15 Best Credit Cards in 2025: Compare Rewards & Cashback
- Eliza Slavova
- 22 hours ago
- 23 min read
Credit cards in 2024 can put hundreds of pounds back in your pocket each year. Of course, you'll need to pay off your balance in full each month to make this work.
Credit card companies compete hard for your attention, yet not all reward programs give you the same value. American Express stands out with an impressive 80% customer satisfaction score, making it a recommended provider for 2025. Tesco Bank comes in close at 79%, while Zopa and Santander show strong performance at 77% and 76%.
The American Express Cashback Everyday might be your best bet for cashback rewards. It offers an attractive 5% cashback during your first five months (up to £125) when you spend £3,000 yearly. The Barclaycard Rewards credit card gives you 0.25% cashback on all retail spending and charges no fees for overseas transactions.
You can earn points for every £1 spent with the best rewards credit card programs. These points turn into free flights, shopping vouchers, and other perks. Many cashback credit cards have higher APRs, so paying your balance in full is vital to avoid interest charges that could wipe out your rewards.
Let's get into the 15 best credit cards for 2025 in this piece. We'll compare everything from interest-free credit cards to the UK's best bank credit cards and find the perfect match for your spending style.
Image Source: Money Saving Expert
"The Blue Cash Everyday is one of the most competitive cash back cards on the market thanks to its impressive rewards rates in multiple everyday spending categories — a rare find on a no-annual-fee card." — Bankrate Editorial Team, Financial product review experts at Bankrate
The American Express Cashback Everyday Card ranks among the best cashback credit cards in the UK market. This card comes with no fees and rewards you well for everyday spending. You'll find it most useful when you use credit cards for daily purchases.
American Express Cashback Everyday Card features
The card's best feature is a welcome bonus that gives you 5% cashback on purchases in your first five months, up to £125. After this period, you'll get 0.5% cashback when you spend up to £10,000 in your membership year. Spend more than £10,000 and you'll earn 1% cashback.
The card also has these valuable extras:
Travel accident insurance (you need to enroll first)
Access to American Express Offers from retail and travel partners
Plan It™ lets you split purchases over £100 into monthly payments with a fixed fee
American Express Experiences gives you access to exclusive events
Extra cards at no cost for your family members
American Express Cashback Everyday Card pros and cons
Pros:
No yearly fees, unlike other cashback cards
High 5% cashback rate when you start
No limit on cashback after the welcome period
Higher rewards for spending more
Extra perks for lifestyle and shopping
Cons:
You must spend £3,000 yearly to earn any cashback
No welcome bonus if you've had any personal Amex card in the last 24 months
Fewer places accept American Express compared to Mastercard or Visa
A high representative APR of 30.0%
American Express Cashback Everyday Card pricing
You won't pay any yearly fee, but the card has a representative APR of 30.0% variable. The card gives you up to 56 days interest-free on purchases if you pay your full balance monthly. Late payments cost £12.
The card rounds down your cashback to the nearest penny based on purchase amounts. You'll get your cashback once a year as a credit to your account.
Best use case for American Express Cashback Everyday Card
This card works best if you spend enough to meet the £3,000 yearly minimum. You'll get even more value when you spend over £10,000 yearly to reach the higher 1% cashback rate.
The card makes sense if you plan big purchases in your first five months to get the most from the 5% welcome bonus. All the same, you should pay your balance in full each month. Interest charges will eat up your cashback earnings if you don't.
Image Source: Barclays
The Barclaycard Rewards Card stands out as a straightforward option among best credit cards 2024 that combines cashback with fee-free foreign spending.
Barclaycard Rewards Card features
You'll earn 0.25% cashback on eligible purchases with this card. The cashback gets credited to your statement yearly or whenever you ask for it. The card shines during international travel with zero foreign transaction fees and ATM charges. Visa's competitive exchange rates make it even better.
Additional features include:
Purchase protection on items over £100 (standard on UK credit cards)
Access to Barclaycard Entertainment that gives you discounts on selected live events
24/7 fraud protection monitoring
A free additional cardholder option
Four free Apple subscriptions lasting up to 5 months (welcome bonus)
Barclaycard Rewards Card pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Easy-to-understand 0.25% cashback structure on most purchases
Zero foreign transaction fees on purchases and cash withdrawals
No interest charges on overseas cash withdrawals (when paid in full)
Extra cashback up to 15% at participating retailers
Cons:
Other cards offer better cashback rates
APR runs high at 28.9% representative variable
You need £20,000 minimum annual income
The card lacks 0% interest periods on purchases or balance transfers
Barclaycard Rewards Card pricing
The card comes without an annual fee but carries a representative 28.9% APR (variable). Late payments cost you £12. Balance transfer fees vary based on acceptance. The card gives up to 56 days interest-free credit on purchases if you pay the full amount.
Best use case for Barclaycard Rewards Card
Regular travelers will find great value in this card. It offers both cashback and fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad. The card works best if you're strict with payments since interest charges would eat up your cashback earnings.
The card also suits everyday spenders who like simple rewards without complex points systems or yearly fees. The 0.25% cashback might not top the market, but the travel perks make this a solid choice if you travel overseas often.
Image Source: American Express
"Starter travel rewards cards like the Amex EveryDay Credit Card have the power to show beginners what they can do with some strategic card spending." — The Points Guy Editorial Team, Travel rewards and credit card experts at The Points Guy
The Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card stands out among best rewards credit cards in 2025. This versatile card strikes a perfect balance between luxury perks and reasonable costs.
Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card features
The card rewards you with points based on your spending:
1 point per £1 on standard purchases
2 points per £1 on airline bookings and foreign currency spending
3 points per £1 when booking through American Express Travel
The card comes with four complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge visits each year. Members can access more than 1,300 lounges worldwide. Cardholders get £120 annual Deliveroo credit split into monthly £10 credits (two £5 credits). The Hotel Collection bookings of two consecutive nights come with a £79.42 credit and possible room upgrades.
Your spending earns you extra rewards. You get 2,500 bonus points for every £5,000 spent in a year, up to 12,500 points at £25,000 spending. This brings your earning rate up to 1.5 points per £1.
Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee for the first year
Welcome bonus of 20,000-30,000 points (spend £3,000 in three months)
Points transfer to multiple airline and hotel programs
Four airport lounge visits per year
£120 annual Deliveroo credit
Cons:
Fewer merchants accept American Express compared to Visa/Mastercard
Representative APR of 87.8% variable after first year
Personal income must be at least £20,000
Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card pricing
Your first year with the card is free. After that, you pay £195 yearly. Each point's value ranges from 0.5p to 2p based on how you redeem them. The representative APR is 87.8% variable.
Best use case for Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card
Regular travelers will love the lounge passes and hotel perks this card offers. The card works great for Deliveroo customers who can use the full £120 yearly credit. Big spenders get the most value—spending £25,000 per year gets you maximum bonus points. This makes the card perfect for people who prefer flexible rewards instead of simple cashback.
Image Source: Head for Points
The Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card works as a payment method and loyalty card. Regular Tesco shoppers can maximize their best credit card rewards with this card.
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card features
You'll collect Clubcard points at a higher rate with this dual-purpose card compared to the standard Clubcard alone. Here's what you earn:
5 points for every £4 spent at Tesco (versus 4 points with a standard Clubcard)
1 point for every £4 spent on Tesco fuel plus 1 point per liter (compared to 1 point per 2 liters with standard Clubcard)
1 point for every £8 spent outside Tesco
These points turn into vouchers (£1 for every 100 points). You can spend them on groceries, fuel, or double their value with over 100+ Tesco Reward Partners.
The card serves as your Clubcard too. A simple tap activates your Clubcard benefits, and another tap completes your payment.
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
One card replaces both your credit and Clubcard
Points stay valid for two years
Virgin Points conversion at 1:2.5 ratio
Mastercard acceptance everywhere
Cons:
Foreign exchange fee of 2.75% hits transactions in foreign currencies
Cash withdrawals cost 3.99% (minimum £3)
Representative APR stands at 24.9% variable
Points earned outside Tesco lag behind competitor cards
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card pricing
The standard card comes with a representative 24.9% APR variable. Other fees include:
Balance transfer fee: 3.99%
Money transfer fee: 3.99%
Cash transaction fee: 3.99%
Late payment fee: £12
The card stands out by not charging an over-limit fee, unlike its competitors.
Best use case for Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card
Regular Tesco shoppers can get the most value from this card. A £5,344 annual spend could earn you £53 in Clubcard vouchers or £106 with Reward Partners.
The card shines for people who want flexible rewards. You can use points with Virgin Atlantic, Hotels.com, Hilton, and several restaurant partners.
This card works best for people who want a simple rewards system without annual fees. Tesco shoppers will benefit the most from this card.
Image Source: Head for Points
The Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card connects directly to the popular Nectar loyalty program. Cardholders can earn extra points not just on groceries but also from many UK retailers.
Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card features
This best rewards credit card stands out because of its generous point system:
2 Nectar points for every £1 spent at Sainsbury's, Argos, and Habitat
1 Nectar point for every £5 spent elsewhere
3 Nectar points per £1 spent on Sainsbury's branded fuel
Your points stay valid as long as you keep your card active. You can turn these points into rewards such as money off your Sainsbury's shopping (500 points = £2.50), or use them with partners like Argos, eBay, and Vue Cinemas.
Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Points stay valid while your account is active
Extra earning options through Nectar partnerships
Possible 0% interest periods on purchases (varies by offer)
Mastercard acceptance makes it accessible to more people
Cons:
2.95% fee on non-sterling purchases
3% cash withdrawal fee (minimum £3)
Representative APR of 21.9% variable
Lower earning rates outside Sainsbury's brands
You need good credit history to get approved
Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card pricing
The card comes with a representative 21.9% APR variable and no annual fee. Additional fees include:
Balance transfer fee: 3% (minimum £3)
Money transfer fee: 4% (minimum £4)
Late payment fee: £12
Over limit fee: £12
Best use case for Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card
Regular Sainsbury's shoppers get the most value from this card. To name just one example, see how £5,000 yearly spending at Sainsbury's earns 10,000 Nectar points, giving you £50 in shopping rewards.
The card benefits people who shop at Nectar partners like Argos, eBay, and Habitat. Special promotional offers can boost your point earnings, so timing big purchases during these periods makes sense.
The Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card ended up being perfect as an everyday spending card for people who love shopping at Sainsbury's, rather than those looking for the highest cashback rates from different retailers.
Image Source: Wallet Savvy
Zopa Credit Card goes beyond regular banking services. The card brings a modern approach to personal finance with excellent customer service. These qualities helped Zopa win the "Best Credit Card Provider" title at the British Bank Awards 2021 and 2024.
Zopa Credit Card features
The card shines through its user-friendly mobile app. You can do several things easily:
See your PIN right away without calling support
Get your statements with a few taps
See all your spending patterns in one view
Get notifications about payments and balance updates instantly
The unique "Credit Cushion" feature helps you save some credit for emergencies. You can create your own safety net without touching your main credit line.
Zopa Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
No yearly or monthly fees
No fees for using abroad
Customer service team has won awards
Works with Google Pay for tap payments
Easy-to-use app
Cons:
High APR at 34.9% variable
£3 fee each time you withdraw cash
£12 penalty if you pay late
Starting credit limits are low (£200-£1,200)
Apple Pay doesn't work yet
Zopa Credit Card pricing
The card has a 34.9% APR variable based on a £1,200 credit limit. You won't pay yearly fees, but late payments cost £12 and cash withdrawals cost £3 each.
Your starting credit limit will be between £200 and £1,200 based on your finances. Some customers say their limits haven't gone up even after using the card responsibly.
Best use case for Zopa Credit Card
The card works great if you travel abroad since there are no foreign transaction fees. People who like managing money through apps will find it useful too.
The high APR means this card works best if you pay your balance in full monthly. You'll avoid interest charges that could wipe out the benefits. The app helps budget-conscious people track their spending patterns easily.
Image Source: Money Saving Expert
The Lloyds Bank Cashback Credit Card stands out with its simplicity. This straightforward option ranks among the best cashback credit cards with a clear approach to rewards.
Lloyds Bank Cashback Credit Card features
You'll earn a flat 0.25% cashback rate on all eligible purchases. The earning structure applies to all spending without complicated tiers or bonus categories. Your earned cashback shows up on monthly statements and gets credited to your account once a year in January.
Managing your card online lets you check balances, review transactions, and make payments through your computer or mobile device. The card will give a complete fraud protection guarantee, so you won't pay for unauthorized transactions when you report suspicious activity quickly.
Lloyds Bank Cashback Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
No monthly account fee
Simple, transparent cashback structure
Full fraud protection on unauthorized transactions
Contactless payment capability
Online management through website and mobile app
Cons:
Lower cashback rate compared to competitors
Annual payout instead of monthly redemption options
2.95% foreign exchange fee on overseas transactions
Representative 22.9% APR variable
Requires on-time minimum payments to maintain cashback benefits
Lloyds Bank Cashback Credit Card pricing
The card comes with no monthly or annual fee. The representative 22.9% APR varies with the Bank of England Base Rate. Late payments incur a £12 fee. International transactions cost 2.95% extra.
Best use case for Lloyds Bank Cashback Credit Card
This card works best if you have a simple rewards preference without fees. A monthly spend of £2,000 would earn you £5 in cashback, adding up to £60 yearly.
The card fits perfectly when you want predictable rewards without complex structures. Your benefits increase when you pay the balance fully each month because interest charges are nowhere near the cashback earnings. The Visa card acceptance means wider merchant coverage than American Express options.
The Santander All in One Credit Card combines several perks you'd normally need multiple cards to get. This card provides affordable benefits that make it stand out among the best credit cards 2024.
Santander All in One Credit Card features
The card packs four great benefits into one package:
0% interest on purchases for 15 months from account opening
0% interest on balance transfers for 15 months with no balance transfer fee
0.5% cashback (up to £10 a month) on all purchases
No foreign exchange fees on purchases made abroad in local currency
The card also gives you access to Santander Boosts. This program offers customized deals like cashback, vouchers, prize draws, and discounts from retailers you love.
Santander All in One Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
You get multiple benefits in a single card
No fees for balance transfers during the intro period
Pay in local currency abroad with no extra fees
Santander Boosts program rewards you with customized offers
Cons:
The representative APR is high at 29.8% variable
Balance transfers from other Santander or cahoot cards aren't allowed
Your monthly cashback stops at £10
Santander All in One Credit Card pricing
The card costs £3 each month. The representative APR stands at 29.8% (variable) based on a £1,200 credit limit. Cash withdrawals come with a 3% fee (minimum £3). The APR on cash advances jumps to 29.9% from the withdrawal date.
Best use case for Santander All in One Credit Card
We found this card works best for people who want several benefits without managing multiple cards. Frequent travelers who spend abroad will appreciate the foreign purchase benefits and domestic cashback. People looking to transfer credit card balances without fees will find value here too, though the monthly fee adds up over time.
Image Source: M&S Bank
The M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card rewards loyal M&S shoppers with interest-free periods and a simple rewards program. This makes it one of the best rewards credit cards that M&S customers can choose.
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card features
The card comes with 0% interest on purchases for up to 24 months. Customers also get 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 12 months from opening their account with a 3.49% fee (minimum £5).
The rewards structure works like this:
1 M&S Rewards point for every £1 spent at M&S
1 M&S Rewards point for every £5 spent elsewhere
Your points change into M&S vouchers automatically (100 points = £1) and arrive quarterly. The card also gives you up to 55 days of interest-free credit if you pay your balance fully each month.
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
Long 0% interest period on purchases (up to 24 months)
No annual fee
Additional cardholders over age 18 welcome
No cash advance fee on M&S Travel Money purchases
88% of M&S Bank's customers recommend it to friends
Cons:
Better rewards limited to M&S store purchases
Representative APR of 24.9% variable after promotional period
Balance transfers, cash advances, and interest charges don't earn M&S points
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card pricing
The card has a representative 24.9% APR variable based on a £1,200 assumed credit limit. Your actual interest rate and promotional period might change based on your circumstances. APR offers could be 24.9%, 28.9%, or 30.9%.
Best use case for M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card
This card works best for regular M&S shoppers who need to spread their large purchase costs. To name just one example, £100 monthly spending at M&S adds up to 1,200 points yearly, giving you £12 in vouchers.
The card serves M&S customers well, especially those who plan big purchases and want to benefit from both interest-free periods and store rewards.
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The John Lewis Partnership Card stands out as one of the best rewards credit card choices for people who shop regularly at this popular British retailer and Waitrose. The card rewards loyal customers with exclusive store benefits.
John Lewis Partnership Card features
This rewards card helps you earn points on daily purchases that you can turn into John Lewis and Waitrose vouchers. New cardholders get double points—10 points for every £4 spent on qualifying purchases at John Lewis and Waitrose within 60 days of opening their account. The rate changes to 5 points for every £4 spent at these stores and 1 point for every £4 spent elsewhere after this period.
You'll receive a £5 gift voucher automatically when you collect 500 points. The vouchers are sent up to three times each year. You can use these vouchers at any John Lewis or Waitrose store or on their websites.
The card's dedicated mobile app makes account management simple. You can check your points, view balances, and pay bills easily.
John Lewis Partnership Card pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Double points for first 60 days on eligible John Lewis/Waitrose spending
Points stay valid while your account remains active
Digital wallet compatibility with Apple Pay and Google Pay
Secure online chat support
Cons:
2.75% foreign exchange fee on overseas transactions
Late payment fee of £12
Higher 28.9% representative APR
Maximum annual points cap of 100,000
Points valid for only 2 years
John Lewis Partnership Card pricing
The card has a 28.9% APR Representative (variable) and no annual fee. You'll pay a 2.75% fee for cash withdrawals and foreign transactions. Missing payments leads to a £12 fee and credit agencies will be notified.
Best use case for John Lewis Partnership Card
This card works best for regular John Lewis and Waitrose shoppers. The rewards can reach a valuable 3.75% during special "Triple Point" periods. Frequent shoppers can use their vouchers to buy anything from daily groceries to premium homeware.
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The Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card serves as an available entry point into the Flying Club loyalty scheme. It provides substantial value for best rewards credit card enthusiasts without an annual fee.
Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card features
You'll receive a welcome bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points after your first purchase within 90 days. The card lets you collect 0.75 Virgin Points for every £1 on everyday purchases. You also earn double points (1.5 per £1) on spending directly with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. The card's standout feature rewards you with an annual voucher after spending £20,000 within your card year.
This Mastercard stands out from other travel cards by charging no foreign exchange fees on purchases made in Euros, Swedish Kronor, or Romanian Lei. This saves you 3% on European transactions.
Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Fee-free transactions in select European currencies
Annual reward voucher valid for 24 months
Simple app integration with Flying Club
Points transferable to Hilton Honors (1:1.5) and IHG One Rewards (1:1)
Cons:
High £20,000 spending threshold for reward voucher
2.99% foreign exchange fee outside exempt currencies
Points earned monthly capped at your credit limit
Representative 26.9% APR variable
Lower earning rate than some competitor cards
Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card pricing
The card comes with a representative 26.9% APR variable based on a typical £1,200 credit limit. Late payments will cost you a £12 fee. The card has no annual fee to offset against rewards earned.
Best use case for Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card
The card works best for occasional Virgin Atlantic flyers who spend over £20,000 annually. Your reward voucher gives you either a companion ticket (worth up to 75,000 points) or a cabin upgrade on an existing booking. This makes it perfect for travelers who want to build toward premium experiences without paying an annual fee while collecting valuable airline points.
Image Source: British Airways
The British Airways American Express Card stands out among the best credit cards 2024 lineup. This card targets aviation enthusiasts who want to build up travel rewards without paying an annual fee.
British Airways American Express Card features
The card rewards structure gives you 1 Avios point for every £1 you spend. You'll get 5,000 bonus Avios after spending £2,000 in your first three months. The card's best feature is the Companion Voucher, which you earn by spending £15,000 in your membership year. This voucher lets you bring a companion along in economy class without using extra Avios. You could also choose a 50% Avios discount if you prefer to travel alone.
The rules have changed since September 2021. Now you can use these vouchers for flights that start outside the UK. However, the vouchers from this basic card last only one year and work only with economy class seats, unlike its Premium Plus counterpart.
British Airways American Express Card pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Simple rewards structure
5,000 Avios welcome bonus
Purchase Protection Policy covers items up to £2,500
Cons:
2.99% foreign exchange fee on overseas transactions
Representative 30.0% APR variable
Companion Voucher works only with economy cabins
Spending requirement increased to £15,000 from £12,000
British Airways American Express Card pricing
You'll find a representative 30.0% APR variable with no annual fee. Late payments cost £12. The Plan It feature splits your purchases across several months with a monthly fee instead of interest.
Best use case for British Airways American Express Card
Moderate spenders who fly occasionally with British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus will benefit most from this card. The card's value peaks when you can spend £15,000 yearly to earn the Companion Voucher and pay your balance in full each month. Economy class travelers who want flexibility with their rewards will find this card particularly useful, whether they travel with companions or solo.
Image Source: Jake Lee
The Chase UK Debit Card stands out from credit card companies by offering a 1% cashback reward. This feature combines everyday banking with rewards that you typically find with best cashback credit cards.
Chase UK Debit Card with Cashback features
Chase rewards customers with 1% cashback on their first £1,500 of eligible UK spending each month, which adds up to £15 in potential earnings. The cashback program will change from April 7, 2025. The rewards will apply to three specific categories: groceries (including supermarkets and convenience stores), everyday transport (busses, trains, ferries), and fuel/electric vehicle charging points.
Your cashback appears in your account right after payments clear. The rewards collect in a dedicated rewards pot that you can move to your account anytime. Chase identifies eligible purchases through Merchant Category Codes. This system means some purchases might not qualify for rewards even if they seem eligible.
Chase UK Debit Card with Cashback pros and cons
Pros:
No monthly account fee
Fee-free spending and cash withdrawals abroad
Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal
Strong customer satisfaction (82% score, ranking 4th out of 20 providers)
Four-star rated mobile banking app
Cons:
Cashback limited to specific categories from April 2025
No cashback on non-UK or non-sterling purchases from April 2025
Requires £1,500 monthly deposit after first year to maintain cashback
MCC restrictions may exclude some predicted eligible purchases
No facility for cash deposits
Chase UK Debit Card with Cashback pricing
The account comes with no monthly fees. You can earn up to £15 monthly cashback on the first £1,500 of eligible spending. The card also saves you money with no foreign transaction fees during overseas trips.
Best use case for Chase UK Debit Card with Cashback
Regular grocery shoppers, daily commuters, and drivers will get the most value from this card's category-specific cashback. International travelers benefit from fee-free foreign transactions. The card's digital-first design makes it perfect for customers who prefer app-based banking.
Image Source: Mintify
The Halifax Clarity Credit Card leads the pack of interest free credit cards with its straightforward approach to foreign spending. This Mastercard has become a favorite among international travelers who want simplicity and value.
Halifax Clarity Credit Card features
The card's biggest advantage lies in its zero-fee policy on foreign transactions, which covers both purchases and cash withdrawals. Your overseas spending converts at the standard Mastercard exchange rate without any hidden charges.
You get up to 56 days interest-free on purchases if you pay your balance in full. The card provides online account management, contactless payment features, and complete fraud protection. A dedicated mobile app helps you manage your account, check balances and make payments wherever you go.
Halifax Clarity Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
No commission on foreign currency purchases
Free foreign ATM withdrawals
Zero annual fee
Access to Mastercard Priceless Cities program
Accepted at most places worldwide
Cons:
Interest starts accumulating from cash withdrawal day
Some travelers face card blocking issues
Foreign ATMs might charge their own fees
High 23.94% representative APR
Cash withdrawals can hurt your credit score
Halifax Clarity Credit Card pricing
The card carries a representative 23.9% APR variable. You won't pay any annual fee, so your main cost comes from the standard interest rate on unpaid balances. Missing payments results in a £12 fee.
Best use case for Halifax Clarity Credit Card
Regular international travelers who want fee-free overseas spending will love this card. Pay off cash withdrawals quickly to avoid interest charges that start from the transaction date. The card works best as your travel companion, especially if you clear your balance monthly.
Other cards with cashback or rewards might serve you better for everyday UK spending. The Halifax Clarity fits perfectly into a multi-card strategy that maximizes benefits based on your spending patterns.
Image Source: Nationwide
The Nationwide Member Credit Card stands out as one of the best credit cards 2024. This exclusive card serves current customers of the UK's largest building societies with benefits that match their banking needs.
Nationwide Member Credit Card features
Members can choose between two attractive starter offers:
Balance transfer offer: 0% interest for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1.5% fee (minimum £5) if completed within 90 days
All-rounder offer: 0% interest for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, with the same transfer fee structure
The card lets you make commission-free purchases anywhere in the world. Members also benefit from Dot and Notch technology that helps visually impaired users. A soft quote check helps you know if you qualify without any impact on your credit score.
Nationwide Member Credit Card pros and cons
Pros:
Zero foreign transaction fees on purchases worldwide
No annual fee
Choice between two competitive introductory offers
Design features that help visually impaired users
Customer satisfaction scores show 82% of reviews at 4-5 stars
Cons:
The card serves only Nationwide members (current account, mortgage, or savings account holders)
Cash withdrawal fee of 2.5% (minimum £3)
Representative APR of 24.9% variable after promotional periods
Balance transfer fee of 2.4% (minimum £5) after initial 90 days
Interest rates have recently increased for existing cardholders
Nationwide Member Credit Card pricing
Members pay a 24.9% representative APR variable with no annual fee. Taking out cash costs 2.5% (minimum £3). Nationwide's approach differs from competitors as they don't charge fees for late payments or going over your credit limit.
Best use case for Nationwide Member Credit Card
Current Nationwide customers can benefit most from this card when they plan big purchases or want to combine debt from other cards. Regular international travelers save money through commission-free overseas purchases. The card works best when you can pay off your balance during the promotional period before the standard APR kicks in.
Comparison Table
Credit Card | Annual/Monthly Fee | Representative APR | Key Benefits/Rewards | Foreign Transaction Fees | Notable Features/Limitations |
American Express Cashback Everyday | None | 30.0% | 5% cashback first 5 months (up to £125), then 0.5-1% | Not mentioned | Minimum £3,000 annual spend required |
Barclaycard Rewards | None | 28.9% | 0.25% cashback on retail spending | None | £20,000 minimum annual income required |
Amex Preferred Rewards Gold | £195 (free first year) | 87.8% | 1-3 points per £1 spent | Not mentioned | Four free Priority Pass lounge visits annually |
Tesco Bank Clubcard | None | 24.9% | 5 points per £4 at Tesco | 2.75% | Points convert to vouchers (£1 per 100 points) |
Sainsbury's Nectar | None | 21.9% | 2 points per £1 at Sainsbury's | 2.95% | Points never expire while account active |
Zopa | None | 34.9% | Not mentioned | None | "Credit Cushion" feature for emergencies |
Lloyds Bank Cashback | None | 22.9% | 0.25% cashback on purchases | 2.95% | Annual cashback payout in January |
Santander All in One | £3 monthly | 29.8% | 0.5% cashback (up to £10/month) | None | 15 months 0% on purchases and transfers |
M&S Shopping Plus | None | 24.9% | 1 point per £1 at M&S | Not mentioned | 0% interest on purchases up to 24 months |
John Lewis Partnership | None | 28.9% | 5 points per £4 at JL/Waitrose | 2.75% | Points valid for 2 years |
Virgin Atlantic Reward | None | 26.9% | 0.75 points per £1 spent | 2.99% | Companion voucher at £20,000 spend |
BA American Express | None | 30.0% | 1 Avios per £1 spent | 2.99% | Companion Voucher at £15,000 spend |
Chase UK Debit | None | N/A | 1% cashback up to £15/month | None | Requires £1,500 monthly deposit after first year |
Halifax Clarity | None | 23.9% | None | None | Interest-free on purchases up to 56 days |
Nationwide Member | None | 24.9% | 0% interest offers available | None | Exclusive to Nationwide members |
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card boils down to your spending habits and financial goals. We've looked at cards that give you everything from simple cashback to travel rewards and store-specific points. American Express cards definitely offer some of the most generous reward rates, but they have stricter eligibility requirements and higher APRs. Cards like Halifax Clarity and Zopa work great for international travelers who want fee-free transactions abroad.
Your balance needs to be paid in full each month, whatever card you pick. The high interest rates can quickly wipe out any rewards you earn and turn valuable benefits into expensive liabilities. Many cards also need you to hit spending targets to get maximum value. The Virgin Atlantic Reward's companion voucher kicks in after £20,000 annual spend.
You could mix and match different cards - maybe use a good cashback card for daily expenses and a dedicated travel card when you go abroad. Or you might like keeping things simple with an all-rounder like Santander's All in One, even with its monthly fee. Just remember to check if you qualify through soft searches before you apply. This protects your credit score while you find the perfect card match for 2025.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best credit card for cashback and rewards in 2025? The best cashback and rewards credit card depends on your spending habits. The American Express Cashback Everyday Card offers up to 5% cashback in the first five months, while the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card provides tiered points earning and travel perks. For everyday spending, the Barclaycard Rewards card offers a straightforward 0.25% cashback on all purchases.
Q2. Are there any credit cards offering 5% cashback? Yes, the American Express Cashback Everyday Card offers 5% cashback on purchases for the first five months, up to a maximum of £125. However, this is an introductory offer and requires spending £3,000 annually to qualify for cashback.
Q3. Which credit card provides the highest ongoing cashback rate? While no card offers a consistent 5% rate, the Santander All in One Credit Card provides 0.5% cashback on all purchases, up to £10 per month. The American Express Cashback Everyday Card offers 1% cashback on spending above £10,000 annually after the introductory period.
Q4. How do travel rewards credit cards compare to cashback cards? Travel rewards cards like the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card or British Airways American Express Card offer points that can be more valuable than cashback when redeemed for flights or upgrades. However, cashback cards provide more flexibility in how you use your rewards.
Q5. What should I consider when choosing a rewards credit card? When selecting a rewards credit card, consider your spending habits, the card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, and the APR. Also, look at welcome bonuses, ongoing earn rates, and any spending thresholds required to unlock benefits. Remember to choose a card whose rewards align with your lifestyle and financial goals.
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