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Rewards credit cards

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What is a rewards credit card?

A rewards credit card offers incentives, such as cashback, air miles or loyalty points. The more you spend, the more you can earn – and some cards might even give you access to exclusive deals.

Be careful of the interest rate though, if you aren't able to clear off your balance each month. MoneySuperMarket data from the past 3 months shows that the average representative APR for rewards credit cards is 33.4%^ - the highest of all the card types.

Because it can be tricky to work out which card is best for you, MoneySuperMarket compares cards in a quick and easy way to show you the deals that suit your needs – and how likely you are to be accepted if you apply.

How do they work?

Make card purchases: Use the rewards credit card for your daily purchases and try to pay it off on time and in full every month. Check the terms and conditions because if you miss any payments you may lose your rewards

Build up rewards: The more you spend, the more you accrue points, cashback or other sweeteners, such as air miles. Depending on the card, you may also be awarded more rewards for shopping at certain retailers

Spend your rewards: The specific rewards you receive depend on the type of rewards card you apply for. It could be cashback that reduces your credit card balance. Or the points might be used for free flights or vouchers

Most users see cards they’re likely to be accepted for
70%^

of MoneySuperMarket users could apply with confidence after being pre-approved for a rewards credit card.

Average guaranteed credit limit of
£1200^

for MoneySuperMarket users searching for a rewards card.

Enjoy holiday rewards with a NatWest Travel Reward card

  • Earn rewards on your eligible travel and everyday spending, with no annual fee

  • Choose either 1% rewards on certain travel-related spending or 0.1% cashback on spending elsewhere

  • No foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad

  • Representative 27.9% APR

Foreign transaction fees will still apply if you take money out of cash machines abroad or get a cash advance. You may also pay local fees.

natwest logo

What are the different types of rewards credit cards?

There's a broad range of rewards credit cards on offer, but they come in three basic types:

  • coin-Gradient-50

    Cashback

    Every time you spend money on your plastic, cashback cards give you up to 15% back at selected retailers.

  • Points

    Accrue loyalty points to redeem at selected retailers, including high-street brands, online retailers, and supermarkets.

  • Icon-Travel-icon

    Airline

    Using an air miles credit card builds up points you can redeem for flights, hotel rooms and car hire. These can be a great option for frequent travellers, but the cards are often linked to specific airlines

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a rewards credit card?

A rewards credit card can give an extra boost to your spending when used correctly, but there are some potential drawbacks to watch out for:

  • Pros

    • You can earn free rewards for your everyday spending 

    • Introductory rewards can be quite lucrative 

    • There’s usually a choice of rewards, from cashback to air miles depending on the card 



  • Cons

    • Some rewards credit cards come with a high monthly or annual fee 

    • You may be forced to shop at certain retailers to take advantage of the rewards 

    • You could lose the rewards if you miss a credit card repayment 



How do I choose the best rewards card?

With so many to choose from it can be hard to work out which is best for you. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Seek the best return

    Rewards cards can pay cashback or give you points. For example, cashback is typically from 1% to 5% or more. A points card might give you one point for every £10 you spend. But check to see what a point is worth 

  • Look for the lowest fees

    Keep in mind that some rewards cards charge an annual fee. Be confident your spending will earn enough cashback and rewards to justify the cost. If you’re unsure, go for a low or no-fee rewards card

  • Choose rewards you’ll use

    Points cards only give vouchers for specific stores – so make sure it fits your shopping habits. Likewise, airline rewards cards only offer deals on selected air carriers and hotels, so make sure it’s one you’re happy to use

  • Check the small print

    Is there an introductory rewards period that will end after a few months? When will you get your reward? Some cards pay out monthly, while others make you wait until the end of the year. Check the terms before applying

Our expert says…

Rewards credit cards can pay you cashback for your normal spending, or you let you earn points or vouchers instead. But the critical thing is to find a card that pays out a reward you'll actually use.

There’s no point choosing one which pays in air miles if you don’t intend to use them, for example. You also need to watch out for annual fees and extra charges, such as the interest rate applied if you don’t clear the card in full.

Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Compare rewards credit cards with MoneySupermarket

If you've decided that a rewards card is right for you, MoneySuperMarket makes it quick and easy to see which cards you're eligible for and what bonuses they offer. Searching with us won't harm your credit score.

  • Icon of a document

    Tell us about yourself

    We'll ask you a handful of simple questions about you and your financial circumstances, and what you need from a credit card

  • Icon-Search-110x110

    We browse the market

    We'll sift through dozens of credit cards from across the market, and show you the cards we think will suit you best

  • Icon-Cards-110x110

    Pick the card you want

    You'll be shown a range of credit cards, which you'll be able to sort according to APR, features and your chances of being approved

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Which credit card has the best rewards programme?

There’s no single best rewards card as rewards can vary significantly between card issuers and providers.

American Express is known for offering robust rewards programs, including valuable points and access to exclusive events. Mastercard provides a wide range of rewards, often including discounts on travel and dining. Visa also offers diverse rewards, focusing on global acceptance and providing cardholders with various point redemption options, including cashback and travel.

Each issuer may have unique partnerships and offers, so it's important to compare the specific benefits and rewards programs of each to find the best fit for your spending habits and preferences. What's best for you depends on what kind of bonuses you’re after, and what credit limit or APR works best for you.

Providers are always making new offers, and new rewards cards with different perks regularly hit the market. Your best bet is to compare rewards cards to see what options are available to you, and then see which one you like the best. 

How many rewards credit cards can I have?

There is nothing to stop you from applying for as many reward credit cards as you like, but each may come with a fee. You should be confident you will spend enough and earn enough rewards to justify this fee. Multiple applications for credit cards can also have a negative impact on your credit rating.

Is a rewards card right for me?

A rewards credit card could be right for you if you are able to use the card responsibly and pay off the balance on time and in full every month. If that is the case, then you don’t need to change your spending habits and the rewards will just become a handy bonus to your regular credit card use.

The type of rewards credit card that will be most suited to you depends on how you use the card. If you use it frequently for a high level of everyday spending, a rewards card that pays bigger perks, such as points or cashback, is worth considering – even if there is an annual fee. In addition, a rewards credit card linked to a particular retailer could prove even more valuable if you already shop there regularly.

If you won’t be using the card as much, then it may be better to opt for a rewards card with no annual fee, as you might not earn enough rewards to justify paying the fee.

Only ever pick a rewards card where the rewards are useful for you. For example, an air miles card won’t be helpful if you don’t fly with the specific airline it is linked to.

Finally, if you struggle to clear your credit card balance every month, a rewards card may not be for you because they often come with higher interest rates for outstanding balances. Instead look for a low or 0% interest credit card.

What can I spend my credit card points on?

Credit card points can typically be spent on a variety of rewards such as travel, flights, hotel bookings, merchandise, gift cards, cashback, or even charity donations.

The specific options available to redeem credit card points will vary depending on the credit card provider and their rewards programme.

Do rewards points expire?

Rewards points may expire, depending on the card issuer’s policy. For example, Amex rewards points typically don’t expire as long as your account is in good standing, while other issuers may have different rules. It’s important to check your card’s terms and conditions to understand any expiration policies.

Redeeming points promptly can help you maximise their value. Additionally, some programs may offer bonus points for frequent use, so regularly using your rewards credit card for routine expenses can help you avoid losing any potential benefits and make the most of your rewards.

Can I get a rewards card with bad credit?

Having a low credit score can make it difficult to be accepted for some credit cards and loans. It could still be possible to get a rewards credit card – but your options are likely to be more limited and you might not have access to the best deals.

Your APR is also likely to be higher and your credit limit lower. An alterntative could be a credit card for bad credit, which is designed for people who have poor scores. If used responsibly, then over time you will start to see your score increase and then you will be more likely to be eligible for cards with rewards

What is the difference between a cashback and a rewards credit card?

Cashback credit cards and rewards credit cards offer different benefits. Cashback credit cards give you a percentage of your spending back as cash, providing immediate savings on routine expenses. These cards often include additional perks such as discounts on specific categories.

On the other hand, rewards credit cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or discounts. While cashback credit cards are ideal for straightforward savings, rewards cards offer flexibility in redeeming points for various rewards, including bonus points for certain spending milestones or categories.

Credit card deals comparison

If you’re applying for a credit card, you might be able to find a better deal if you look through offers from different providers before taking one out. With MoneySuperMarket you’ll be able to search through multiple credit card deals and compare them by a range of factors, including their interest rates and any benefits and rewards they come with.

All you need to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your financial situation, and our Eligibility Checker will show your chances of being accepted for different credit cards. This won’t affect your credit score, so you can run a check without any worries.

Once you know which card you want, you can normally apply by phone, online, or in person if the provider has a high street branch. However, when you do apply, the provider will usually run a hard credit check – which will show up on your credit report – to confirm whether they’ll give you the card. If you’re accepted they’ll tell you your credit limit and interest rate, and soon you’ll be ready to start using your credit card.

How we work

MoneySuperMarket gives you lots of clever ways to save a lot, by doing very little.

  • Take control of your credit score by checking and improving it for free with Credit Score

  • Never overpay again with Energy Monitor, our energy monitoring service

  • Earn rewards of up to £130 per year when you make a qualifying purchase with SuperSaveClub

So how do we make our money? In a nutshell, when you use us to buy a product, we get a reward from the company you’re buying from.

But you might have other questions. Do we provide access to all the companies operating in a given market? Do we have commercial relationships or ownership ties that might make us feature one company above another?

We commit to providing you with clear and informative answers on all points such as this, so we have gathered the relevant information on this page.

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025 by

Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, to earn rewards on their spending through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.

Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards to earn rewards on their spending through MoneySuperMarket in November 2025, by the highest eligibility rating returned.

Based on the credit card enquirys with the aim to earn rewards on their spending through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.