Maximizing cashback and rewards is easier than ever in 2025. Here’s a curated list of the very best UK credit cards offering top-tier cashback and perks—front-loaded bonuses, ongoing rewards, or loyalty points—tailored for savvy spenders.
1. Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card
- Intro Offer: 5% cashback (up to £125) for the first five months (Money To The Masses, MoneySavingExpert.com).
- Ongoing Cashback: 0.5% on spend up to £10,000/year; 1% thereafter (Money To The Masses, MoneySavingExpert.com).
- Annual Fee: £0.
- Why It Stands Out: Unbeatable early bonus without a fee; great for those hitting moderate annual spend.
2. American Express Cashback Credit Card
- Bonus: 5% cashback (up to £125) for first 3 months (MoneySavingExpert.com, Money To The Masses).
- Ongoing Rates: 0.75% up to £10K/year, then 1.25% thereafter (MoneySavingExpert.com, Money To The Masses).
- Annual Fee: £25 (waived in year one until 15 July 2025) (Money To The Masses).
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for high spenders who can sustain usage to offset the fee.
3. Santander Edge Credit Card (New Terms)
- Intro Offer: Previously 2% cashback first year—now discontinued for new customers (The Sun).
- Updated Structure: £4/month fee; maximum monthly cashback now £10 (down from £15) (The Sun).
- Availability: Open to all eligible UK residents (no longer limited to Santander account holders) (The Sun).
- Why Consider It: Still useful for steady spenders, albeit less high-value than before.
4. Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card
- Cashback Rate: 0.25% on all spending. Limited-time boost: 0.5% until end of November 2025 if applied by 4 August (MoneySavingExpert.com, MoneyWeek).
- Fees: £0 annual fee.
- Perk: Fee-free overseas spending and ATM withdrawals—if paid in full each month (MoneySavingExpert.com, TheFinanceTime.co.uk).
- Why It Matters: Strong choice for frequent travellers, combining fee-free usage abroad with cashback.
5. Halifax Cashback Credit Card
- Cashback: 0.25% on spending; credited annually in January (TheFinanceTime.co.uk).
- Fee: None.
- Why Take Note: Simple and no-fee; a solid eclectic option for cautious spenders.
6. Supermarket & Lifestyle Reward Cards (Points-Based)
- Amex Nectar Credit Card: Enjoy 3 Nectar points per £1 at partner retailers, 1 point elsewhere; bonus 20,000 points for £2K in first three months; £0 fee year one, then £30 (Wallet Savvy, Review Centre).
- Tesco Bank Clubcard / Low APR Card: Earn 5 points per £4 at Tesco (1 per £8 elsewhere); no annual fee, lower interest than typical (Wallet Savvy).
- Why These Shine: Ideal for brand-loyal shoppers aiming to bolster points rather than straight cashback.
7. Best for Avios & Airline Points
- BA Amex Premium Plus: Earn 1.5 Avios/£; 30,000 welcome Avios; Companion Voucher after £15K spend; £300 annual fee (Smart With Points).
- Barclaycard Avios Plus: 25,000 Avios sign-up; 1.5 Avios/£; upgrade voucher at £10K spend; £20/month fee (Smart With Points).
- Why It’s Top Tier: Exceptional for frequent flyers seeking high-value travel rewards.
Strategy Tips for Readers
- Start with Bonuses: Play the intro offers from Amex or similar high-value cards…then switch when the bonus fades.
- Pay in Full: Rewards get wiped out by interest—always clear your balance monthly.
- Match to Spend Habits: Frequent travel, supermarket loyalty, or overseas purchases? Choose accordingly between fixed cashback, points, or partner-specific deals.
- Track Fee Thresholds: Make a note of when annual fees kick in to decide whether to retain or cancel a card.