

FAQs

What are multi-purpose reward credit cards?

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 is the best rewards 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.

What about premium reward cards?

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.

Find out more about premium cards

How many reward card credit cards can I have?

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.

How Uswitch compares credit cards

What does ‘most popular’ and ‘popularity’ mean?

When we use the term ‘most popular or ‘popularity’ on Uswitch in reference to credit cards, these cards are ranked by the number of clicks they have received on the site in the past 30 days.

The most clicked on cards are at the top, with the least at the bottom. This reflects how popular they are with visitors to Uswitch.com. Consequently, this is a good table to look at if you’re interested in seeing which cards most people think are worth getting.

Does Uswitch compare all the credit cards on the market?

We compare over 100 credit cards from all of the major banks and credit card providers.

However, we do not compare all the credit cards that are available in the UK.

This is because some credit card providers have offers that are only available exclusively through their own website or branch, or through other comparison websites - in the same way some credit cards are exclusively available through Uswitch.

There are also many credit cards that are only available to people in member organisations and clubs.

Credit card guides

Find out more about how credit cards work with our in-depth guides
How many credit cards can you have?
How many credit cards can you have?
How to use a credit card
How to use a credit card
What are the differences between credit and debit card?
What are the differences between credit and debit card?

About the author

Salman Haqqi
Salman Haqqi has over a decade of experience as a journalist in several countries around the world. In recent years, he has turned his focus to helping people make confident financial decisions and regularly comments in the media about personal finance.

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