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Cashback credit cards

Compare our best cashback credit cards

  • Earn rewards as you spend
  • Check your cashback credit card eligibility without affecting your credit score
  • Choose from our panel of trusted providers

Compare cashback credit cards

If you're a regular spender looking for rewards and are able to clear your balance in full each month, a cashback credit card could be right for you. Every time you use your card, you’re given a little bit back, usually as a percentage. Say you spend £200 on a credit card paying 1% cashback, you’ll get £2.

But cashback cards tend to have higher interest rates than some other types of credit card. This means, if you don’t pay off your balance in full every month, the amount you pay in interest could quickly outweigh any cashback you’ve earned.

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How do cashback cards work?

Cashback cards reward you for spending – every time you use it, you earn a percentage back as cash. To get the best out of the card, put your everyday spending on it and pay off the balance each month to avoid interest.

Cashback rates can vary. Some cards offer a flat rate while others have tiered rewards, bonus rates for certain retailers, or introductory offers.

Your cashback rewards are usually paid monthly or annually. They may be added to your credit card balance, transferred to your bank, or converted into redeemable points. Be sure to check for any minimum spend triggers or a cap on the amount of cashback you can earn.

And watch out for fees on cashback cards as some providers can charge up to £15 a month. Find out more about how cashback works in our comprehensive guide.

How much cashback can I get? 

You can usually get cashback of between 1% and 5%. Buy groceries, fuel and other bills on your card, and it could earn you a healthy sum of money each year. For example, spend £5,000 a year (roughly £420 a month) on a card paying 2% cashback and you’ll make £100.

How can I find the right cashback card for me?

When you’re comparing cashback credit cards, check out:

  • Any introductory offers and how long they last
  • Whether there’s a monthly or annual fee
  • The APR - the interest you’ll pay can depend on your credit history and it might not be the rate advertised
  • If you need to spend a minimum amount before you can start earning cashback.

Most importantly, know what you’re signing up for before you apply. Make sure the cashback perks are worth it compared to the size of any fees you pay.

Don’t deliberately run up a huge credit card bill just to earn a little extra cash. Remember, if you can’t pay back what you owe in full each month, you’ll have to pay interest which reduces the rewards from your cashback. The interest could also start to build and leave you in debt.

Quick tip

Setting up a direct debit to clear your balance every month can help you stay on top of your credit card debt.

Get more tips in our guide to paying off your credit card debt.

What are the alternatives to cashback credit cards?

Cashback cards won’t be for everyone. For example, they can come with higher interest rates, so whether they’re a good fit for you depends on your spending habits and financial discipline.

If you struggle to pay back the full balance each month or have a poor credit score, there are alternatives that might suit you better:

  • 0% purchase credit cards – buy goods upfront then repay later, interest-free, over a set period of time. They can be a good choice if you need to spread the cost of a big-ticket item. But keep in mind the interest rate normally jumps after the interest-free period.
  • 0% balance transfer credit cards – move your existing credit card debt to one card, usually for a fee of 2-4%, and pay 0% interest for a number of months. This can help you clear the debt faster or reduce the overall amount you pay back.
  • Credit builder credit cards – designed for those with a low credit score or no credit history. Credit limits are much lower but use them sensibly and make repayments on time, and they could help you gradually build up your credit score.
  • Travel credit cards – these can offer better exchange rates and low (or even no) fees when you spend overseas. Some travel credit cards also give you cashback on items you buy abroad, so you get the best of both worlds. Remember to clear the balance each month as interest rates can be steep.

Use our comprehensive guide to help you decide which credit card is best for you.

Where can I compare cashback credit cards? 

You can use our eligibility checker to see what cashback credit cards you’re most likely to be accepted for, without affecting your credit score. All you have to do is enter a few details. 

If you'd prefer to browse our list of credit cards before checking your eligibility, find out which credit cards we compare.

Compare the Marked Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and availability.

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Why use Compare the Market?

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Check which credit cards you're eligible for without affecting your credit score

[1] As of July 8th 2025, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 93,668 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.9 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’.

 

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Frequently asked questions

What APR do cashback cards have?

The annual percentage rate (APR) of cashback credit cards isn’t the same across the board – it depends on the provider. But in general, cashback credit cards usually come with higher APRs than standard credit cards. If you need to borrow rather than focus on rewards, you may be better off with a different type of credit card.

Find out more about APR

What’s the difference between a cashback card and a rewards card?

Cashback cards give you actual cash while rewards cards offer perks such as air miles, store loyalty points, or vouchers. Some rewards cards even let you convert your points into vouchers for theme park entry, restaurants or holidays.

Which is the better option, points or cashback?

Rewards cards are typically more generous and offer better rates than cashback. If you enjoy eating out, family holidays and days away, the right rewards card could offer great value. However, they can sometimes tie you into spending with certain brands or stores.

Cashback cards, on the other hand, might not be as generous but you can spend the money however you like. The right card for you will depend on your spending habits and what rewards you value the most.

Can I withdraw cash with a cashback card?

Yes, you can, but it’s not usually a great idea to withdraw cash from an ATM with any type of credit card. The fees are very high and it will leave a mark on your credit report.

Can I get a cashback credit card with no fees?

Yes, it’s possible to find cashback credit cards that have no monthly or annual fees. But the trade off is that cards charging annual fees can have higher cashback rates. It’s worth comparing a few options and looking at your spending habits to decide if it’s right for you.

Can I build credit with a cashback credit card?

Yes, all credit cards can help you build credit if you use them wisely. But there’s a catch with cashback credit cards – they usually come with higher interest rates. So if you’re not fully clearing your balance each month, interest can add up fast.

Can you get a cashback card with bad credit?

It may be difficult to get a cashback credit card if you have a low credit score. Our free eligibility checker lets you see which (if any) cashback cards you’re most likely to be offered without damaging your credit score.

Find out more about credit card options for bad credit

Will I get cashback on balance transfers?

No, you’ll usually only earn cashback on the money you spend on your card.

Author image The Editorial Team

What our expert says...

“If used wisely, cashback credit cards can reap great rewards, potentially earning you cash back on your everyday spending. But it’s important to find the right deal for your spending habits.”

- The Editorial Team, Experts in personal finance, insurance and utilities

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Page last reviewed on 08 APRIL 2025
by The Editorial Team