What are rewards and cashback credit cards?
These are credit cards that reward you with points or cashback or something similar when used. This is to encourage you to use the card frequently. However, these cards often have a higher than usual interest rate, so they may be better suited to cardholders who pay the entire balance in full every month. If you cannot pay the balance in full each month, this might not be the card for you, as the interest costs may outweigh the rewards.
What types of reward credit card are there?
Reward credit cards or cashback credit cards are usually either Visa, MasterCard or American Express. You can earn rewards on your spending that can go towards flights, holidays, or loyalty points. Cashback cards give you cash rewards rather than points. Most rewards and cashback cards have some criteria for when they are applicable, so it’s worth checking the exclusions in case these affect you significantly before applying.
How do I find the right rewards credit card?
You can research the options using a comparison site like MustCompare. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the card and check you are able to make payments in full every month to avoid the usually high-interest charges on these types of cards. If you’re unsure about the type of credit card you need, check out our handy guide to credit cards before making your final decision.
What should I look out for when choosing a rewards credit card?
First of all, make sure that the rewards you will earn are of value to you. For example, it may not be worthwhile getting a rewards credit card that gives you air miles if you rarely go abroad.
Also, some offers and rewards may have exclusions, it is worth checking these to ensure you’re not adversely affected. For example, cashback may not be offered at the retailers where you shop.
Check the interest rate, payment terms, costs and fees. You may find it helpful to use a comparison website to find the best offers for your needs. And finally, it’s important you understand the dangers of overspending and debt getting out of control before applying for a credit card.