This guide cross-references the UK regulator and primary-source figures listed above. Each figure links to its issuing authority. Editor's Verdict · Last reviewed: 2026-04-25.
Cashback credit cards reward you with a percentage of your spending returned as cash. The best UK cashback cards offer 0.25 to 1.5% on everyday spending, with some offering higher rates on specific categories. To benefit, you must pay your balance in full each month — carrying a balance means interest charges outweigh any cashback earned.
Only use a cashback credit card if you pay the balance in full every month. Carrying a balance at 19 to 25% APR will always cost more than any cashback earned.
Best cashback credit cards UK April 2026
Card
Cashback rate
Annual fee
Best for
American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday
0.5% (up to £10k spend); 1.0% above
None
No-fee Amex cashback; wide everyday use
American Express Platinum Cashback
1.25% (up to £10k); 1.5% above
£25/year
Higher spenders; best overall cashback rate
Barclaycard Rewards Visa
0.25% unlimited
None
Visa acceptance; 0% foreign fees
NatWest Reward Credit Card
0.5% in NatWest rewards
£2/month (£24/yr)
NatWest customers; simple rewards
John Lewis Partnership Card
0.5% in JLP vouchers
None
John Lewis and Waitrose shoppers
Amex vs Visa vs Mastercard for cashback
American Express cards offer the highest cashback rates in the UK but have lower acceptance than Visa or Mastercard. Amex is accepted at most large retailers, supermarkets, and restaurants — but smaller independents often do not accept it. Many Amex cardholders carry a backup Visa for situations where Amex is declined.
How much can you earn from cashback?
Monthly spending
Amex Platinum (1.25%)
Amex Everyday (0.5% to 1%)
Barclaycard (0.25%)
£500/month
£75/year
£30 to £60/year
£15/year
£1,000/month
£150/year
£60 to £120/year
£30/year
£2,000/month
£300/year
£120 to £240/year
£60/year
£3,000/month
£450/year
£180 to £360/year
£90/year
Fee vs no-fee cashback cards
The Amex Platinum Cashback card charges £25 per year but offers 1.25% cashback versus 0.5% on the free Everyday version. You need to spend approximately £3,333 per year (£278 per month) before the Platinum version beats the free card. Above this spend level, the Platinum card earns significantly more.
Can you use a cashback card for everything?
Yes for most spending — supermarkets, petrol, restaurants, online shopping
Avoid using for cash withdrawals — fee applies immediately and no cashback earned
Mortgage payments — most lenders do not accept credit cards
HMRC tax payments — small processing fee applies; unlikely to be worthwhile
Verdict
Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday for most people
The fee-free Amex Everyday card is the best starting point — 0.5% rising to 1% on higher spend, no annual fee, and strong Section 75 purchase protection. Step up to the Platinum card if you spend over £3,300 per year and want the 1.25 to 1.5% rate. Always pay in full monthly.
Frequently asked questions
Does cashback count as income for tax purposes?
HMRC treats credit card cashback as a discount on spending, not as income. You do not pay tax on cashback earned from a personal credit card.
Can I earn cashback on balance transfers?
No. Cashback is only earned on purchases. Balance transfers, cash withdrawals, and fees do not earn cashback.
Does applying for a cashback card affect my credit score?
Yes — a credit card application leaves a hard search on your credit file, which causes a small temporary dip. Do not apply for multiple cards in quick succession.
What is the best cashback card for supermarket spending?
The Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday is accepted at most major UK supermarkets and earns 0.5 to 1.0% cashback. Some supermarket-branded credit cards (Sainsbury credit card, Tesco credit card) offer bonus points at their own stores.
The content on Kaeltripton.com is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal or regulatory advice. Kaeltripton.com is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is not a financial adviser, mortgage broker, insurance intermediary or investment firm. Nothing on this site should be construed as a personal recommendation. Rates, figures and product details are indicative only, subject to change without notice, and should always be verified directly with the relevant provider, HMRC, the FCA register, the Bank of England, Ofgem or other appropriate authority before any financial decision is made. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. If you require regulated financial advice, please consult a qualified adviser authorised by the FCA.
CT
Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com
Chandraketu (CK) Tripathi, founder and lead editor of Kael Tripton. 22 years in finance and marketing across 23 markets. Writes on UK personal finance, tax, mortgages, insurance, energy, and investing. Sources: HMRC, FCA, Ofgem, BoE, ONS.
