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A rewards credit card lets you earn something back when you spend. Each purchase can bag you points, cashback or air miles to bring down future costs.
If you use a rewards card for your everyday purchases, those rewards can really start to build up. And once you’ve collected enough points or spent enough to qualify for a reward, you’re ready to redeem.
Depending on the type of card you go for, the reward could be anything from cash off your weekly shop to a free or cheaper flight.
Sadly, rewards don’t mean free money. You still need to pay back what you’ve spent, like you do with any credit card. If you don’t pay your balance in full then interest may reduce the value of any rewards you’ve earned.
Rewards credit cards don’t all give back the same thing. Each type offers a different kind of reward depending on where and how you spend.
Picking the right card depends on what you value most - so here are some of the most popular rewards cards out there:
This type of card lets you earn points towards flights or related perks. The more you spend, the more air miles you collect. You can then use them for flights or to upgrade your ticket to business or first class. If you’re a frequent traveller, this type of card could get you around for less.
With a cashback card, you get a small percentage of your spending back as cash. It’s usually added to your account at the end of the month, although some give it back annually. This reward is simple and flexible as you can spend the bonus cash however you like, including to reduce your outstanding balance.
Earn points when you shop with a specific supermarket and turn them into vouchers or discounts to bring down the cost of your food shop. It works best if you already shop with a specific chain, such as Sainsbury’s or Tesco.
These cards link to a specific retailer – think IKEA or John Lewis. You earn rewards or discounts when you spend with the store card. Some shops also offer special cardholder deals or early access to sales.
If you love a holiday, this type of card helps you earn points to use on hotel stays, travel upgrades or perks like late check-outs.
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Pick a card that suits you and apply - your chosen provider will then run a hard credit check to asses your suitability for that card
The right card should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. Think about your existing habits and what you want as a reward for your spending.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Where do you spend most often? If you mainly shop at one supermarket or travel frequently, a card linked to that could offer better rewards
How do you want to use the rewards? Cash? Flights? Hotel stays? Shopping vouchers? Different rewards suit different goals so think about what’s best for you
How much do you plan to spend on the card? Bigger spenders may earn rewards faster, but don’t spend beyond your means. No reward is worth taking on significant debt
Is there a fee? Some rewards cards charge a fee, so make sure the rewards outweigh any monthly or annual cost
How do you manage repayments? If you don’t clear your balance in full every month, interest could cancel out the value of the reward
How flexible are the rewards? Some points only work with one brand or in one place while some may expire. Check the terms suit your lifestyle
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It shows the yearly cost of borrowing on a credit card, including interest and most fees.
The higher the APR, the more it costs to borrow. But if you pay your balance in full each month, you shouldn’t pay any interest. If that sounds like you, the APR may not matter as much.
If you tend to carry a balance over each month, the APR gives you a clear idea of what that debt could cost you.
If you think a rewards card is right for you, the next thing you need to do is apply for one.
Just like with a standard credit card, getting approved is not a guarantee. Lenders look at how you manage money and credit through your credit profile.
Thankfully, you can follow a few steps to help improve your approval chances:
Check your credit score - a higher score can make approval more likely
Pay bills on time - a steady, clean payment history shows a lender you can manage debt well
Keep existing balances low – high levels of debt across different credit accounts can be a red flag
Limit new applications – too many credit checks in a short space of time can harm your score
Make sure your details are up to date - being on the electoral roll and having accurate information during your application helps verify your identity
A credit check lets a lender look at your credit history to see how you’ve managed borrowing in the past. It helps them to decide if they should offer you credit, and the terms of any approved agreement. A credit check can look at past payments, existing debts and your current credit score.
Some rewards like points or air miles tend to have expiry dates. It depends on the specific card’s rules though - so check the terms and ask the lender if you’re unsure.
Using a rewards credit card responsibly could help your score. Missing payments, building up debt or making several applications at once could harm it.
Most rewards like cashback or points aren’t usually taxable. But specific schemes may differ, so check the card’s terms or contact HMRC if you’re unsure.
Page last reviewed: 12/12/2025
Reviewed by: Nicola Morgan