Top 7 Credit Cards for 2025 with the Best Cashback and Rewards Programs (UK Edition)


1. Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card


2. American Express Cashback Credit Card


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.