Five of the best Credit Card Reward Schemes

More than two-thirds of UK adults have a credit card – but how many are actually reaping the benefits and rewards available to them? Different credit cards will offer customers different perks and by strategically using your rewards, you can maximise your savings and enjoy a range of benefits tailored to your spending habits. In this article, we introduce five of the best credit card rewards programmes that could provide opportunities to save money and earn valuable perks.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

This card is perfect for those who love to travel. It offers one point for every £1 spent, two points for purchases directly with an airline, and three points for American Express Travel purchases. The welcome offer includes up to 30,000 membership rewards points when you spend £3,000 in your first three months. Cardholders also enjoy comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and rental car coverage. Points can be redeemed in exchange for discounted or free flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping. For example, you can redeem 20,000 points for a £100 statement credit or 30,000 points for a round-trip flight within Europe. With its high earn rate on travel purchases and valuable travel benefits, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is a top choice for frequent travellers looking to maximise their rewards and enjoy a premium travel experience. The annual fee is £195, but it’s waived for the first year.

John Lewis Partnership Credit Card

Ideal for supermarket shopping, this card offers double points (10 points for every £4 spent) on eligible spending at John Lewis and Waitrose in the first 60 days from account opening. After that, you earn five points for every £4 spent at John Lewis and Waitrose and one point for every £4 spent elsewhere. For every 500 points you earn, you can receive a £5 voucher that can be redeemed at John Lewis and Waitrose, as well as other retailers. For every 1,000 points earned, you can treat yourself to a free bottle of wine worth £10 at Waitrose. 2,500 points could be used to buy a new dress or shirt for £25 at John Lewis. 10,000 points could get you £100 off your big grocery shop or be used towards the cost of getting a new mobile phone or television. With its strong earn rate on supermarket purchases, the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card is an excellent choice for those looking to maximise their rewards while shopping for groceries. The card has no annual fee.

American Express Platinum Cashback Credit Card

This card is great for cashback enthusiasts. It offers up to five percent cashback on purchases in the first three months, up to £125. After that, you earn one percent cashback on purchases up to £10,000 annually and 1.25% cashback on purchases over £10,000. You can spend the cashback on anything you like, as it is credited directly to your account. For example, if you earn £100 in cashback, it will be deducted from your credit card balance. The card also provides access to exclusive events and experiences through the American Express Invites programme. Cardholders can enjoy other perks such as purchase protection, which covers eligible items against theft or damage for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. The card also offers refund protection, which allows you to return eligible items within 90 days for a refund, even if the retailer won’t accept it. With its high cashback rate and valuable perks, the American Express Platinum Cashback Credit Card is a top choice for those looking to earn cashback on their everyday spending. The annual fee is £25.

HSBC Rewards Credit Card

This card is perfect for those who want a low annual fee and great rewards. It offers 10 points for every £1 spent on your card at select retailers and one point for every £5 spent elsewhere. You can spend the points on travel, merchandise, and statement credits. For example, you can redeem 10,000 points for a £50 statement credit or 20,000 points for a £100 voucher. Additionally, points can be used for gift cards, dining experiences, and even charitable donations. Cardholders also benefit from comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and rental car coverage. With its strong earn rate on everyday purchases and valuable rewards, the HSBC Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for those looking to maximise their rewards without paying an annual fee.

Hilton Honors Debit Card

With 201 hotels in the UK and more than 6,500 hotels in over 119 countries around the world, Hilton is a global standard bearer for consistent quality in the hospitality sector. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, Hilton guarantees a comfortable stay, and their Hilton Honors Debit Card provides ample benefits to loyal guests. This card offers Hilton Honors points for every £1 spent with points redeemable for free nights at Hilton hotels, room upgrades, and other hotel perks. You can redeem 10,000 points for a free night at a Hilton hotel or 5,000 points for a room upgrade. Cardholders also enjoy benefits such as complimentary breakfast, late check-out, and access to exclusive events. With its strong earn rate on hotel stays and valuable hotel perks, the Hilton Honors Debit Card is a top choice for those looking to maximise their rewards while staying at Hilton hotels. The card has no annual fee.