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Credit Card Rewards

Get flights, points, cashback & more

Sam McFaul
Sam McFaul | Edited by Martin Lewis
Updated 1 September 2018

Spend on one of these cards and they pay you – either in pure cashback or points which can be converted into vouchers for shops, airlines, hotels etc. If you're debt-free and pay off your card every month, you can earn goodies worth £100s each year.

Who's this guide for? People who pay off their credit card balance in full every month who want to be rewarded for their spending.
 

Not what you want? If you're looking to cut debt costs or want other ways to make money from credit cards, see...
Top Airline Credit Cards | Cashback Credit Cards | 0% Balance Transfers
0% Money Transfers | 0% Purchase Credit Cards | Stoozing | Our Credit Cards Section

Best reward cards

In this guide

How do reward credit cards work?

Reward cards can be a great way of earning £100s' worth of bonuses, just for doing your everyday spending. It sounds great – everyone loves something for nothing. But unless you're careful, cards will actually deliver nothing for something, as there are a couple of major holes to watch for. We take you through the top cards and the potential pitfalls below.

Use our eligibility calculator to find cards you're most likely to get, without hitting your credit score

Making an application is recorded on your credit file. While a single one is not a big problem, especially if you've a good credit score, lots in a short time are problematic.

So use our Reward Credit Cards Eligibility Calculator to show cards you're most likely to get, so you don't waste an application. And it's NOT recorded as a hard search on your credit file.

The seven need-to-knows

Get it wrong, and you could actually be left out of pocket, so here's all you need to know to get the best from reward credit cards...

  • 1. Set up a direct debit to repay in full each month so you'll never pay interest, which will dwarf the gain

    Getting charged interest almost always scuppers even the very best reward schemes, so quite simply…

    If you want rewards, always set up a direct debit to repay the card in full each month, so there's NO interest.

    Sadly, some card providers deliberately miss the 'repay in full' option off their direct debit forms. If so, just write 'pay off in full' and send it in. It should be honoured, but call and check to be safe.

    If you're not sure you can always repay the card in full, DON'T pick a card for rewards. Focus on a card with a lower interest rate instead – see our 0% Credit Cards for Purchases guide.

  • 2. Use the card for all NORMAL spending to max rewards

    Once you've set up a credit card, every time you use it you get paid. While this isn't an excuse to spend more, it does mean from now on…

    Use the rewards card for ALL normal spending, replacing cash, cheques and other debit, credit and charge cards.

    For those who have work expenses they need to reclaim, this can be a powerful way to earn more, at no cost to you, provided you can cope with paying the bill in full each month.

    Do check it's fine with your employer though, as there's a chance it could be seen as a taxable benefit (you'll still be up even if it is).

  • 3. Check the rewards are right for you and the real value of the points

    Some schemes are focused on making people think they're earning large, when actually payouts are pretty paltry, so go through our best buys below meticulously to check which you'll actually get value from. To what extent depends on the type of scheme.

    • Rewards schemes

      Here you earn days out, flights, holidays and more by getting points – and that's where the problems start, as Martin points out...

    "For a TV programme stunt I was once asked to design a credit card that looked good, but contained hidden, abysmally anti-consumer traps. Many signed up to my fake MACS card (SCAM backwards), which promised TWELVE points per pound spent.

    "Most people didn't ask what the points were worth. In fact, they were worth 0.0001p. In other words, nothing. And 12 nothings… is nothing.

    "It's this lack of transparency that allows reward schemes to create a magical 'something for nothing' mystique. A Sainsbury's Nectar point is worth up to 0.75p compared to a Tesco Clubcard point worth up to 3p, so one Clubcard point can be worth almost four times more than a Nectar point.

    "That's what this guide focuses on: a mathematical evaluation of every scheme to pick the real winners."

  • 4. First use our eligibility calculator to find cards you're most likely to get...

    Usually, the only way to know if you'll be accepted for a card is to apply, but each application marks your credit file. But our Reward Credit Card Eligibility Calculator quickly shows your odds of getting almost every top reward card so you can find the ones most likely to accept you, thus minimising applications.

    How does the eligibility calculator work?

    It uses a 'soft search', which is one you will see on your credit file but lenders usually don't (and where they do they can't use the info), to give us an indication of your credit score. We then match this against lenders' criteria for acceptance so we can show you the odds of getting each card.

    Once you have this knowledge, it will allow you to make a smarter application. Say you have a much better chance of getting a card that's just one month shorter at 0%, you may want to go for that. Therefore, you're less likely to be rejected and less likely to need to apply elsewhere, which would add another mark on your credit file.

    Or join our Credit Club for a full credit health check

    The MSE Credit Club is a game-changer. For years the credit market has been shrouded in mystery, but our revolutionary tool brings together the key components to give you the full picture, and crucially, what it means for your acceptance chances and how to boost your creditworthiness.

    A credit score alone isn't enough to borrow, as there are other factors at play (it's why many with perfect scores still get rejected). Credit Club shows your Free Experian Credit Report and Credit Score, your Affordability Score, you Credit Hit Rate and much more.

  • 5. Boost the value of your Avios, Nectar and Tesco points

    By correctly targeting the right rewards to redeem your points on, it's possible to substantially increase the amount. To find out how to do this for all schemes and specific info for Avios, Nectar and Tesco, read our Boost Your Loyalty Points and Avios Boosting Tricks guides.

  • 6. Sort out debts before going for reward cards

    You'll save more by keeping your debts cheap instead of going for reward cards. Every card application has a credit score impact, so make sure your debts are sorted before applying for cashback cards (see Best Balance Transfers for help cutting the cost of debt).

  • 7. Don't borrow or withdraw cash on these cards

    They're a tool to get you rewards by using them like a debit card and clearing them each month, and we rate them based on that. If you need to borrow as well, you're far better off focusing on getting the lowest interest rates – that'll save you much more money. See 0% Credit Cards for Spending and Best Balance Transfers for more info.

    And when it comes to withdrawing cash the rule is simple – never, ever, ever use these cards for cash withdrawals as you'll often be charged a fee and interest, even if you pay the card off in full.

Top cashback cards

These are the top cashback cards available, which have a big intro bonus. For full options see our Top Cashback Cards guide.

Amex Platinum Everyday*

Top pick as highest payer, giving up to 5% but not accepted everywhere

Check eligibility

Apply*

The American Express* Platinum Cashback Everyday is the top fee-free card, especially if you've big spending to do in the next few months. This is because it has a 5% introductory rate (on your first £2,000 of spending, so max £100), then tiered ongoing cashback.

Need-to-knows
  • You earn 5% for the first three months (max £2,000 spend), then 0.5% cashback on up to £5,000/year & 1% above this.
  • You need to spend at least £3,000 in the year to receive any cashback.
  • It's an Amex, so it's not as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa (especially in some smaller retailers).
  • Repay in full EVERY month to avoid the 22.9% representative APR as interest will quickly wipe away the cashback gains.

Spend over £9,000 on it a year? In that case, try the Amex Platinum (eligibility calc / apply*). It has a £25 annual fee, but gives the intro 5% rate on up to £2,500 of spending (so max £125) and then tiers up to 1.25% in cashback and so is a winner for bigger spenders. Repay IN FULL or it's 28.2% rep APR (incl fee).

Representative variable rate: 22.9% APR ( Official APR Examples)
Cashback: 5% in first three months (max £100), then up to 1% after
Annual fee: None
Min income: N/A
Max cashback/year: None
Cashback expiry:  N/A

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

Tandem* 

Best non-Amex card with 0.5% cashback

Check eligibility

Apply*

The Tandem* credit card pays 0.5% cashback on purchases. It's also a Mastercard – meaning it's more widely accepted, especially in smaller retailers.

Plus, there's no limit to the amount of cashback you can earn on it – though you'll still have to be mindful of your credit limit.

Need-to-knows
  • To apply for the card you'll need to have three years' address history in the UK.
  • Credit limits are between £1,200 and £12,000.
  • Ensure you pay off in full every month, or you'll be charged 8.9% representative APR which'll quickly wipe out any cashback gain. The easiest way to repay in full is to set up a direct debit.

Representative variable rate: 18.9% APR (Official APR Examples)
Cashback: 0.5%
Annual fee: None
Min income: £13,000
Max cashback/year: None
Cashback expiry: N/A

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

Top airline cards

There are a variety of different schemes, but part of the choice depends on which airlines you prefer and their availability, as often the big gain comes from using credit card points along with points from frequent flying.

Watch out for taxes and charges, though, as all reward schemes make you pay these on top when you book a flight using points, which means in some cases it may be cheaper to fly with a budget airline. Read our Cheap Flights guide.

We've only listed the top fee-free card, but you can earn more airline rewards with other cards which charge a fee. Frequent flyers should read Airline Credit Cards for all our top cards.

BA Amex*

Top fee-free card if you like to travel, plus free companion flight at £20k+ spend

Check eligibility

Apply*

Fancy yourself as a bit of a jet-setter? Then the British Airways Amex* can reward you with free flights. Plus, if you're accepted you'll get 5,000 bonus Avios points if you spend £1,000 in the first three months. You need to be flexible with dates as only a limited number of seats per flight are set aside for Avios customers. You can also get a 'free' companion ticket if you spend £20,000/year on the card (see need-to-knows below).

Need-to-knows
  • You'll earn one Avios point per £1 spent on the card.
  • Spend £20,000/year, and you get one free 'companion ticket' when booking your BA flight with Avios points. The free ticket can be used to get the same ticket type as the cardholder (if you go first class, so do they) – you'll need to pay taxes and charges on top for both tickets.
  • It's an Amex, so it's not as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa (especially in some smaller retailers).
  • Compare other frequent flyer cards in our Airline Credit Cards guide.
  • See more ways to boost your Avios points.

Representative variable rate: 22.9% APR (Official APR Examples)
Annual fee: None
Reward scheme: BA Miles (Avios points)
Points per £100: 100
Taxes included? No
Points' expiry: Three years after you collect your last. Can I buy extra miles?

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

Top supermarket and stores' loyalty cards

Some cards give boosted rewards, vouchers or cash for certain retailers or when spending in a particular store. They can be useful if you're a creature of habit, and like to do your weekly shop at the same place every week.

Sainsbury's Nectar*

Possible £37.50 bonus Nectar pts

Check eligibility

Apply*

If you shop at Sainsbury's and have a Nectar card then the Nectar Dual* credit card gives you a boost on the Nectar points you earn when shopping there. Plus, you'll get 750 bonus Nectar points worth £3.75 each time you spend £35+ in Sainsbury's in the first two months (max 7,500 points, worth £37.50). Doing a big shop? Split it into smaller £35 chunks to max the bonus.

On top of this, there's also a decent 29 months 0% on spending, but only use this if you're disciplined and can fully repay at the end of the 29 months.

Need-to-knows
  • You can also shop online at Sainsbury's to trigger the points bonuses, but buying anything (incl fuel) at Sainsbury's petrol stations doesn't count.
  • As well as the bonus, you get two Nectar points for every £1 you spend in Sainsbury's, or one Nectar point for every £5 elsewhere.
  • Usually one Nectar point is worth 0.5p and you can spend them on anything in the Nectar range (see Loyalty Schemes for ways to max 'em).
  • The bonus points will be added to your Nectar account within 60 days of the end of your two-month period.
  • After the 0% period ends, you'll be charged 19.9% representative APR if you don't pay the card off in full at the end of each month.

Representative variable rate: 19.9% APR (Official APR Examples)
Annual fee: None
Reward scheme: Nectar points
Value of one point: 0.5p
Points' expiry: None unless account is closed
Points per £100: Up to 200

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

M&S Bank*

Get a £25 M&S vch, plus earn pts for spending, equiv to 2% in first year

Check eligibility

Apply*

Accepted new M&S Bank* cardholders who apply via our link can get a free £25 to spend in its stores on almost anything (incl clothes and food). It's split into two parts...

- £20 in M&S pts. Awarded the first time you use the card anywhere for any amount within 90 days.
- Plus extra £5 M&S vch. You're sent a coupon with the card. Just swipe it or use online with your card to buy most things at M&S for any amount and you get another £5 of points.

Just ensure you never withdraw cash (it's expensive) and repay the card IN FULL each month to avoid the 19.9% rep APR interest, and as long as you'd do the spending anyway it won't cost a penny.

Need-to-knows
  • Points-related vouchers are credited to your account within 30 days of your first purchase and will be sent in your next available quarterly reward mailing.
  • You cannot get the card if you're an existing M&S Credit Card holder or if you've held a credit card with M&S Bank within the past 12 months.
  • There's a six-month 0% period on spending with the card, a nice bonus, but don't feel you need to use it. If 0% spending is what you're looking for, see our 0% Spending guide.
  • Outside of the six-month 0% period, you'll pay 19.9% rep APR.
  • Always pay at least the minimum monthly repayment, or you'll lose the 0% deal.
Representative variable rate: 19.9% APR ( Official APR Examples)
Annual fee: None
Reward scheme: M&S points
Value of one point: 1p
Points' expiry: Points last two years
Points per £100: 200 in M&S (first year); 20 elsewhere

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

Don't shop at any of the stores above? More reward cards

If you don't shop at any of the supermarkets or stores above, here are some quick details of other cards to consider.

CARD (APR†) BONUS POINTS PER £100 VALUE OF ONE POINT ELIGIBILITY CALCULATOR
Amazon (21.9%)Halifax £20 Amazon gift card straightaway 75 at Amazon; 50 elsewhere 1p -
Asda* (19.9%)
 N/A 1% 'cashback' at Asda, 0.2% elsewhere (1) N/A You can use our eligibility calc

John Lewis/ Waitrose* (18.9%) 

 £10 J Lewis/ Waitrose vch if you spend £500 in first 90 days 100 at J Lewis/  Waitrose, 50 elsewhere 1p at J Lewis/ Waitrose You can use our eligibility calc

†Representative variable APR, your interest may be different. (1) You don't get points, just 'cashback' which can only be redeemed as vouchers to spend at Asda.

Top 'close to cashback' deals

Some reward cards give you points on all of your spending. These can come close to cashback cards as they offer the ability to spend points earned in a wide variety of places.

Amex Gold*

Get £100 M&S/Amzn vch or 20,000 Avios for normal spending + 2 free airport lounge passes

Check eligibility

Apply*

If you're accepted for the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold* credit card, and spend £2,000 within the first three months, you'll get a bonus 20,000 reward points, equal to £100 in high street vouchers or 20,000 airline frequent flyer points (see need-to-knows below).

Plus you get two free visits at affiliated airport lounges (see the lounges you can use) which you can use for yourself twice, or yourself and one guest. See more Free or Cheap Airport Lounge Access tips.

Need-to-knows
  • The card usually has a £140 annual fee, but for now is fee-free in the first year. To avoid paying £140, remember to cancel before year two starts.
  • You earn one point per £1 on day-to-day spending and two points per £1 spent directly with airlines or in a foreign currency.
  • You can convert points into vouchers for Amazon, M&S and more.
  • Alternatively, you can convert them to frequent flyer or hotel scheme points and add them to your current stash (transfers can take up to five working days).
  • It's an Amex, so it's not as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa (especially in some smaller retailers).
  • Make sure you repay IN FULL every month or you'll pay 22.9% interest, which'll quickly wipe out the rewards gain. The easiest way is to set up a direct debit.
Representative variable rate:  57.6% representative APR (incl fee, 22.9% interest on purchases ( Official APR Examples)
Annual fee: No fee in year one, but £140 from year two onwards
Reward scheme: Membership Reward points
Value of one point: 0.5p
Points' expiry: N/A
Points per £100: 100

  • What rewards can I get from this card?

    We've analysed how much you might get back from different levels of spending...

    ANNUAL OVERALL SPEND £3,000 £5,000 £10,000 £20,000
    Points earned, incl bonus 24,500 27,500 35,000 50,000
    Converting to vouchers £100* £125* £175 £250

  • How can I further boost points?

    You get a 10,000-point bonus on the anniversary of taking out the card if you've spent more than £15,000, but remember if you keep the card into a second year, you'll pay the £140 annual fee.

    You can also boost your points by getting a supplementary card (for a partner/friend), whose spending will then earn points. The first card is provided free, though any more will cost £45.

    Plus, if you have a friend who has the card, get them to recommend you, and both you and they get 2,000 bonus points.

  • Can I use points to pay off purchases

    Yes, but you'll receive slightly less than you'd get exchanging for vouchers; 1,000 points gives £4.50 'cashback' vs £5 in vouchers – so it's not the best use of them.

  • Can I use my airport lounge passes for additional visits or guests?

    Yes – additional guests or visits cost £15 charged to your Amex.

  • How are gift vouchers sent?

    Gift cards are sent by post (within 10 working days) or email.

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

American Express*

Get £50 M&S/Amzn vch or 10,000 Avios for normal spending - an alternative to the Amex above for lower spenders

Check eligibility

Apply*

If you won't hit the spending trigger on the above card, or you want a card that's fee-free all the time, this could suit you better. Spend £1,000 on the Amex Rewards* credit card in the first three months and you'll get 10,000 bonus points. You can convert these into £50 worth of vouchers at retailers such as Amazon and M&S.

Need-to-knows
  • You won't receive the bonus if you already have or previously held an Amex Membership Rewards card within the past six months.
  • As well as the bonus, you'll earn one membership point per £1 spent on the card.
  • You can convert points into retail vouchers, frequent flyer points, hotel schemes and more. For full options see the Membership Rewards site.
  • It's an Amex, so it's not as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa (especially in some smaller retailers).
  • Make sure you repay IN FULL every month or you'll pay 22.9% interest, which'll quickly wipe out the rewards gain. The easiest way to do this is to set up a direct debit to repay in full.

Representative variable rate:  57.6% representative APR (incl fee, 22.9% interest on purchases (Official APR Examples)
Annual fee: None.
Reward scheme: Membership Reward points
Value of one point: 0.5p
Points' expiry: N/A
Points per £100: 100

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

Amex Nectar*

Get 20,000 Nectar points, worth £100, for normal spending, plus ongoing cashback

Check eligibility

Apply*

Spend £2,000 on the Amex Nectar* card within three months, and you'll get 20,000 bonus Nectar points. These are worth at least £100 and can be spent at Nectar retailers such as at Sainsbury's.

Just do your normal spending on it to get the bonus, and remember to cancel after one year if you want to avoid the £25 annual fee that kicks in from year two.

Need-to-knows
  • As well as the bonus, you'll earn two Nectar points per £1 spent on the card (plus your usual Nectar points).
  • Usually one Nectar point is worth 0.5p, but some retailers give 1p per point, making this freebie worth £300 at theme parks etc (see Loyalty Schemes for ways to max these).
  • You can't get the bonus if you've had the Amex Nectar card in the last six months.
  • It's an Amex, so it's not as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa (especially in some smaller retailers).
  • Make sure you repay IN FULL every month or you'll pay 22.9% interest, which'll quickly wipe out the rewards gain. The easiest way to do this is setting up a direct debit to repay in full.
Representative variable rate: 28.2% APR ( Official APR Examples)
Annual fee: £25 (waived in year 1)
Reward scheme: Nectar points
Value of one point: 0.5p (1p at some retailers)
Points' expiry: One year if you don't collect or spend any points
Points per £100: 200

See how likely it is you'll get this card

MSE's Eligibility Calculator

Or just go straight to the lender

Apply*

Cashback sites may pay you for signing up

As an extra boon, members of specialist cashback websites can be paid when they sign up to some financial products. Do check that it's exactly the same deal though, as terms can be different. And remember the cashback is never 100% guaranteed until it's in your account. 

For full help to take advantage of this and the pros and cons, see our Top Cashback Sites guide.

Reward cards Q&A

  • Is it OK to use a reward card alongside a credit card with existing debt?

    It depends. You should always concentrate on repaying your debts, but if they're at 0% (in the form of, for example, a 0% spending or balance transfer card) then it's less of a problem – as long as you're certain you can repay them by the end of the 0% period.

    The golden rule for reward cards (hopefully it's large enough at the top of this guide) is always pay the card off in full at the end of the month. So if you have one card for rewards you do that with, and a separate card for your debts you should be OK.

  • Do I get Section 75 protection on these cards?

    There's another big bonus to using a rewards card. You actually have far more consumer protection. This all comes about due to what's called Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. It means that if you buy something costing between £100 and £30,000, here or abroad, and pay on a credit card, the card issuer's equally liable if something goes wrong.

    Now, this protection only applies to credit cards, not debit cards or any other plastic, and it's hugely important. If a retailer were to go kaput, you'd still be able to claim your money back from the card company. Read a full guide on Section 75 Refunds.

  • Can I transfer a balance to a reward card?

    Sometimes, but there's little point in doing so – you don't earn points on balance transfers.

    Many reward credit cards try to tempt you with competitive balance transfer offers – they want you to spend and shift debts to them. It'll end up costing you as you're unlikely to be able to afford to repay the card in full. Instead use a separate card for balance transfers.

  • How do they make money if I always repay?

    The second source of income for card companies is the retailer. When you pay on a credit card, the card company gets between 0.1% and 0.3% of what you spend from the shop/restaurant and this will often cover the cashback.

    Therefore, in a way, all you're doing is getting back the extra that's been factored in to pricing for all customers to cover credit card costs.

    Generally, the bigger the retailer the less it pays, as it has more negotiating power with Visa or Mastercard. Also it's worth noting Amex tends to charge retailers more, one of the reasons some smaller companies don't accept it.

  • How many reward cards can I have?

    As many as you're accepted for – there's no limit. Though of course, every card application has a small impact on your credit score. So the more you have, the less likely you are to be accepted for more cards.

    Don't apply for lots if you may need credit for something important such as a mortgage or a balance transfer card. Full info in our Credit Rating guide.

  • Is it worth going for a card that gives bigger rewards in one store?

    If you spend a substantial amount of money in a store then it certainly is worthwhile. But don't let this blind you for the rest of your spending: make sure you maximise what you get elsewhere too (it may be worth having two cards).

    Also remember that lots of cards use a 'double earn' promise, so it looks like you get more points using your credit card in the linked store, but actually you would've got the same just using its normal loyalty card. See our Loyalty Points guide for a full explanation.

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