There is no doubt that in today’s world, most things involve plastic. But what if your plastic could do more than just pay bills?
In the UK, rewards credit cards can turn your everyday spending into serious savings!
This blog will unveil the crème de la crème of rewards cards, offering everything from cashback on your commute to air miles for your next adventure. Buckle up and get ready to transform your swipes into sweet rewards!
First Thing First, What are the Types of Credit Cards in the UK ?
But not all credit cards are created equal! In the UK, there are different types to choose from, each with its own perks and purposes. Here’s a quick rundown to help you find the perfect plastic pal:
- Rewards Cards: These cards give you goodies like cash back or points for your everyday spending. Like getting a discount on your groceries or earning points towards a free flight!
- Balance Transfer Cards: Got a credit card with a high interest rate? These cards let you move that debt to a new card with a lower interest rate for a while, giving you some breathing room to pay it off.
- Low Rate Cards: If you’re a responsible spender who pays your balance in full each month, these cards offer a lower interest rate on purchases. Like paying less for borrowing the money in the first place.
- Purchase Cards: These are your basic credit cards, good for everyday purchases. No fancy rewards, but no surprises either.
- Travel Cards: Travel bugs rejoice! These cards offer special perks for globetrotters, like airport lounge access or travel insurance.
- Money Transfer Cards: Need some cash fast? These cards let you transfer money directly from your credit card to your bank account, but beware, the interest rates can be high.
This is just a starting point, so stay tuned! We’ll dive deeper into the world of rewards cards next to help you find the perfect one to turn your spending into sweet savings!
Explore the Best Credit Cards for Rewards UK
Here is the quick checklist for best credit cards for rewards UK for you:-
1.Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday Card: This card offers a flat 0.5% cashback on all your purchases, with no spending limits or categories. It also comes with a range of travel insurance benefits, making it a well-rounded option for everyday spenders.
2.Tesco Clubcard Credit Card: If you’re a loyal Tesco shopper, this card is a no-brainer. You’ll earn Clubcard points on your groceries and other Tesco purchases, which can be redeemed for money off your shopping or vouchers for days out and restaurants.
3.Virgin Atlantic Rewards Credit Card: Calling all travel enthusiasts! This card lets you earn Virgin Points on your everyday spending, which can be used to book flights, holidays, and upgrades with Virgin Atlantic and partner airlines. You’ll also get access to exclusive offers and discounts.
4.Sainsbury’s Nectar Credit Card: This card is a great option for those who shop regularly at Sainsbury’s and other Nectar partner stores. You’ll earn Nectar points on your spending, which can be redeemed for money off your shopping, cinema tickets, and more.
5.American Express Rewards Card: This card offers a variety of reward options, so you can choose how you want to earn and redeem your points. You can earn points on everyday purchases, travel, and entertainment, and then redeem them for statement credits, gift cards, or even flights.
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All you need to remember is that the best rewards card for you will depend on your individual spending habits and priorities. Consider what you spend the most on and what kind of rewards you’re interested in before making a decision.
What are the Benefits of Credit Cards for Rewards?
Credit cards with rewards can be like little money-makers in your pocket! Here’s why:
- Free Money Back: Imagine getting a small discount on everything you buy. Rewards cards give you cashback, points, or miles for your everyday spending. This is basically free money you can earn for things you were already going to purchase!
- Travel Rewards: Love to travel? Some cards offer miles you can use for flights, hotel stays, or even car rentals. This can help you save a ton of money on your next adventure.
- Perks for Everyday Spending: Many rewards cards offer bonus points or cashback on certain categories like groceries, gas, or dining out. So, you can earn extra rewards for the things you already buy regularly.
- Bonus Offers: Some cards come with welcome bonuses or introductory offers where you can earn a big chunk of points or cashback after spending a certain amount in the first few months. This is a great way to jumpstart your rewards journey!
- Travel Insurance and Other Benefits: Many rewards cards offer additional perks like travel insurance, purchase protection, or extended warranties. These can provide valuable peace of mind and extra protection for your purchases.
Follow these Tips to Turn Your Rewards into a Real Money-Saver
Reward cards can be awesome, but using them wisely is key! Here’s how to maximize your rewards and avoid any pitfalls:
- Automatic Payments are Your Friend: Set up a direct debit to automatically pay your balance in full each month. This ensures you never get hit with interest charges, keeping all those rewards you earn!
- Cash is Off-Limits: Using your rewards card for cash advances or ATM withdrawals is a bad idea. These often come with high fees and immediate interest charges, wiping out any reward benefits.
- Focus on Low-Interest Options: If you tend to carry a balance, consider switching to a 0% interest credit card for purchases or balance transfers. These can give you a grace period to pay off debt without racking up interest. Standard cards with lower interest rates might also be a better fit.
- Everyday Purchases = Rewards: Use your rewards card for your regular spending, like groceries, bills, or gas. This way, you rack up points or cashback on everything you were already buying.
- Energy Bill Bonus: With energy bills on the rise, using your rewards card to pay them can be a smart way to earn something back while covering your essential costs.
- American Express Heads Up: Not all stores accept American Express, so check before you swipe! A workaround is adding your card to PayPal for online purchases, but this might affect some buyer protection rights. Luckily, PayPal has its own buyer protection measures.
Final Words
So, there you have it! With a bit of planning and the right rewards card, you can turn your everyday spending into serious savings. Most importantly, the key is to find a card that matches your spending habits and goals. Whether you’re a cashback champion, a travel enthusiast, or a supermarket superstar, there’s a rewards card out there waiting to make your plastic fantastic!
But don’t forget the golden rule: Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and keep all those hard-earned rewards. Happy swiping!
