Best rewards credit cards of 2018

Our top three best rewards credit card deals make collecting points easy, and spending them is straightforward as well, with plenty of well-known retailers to choose from.

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Updated April 26th, 2018


Barclaycard® Freedom Rewards Card

Good for: Free and easy 0% credit card with a point to prove

Barclaycard Freedom Rewards Credit CardBarclaycard Freedom isn’t just a combined balance transfer credit card and 0% purchase credit card, both lasting for 12 months — it is also one of the best rewards credit card deals in the UK today. You collect points whenever you use the card, with no upper limit, and spend them online, on the high street, or at cinemas, theatres, zoos or your favourite pizza restaurant. Tuck in!

Introductory balance transfer deal

0% for 12 months on transfers made in first 60 days, with 0.15% fee

Introductory purchases offer

0% for 12 months

Representative APR on purchases

21.9%

Credit requirement

Good

Rewards

Each £1 spent at UK supermarkets, petrol stations and Transport for London earns 2 points, plus 1 point everywhere else. £5 vouchers for each 1,750 Freedom points to spend at more than 70 partners including Amazon, Argos, Boots, Debenhams, M&S and Topshop, or many cinemas and restaurants


M&S® Credit Card Plus

Good for: M&S loving foodies and fashionistas

If you are a regular shopper at Marks and Sparks, you should find room for the M&S Credit Card Shopping Plus in your wallet. You earn M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world, and also in M&S stores – at a higher rate. The card also offers all the benefits of a balance transfer credit card, charging 0% for the first 25 months, and somehow manages to be one of the more generous 0% purchase credit cards too, again, with a 25-month introductory period. M&S turns on the style with what we reckon is one of the best credit card deals.

Introductory balance transfer deal

0% for 25 months on transfers made in first 90 days, with 2.9% fee (minimum £5)

Introductory purchases offer

0% on shopping for 25 months

Representative APR on purchases

18.9%

Credit rating

Good

Rewards

One point for every £1 you spend in M&S, one point for every £5 on worldwide shopping. Plus initial voucher for 500 M&S points worth £5

Redeeming them

Rewards can be spent on food, clothing or home in M&S stores and online


The American Express® Rewards Purchases Credit Card

Good for: Membership rewards and 0% on purchases, too

We reckon that American Express is now offering one of the best rewards credit card deals, giving you one Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend, plus interest-free credit card benefits. Once you have gathered 5,000 points, you get a £25 gift card redeemable at Amazon, Boots, Currys PC World, House of Fraser and other partners. Other rewards include hotel and spa stays, and even a return economy flight to Dubai with Virgin Atlantic. For added security, Amex also offers refund protection up to £200, and purchase protection up to £2,500.

Introductory balance transfer deal

None

Introductory purchases offer

0% for 18 months

Representative APR on purchases

22.9%

Credit rating

Good

Rewards

One Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend. Other benefits include refund and purchase protection, music, film and theatre events, and £150,000 travel accident insurance with 24/7 helpline

Redeeming them

5,000 points earn a £25 gift card redeemable at Amazon, Boots, Currys PC World, House of Fraser and other partners. Further rewards include hotel and spa stays, or a return economy flight to Dubai with 40,000 points

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

The statements above are The Motley Fool’s alone and have not been provided or endorsed by bank advertisers. The Motley Fool has recommended shares in Barclays.

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