Rewards credit cards
Compare rewards credit cards
- Find the right rewards credit card for your spending needs
- Check your eligibility without impacting your credit score
- Choose from our panel of trusted providers
We compare credit cards from 21 FCA-regulated providers[1], including:
[1] Correct as of March 2025.
What’s a reward credit card?
It's a type of credit card that rewards you every time you spend - you can typically earn cashback, air miles or points you can turn into vouchers.
Otherwise it works pretty much like any other card. You can spend up to an agreed limit and, when you’re sent your bill each month, choose to:
- Pay off the balance in full, in which case you shouldn’t pay interest (depending on your card’s terms and conditions)
- Make a fixed payment to pay down some of what you owe (somewhere between the full balance and minimum payment). Although you’ll pay interest, you’ll repay what you owe faster and at a lower cost compared to just making the minimum.
- Make the minimum payment, but you’ll pay interest on the balance.
Like other types of credit card, there will also be a limit to how much you can spend. Go above it and you may pick up charges – usually a £12 ‘overlimit fee’– and it could affect your credit rating.
Similarly, using a high percentage of your credit limit could also have an impact on this score.
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Bear in mind... Always keep up with your minimum monthly payments. Otherwise, you could lose any low or 0% interest deals and harm your credit score. Setting up a direct debit can help you stay on top of it. |
How do rewards credit cards work?
It’s simples:
- Use your card for everyday spending
- The more you spend, the more rewards you rack up
- Cash in those rewards – whether it’s cashback, vouchers, or discounts on travel, shopping, and more.
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What are the different types of rewards credit cards?
There are plenty of different rewards credit cards out there, each with its own perks. Here are some of the most popular types of reward:
Air miles
Have a case of wanderlust? UK air miles credit cards could help you earn you frequent flyer points, lounge access, upgrades or even a free flight. But many of these cards come with an annual fee, so make sure the benefits outweigh the cost. Plus, you might have restrictions on which airlines or flights you can redeem your points against, so double check.
Compare air miles credit cards
Supermarket and high street store points
Big fan of M&S, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose or Tesco? Their store credit cards let you build up points that can be put towards exclusive vouchers and offers, especially when you use the card in their stores. If you’re already spending money there, why not earn some extra perks while you’re at it?
Cashback
Want to earn money back as you spend? Cashback cards give you a percentage back in cash – either credited to your card or put into a current account. Say your card offers 3% cashback. If you spend £3,000, that’s £90 back in your pocket.
Flexible rewards
Not sure what kind of rewards you want? Some credit cards let you turn your points into vouchers for theme parks, cinema tickets, rail tickets, restaurant meals and holidays. This type of rewards credit card could be ideal if you enjoy treating yourself (or your family) to fun days out.
What is the best credit card for rewards?
The best card for you depends on your lifestyle, shopping habits, and what kind of perks you’d enjoy the most.
Here’s what you could consider:
- Your spending and lifestyle habits – love to travel? An air miles credit card could help you earn points towards your next big trip. More of a loyal shopper with a go-to high street store? A store-linked rewards card might be the way to go.
- Fees and APR – always look for any annual card fees and check the APR (this includes the interest rate, as well as standard charges, to show you the total cost of borrowing).
- Available offers – some cards might come with deals like 0% interest on new purchases. If you’ve got a big spend coming up – such as replacing that ancient boiler – you could spread the cost while still earning rewards.
- Introductory bonuses – many credit cards offer tempting bonus rewards when you first sign up. Just remember, a card should work for you in the long run, not just give you a quick perk upfront.
When you compare with us, we’ll check your eligibility without it affecting your credit score. We’ll then show you the rewards credit cards you’re most likely to be accepted for. From there, you can filter the results to show the cards that suit your needs.
How to compare rewards credit cards
Ready to compare rewards credit cards? Here are a few things to weigh up:
- Points – how many points do you earn per purchase? When and how can you use them? And what are they worth? For example, it might be 100 points = £1 at one store but look to see if this points calculation is done the same way at rivals.
- Fees – some credit cards charge an annual fee, but that might be worth it if they come with a long interest-free period or generous rewards. Just make sure the value of your perks outweigh the costs.
- The APR - this tells you how much your borrowing will cost each year, including fees and charges. Since reward cards tend to have high APRs, they work best if you can pay off your balance in full each month.
- Minimum spend – you might need to hit a certain spending amount before you can start earning rewards. For example, a cashback card might need you to spend £3,000 a year before you qualify.
- Earning caps – some cards, especially cashback cards, can put a limit on how much you earn. If this could affect you, keep the possibility of a second card in mind since it might not make sense to put all your spending on just the one.
And here’s a handy tip – don’t just focus on the intro offer. Some cards let you rack up loads of points in the first few months, but what happens after that? Will the ongoing rewards still be worth it once the juiciest part of the deal ends?
Compare now|
Bear in mind... Reward cards usually come with a higher APR than other credit cards. If you’re only paying off the minimum each month, you’ll end up paying interest. This could easily cancel out any rewards you’re earning – repay in full each month to be sure a reward card makes financial sense for you. |
Are reward credit cards worth it?
If you’re someone who pays off your balance each month, you could be earning cashback, points, discounts or freebies every time you use your card. But if you don’t pay off your balance in full, the interest could end up costing you more than the rewards are worth.
And while it might be tempting to max out your spending to build up those rewards points, that can go against you. Hitting your credit limit too often can lower your credit score. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 30% of the credit available to you.
You also risk going over your credit limit, which could mean:
- Extra charges
- Your credit limit is reduced
- You’re charged a higher APR
- You lose interest-free offers on your card
- You damage your credit rating.
Alternatives to reward credit cards
Rewards cards aren’t for everyone, especially if you struggle to pay off your credit card bill each month. Instead, a 0% balance transfer or 0% purchase card might be a better fit:
- 0% balance transfer cards let you switch debt from one credit card to another with no interest to pay for a set time. This could give you more breathing room to reduce your debt without building up more interest. Watch out for any transfer fees and make at least the minimum payment each month, or you could lose the interest-free benefit.
- 0% purchase credit cards are useful for buying big-ticket items as you can spread the cost of payment. If you’ve cleared the debt by the end of the 0% period, you won’t pay any interest.
If you’re abroad, you could face high interest and charges for using your rewards credit card outside the UK.
- Specialist travel cards typically won’t charge fees if you’re overseas. Those that do charge tend to have low fees.
Use our comprehensive guide to help you decide which credit card is best for you.
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Bear in mind... Remember, there are risks with using any credit card. These include borrowing more than you can pay back, harming your credit score by not making payments on time, being charged for late payments and paying interest. |
How many rewards credit cards can I have?
Technically, there’s no limit. But before you start bulking up your wallet, keep in mind:
- Every application you make leaves a footprint on your credit record – apply for too many cards, especially in a short space of time, and lenders may assume you’re desperate for money.
- Too much available credit can also impact your score – even if you’re not maxing out your cards, having a lot of available credit can make lenders cautious.
When you compare with Compare the Market, we show you the rewards cards you’re likely to be accepted for. That way you can see what’s available without damaging your credit record.
What’s the best points credit card?
If you’re looking for the best rewards credit card deals, it pays to do your research as offers change all the time.
Use our simple comparison tool to find the right rewards card for you.
Compare nowCompare 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get bonus points from a new card?
Yes, some cashback cards have introductory offers that include a welcome bonus.
If I use a reward card, are my purchases protected by Section 75?
Some purchases made using a credit card are protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. That means if something goes wrong, like a company going bust or a product not turning up, you could get your money back.
But this isn’t always guaranteed. It depends on the situation, along with the supplier’s terms and conditions, the Mastercard or Visa scheme rules and the card issuer.
Can I transfer a balance to a rewards credit card?
In theory, you could transfer a balance to a rewards credit card, but why would you? You won’t get any points on balance transfers and you’ll need to pay a balance transfer fee, as well as interest on the balance.
If you want to do this, you’re better off moving it to a 0% balance transfer credit card instead.
How can I see the balance on my rewards card?
If you want to see your rewards card balance, you can check:
- Your lender’s app
- Your online account
- Your balance card statements.
Most credit cards let you manage your account online, making it easier to organise your finances.
How do rewards cards make money?
As well as earning money from fees and interest, credit card providers get a small commission from retailers.
What additional charges come with my rewards card?
Some credit cards – particularly those with better rewards – come with extra charges in the form of large annual fees.
As with any type of credit card, you may also be charged other fees, including:
- A cash advance fee for withdrawing cash from an ATM using your credit card
- A returned payment fee if your payment bounces.
Is there a difference between Mastercard, Visa and American Express (Amex)?
Mastercard and Visa are payment processors. They don’t issue cards, but their networks handle payments made with them. American Express issues cards, as well as processing payments. Here in the UK, more people use Mastercard and Visa than Amex, which many stores don’t accept.
What are premium rewards cards?
Premium credit cards – sometimes known as black or gold cards – are given to higher spenders. They usually incur higher annual fees, but dish out bigger rewards too.
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