Choosing a credit card with rewards can feel like a maze—especially when both the UK and the USA have so many cards, each promising amazing perks, cashback, miles, points, and bonus offers. But let’s be real: not all reward cards are created equal. Some are perfect for everyday spending, while others are great for travelers or big spenders. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best credit cards with rewards in both countries, how to choose one that fits your lifestyle, and how to maximize the value you get back.
This article is written in plain English, in a conversational tone (like I’m talking to you over coffee), and it’s packed with actionable insights—not just a list of card names.
Let’s get started.
Why Reward Credit Cards Matter (and When They Don’t)
A credit card with a reward program is essentially a way for banks and card issuers to say thank you for using their card. You spend money you were going to spend anyway—and you get rewarded in return.
But here’s the key:
👉 A good reward card should give you more value than it costs you in fees and interest.
If you don’t pay off your balance each month, interest can wipe out any rewards you earn. That’s the first rule: never carry a balance on a rewards card.
Paying interest defeats the whole purpose.
Reward credit cards work best when:
- You pay your statement balance in full every month
- You spend on categories that earn higher rewards (e.g., travel, dining, groceries)
- You redeem rewards for high-value items like flights, cashback, or statement credits
Now, let’s dive into the best cards for both the UK and the USA.
Best Reward Credit Cards in the United Kingdom
In the UK, credit cards with rewards are slightly more conservative than in the USA, but there are still some strong options for consumers who want cashback, travel points, or flexible rewards.
Here are some of the top reward cards (as of 2025):
1. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (UK)
Why It’s Great
This card is one of the best overall reward credit cards in the UK because it offers:
- Membership Rewards Points on everything you spend
- Higher points on travel booked through Amex Travel
- A generous welcome bonus (often large points offer)
- Flexible redemption options (flights, hotels, gift cards, statement credits)
Who It’s Best For
You travel often or enjoy converting points into flight rewards or upgrades.
Perks You’ll Love
- Monthly bonus points when you meet spending thresholds
- Extensive travel and purchase protections
- Pay-over-time flexibility with American Express
Important to Know:
There is usually an annual fee, so this card shines best when you use its travel and reward features regularly.
2. American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Card
Why It’s Popular
This is a straight-forward cashback card with no annual fee and easy-to-understand rewards:
- Cash back on purchases
- No complex points system
- Great for everyday spending
Who It’s Best For
Everyday shoppers who want simplicity and direct cashback.
Typical Rewards Structure
- Earn cash back on all purchases
- Growth in reward rate if you spend above a certain threshold annually
Perks:
Cashback goes straight to your account—no confusing points conversions.
3. Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card
Why It Works
If you’re a Tesco shopper, this card lets you:
- Earn Tesco Clubcard points on everyday spending
- Boost your points when you redeem them on travel or other Clubcard partners
Who It’s Best For
People who already use Tesco for groceries, fuel, and everyday needs.
Bonus
Points often get significantly more value when redeemed with travel partners.
Pro Tip:
Converting Tesco points into travel partner points (e.g., airline or hotel programs) can sometimes deliver double or triple the value.
4. Santander All in One Rewards Credit Card
Why It Stands Out
This card combines cashback with welcome bonuses and no annual fee:
- Earn rewards on everyday spending
- Regular bonus offers
- Easy redemption
Who It’s Best For
Someone who wants flexibility without hefty fees.
Note:
Rewards structures can change, so always check the latest reward rates before applying.
5. Barclays Avios Rewards Cards
Why It’s Worthwhile
These cards help you earn Avios points, which are flexible air miles used by:
- British Airways
- Iberia
- Aer Lingus
Who It’s Best For
Frequent travelers who love airline reward programs.
Perks
- Earn Avios on everyday spending
- Move Avios between airline partners
- Use Avios for flights, upgrades, hotels, and experiences
Bonus:
Avios can be especially valuable if you redeem them during promotions or for off-peak travel.
Key Things to Remember for Reward Cards in the UK
- Most reward cards have an annual fee—but the best ones justify it with high-value perks.
- Earn rates vary widely by category (e.g., travel vs. groceries).
- Don’t forget foreign transaction fees if you travel internationally; the best travel cards waive these.
Best Reward Credit Cards in the United States
In the USA, the rewards landscape is huge—cashback, travel, points, co-branded airline cards, hotel cards, and more. With more competition comes more options.
Here are some of the standout reward cards available in 2025:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why It’s a Favorite
This card is widely recommended for:
- Flexible travel rewards
- Strong welcome bonuses
- High value when redeeming through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
Who It’s Great For
Travelers who want a balance of everyday points and powerful redemption options.
Top Perks
- Bonus points on travel and dining
- Points are worth more when redeemed through the travel portal
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
What You’ll Love:
Points transfer to top programs like United, Southwest, World of Hyatt, etc.
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Why It’s Popular
This card delivers simple, unlimited cashback on all spending:
- No annual fee
- Flat cashback on everything (plus extra on certain categories)
Who It’s Best For
Everyday spenders who want straightforward cash rewards without fuss.
Typical Rewards
- 1.5% or more cashback on all purchases
- Bonus cashback on travel booked through Chase
Pro Tip:
Chase Freedom Unlimited pairs well with a premium Chase card (like Sapphire) because you can combine points.
3. American Express® Gold Card
Why It’s Valuable
This is one of the most rewarding mid-range travel cards in the USA.
Who It’s Best For
People who spend on:
- Restaurants
- Groceries
- Travel
Perks
- Excellent points on dining worldwide
- Travel benefits
- Flexible redemption through Amex partners
What to Remember:
It has an annual fee, but the rewards can easily outweigh it for the right spender.
4. Citi® Double Cash Card
Why It’s a Great Cashback Option
This card is simple and powerful:
- Earn cashback on every purchase—twice (when you pay and when you pay off the balance)
Who It’s Best For
People who want maximum cashback with no rotating categories.
Typical Structure
- 2% total cashback (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay)
No Annual Fee makes this a strong everyday card.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why Travelers Like It
This card focuses on travel simplicity:
- Earn miles on all purchases
- Easy redemption for travel purchases
- Transfer miles to airline partners
Best For
Frequent travelers who want a flexible miles currency.
Perks
- Bonus miles on travel and other spending
- Travel statement credits
- No foreign transaction fees
Tip:
Miles can be transferred to partners like Air Canada Aeroplan, Emirates, and others.
6. Discover it® Cash Back
Why It’s Popular
Limited but rotating quarterly categories give high cashback rates.
Who It Works For
People who can take advantage of the rotating categories (grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc.)
Perks
- Cashback Match (for first year)
- No annual fee
- Simple redemption
Note:
Discover is widely accepted in the USA but less so overseas.
Key Points When Choosing a U.S. Reward Card
- Annual Fees vs. Rewards: A big bonus and strong category rewards can justify a fee.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel abroad, pick a card without these fees.
- Redemption Power: Travel cards often give better value when points are transferred to partners.
How to Compare Cards (UK vs. USA)
Let’s pull this into a simple comparison so you can see what’s important in each market.
| Feature | UK Reward Cards | US Reward Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards Type | Cashback, points, airline miles | Cashback, points, airline miles |
| Travel Perks | Moderate | Very strong options |
| Redemption Flexibility | Varies | Often high (travel portals + transfer partners) |
| Annual Fees | Common | Common |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | Varies by card | Many top travel cards waive them |
| Ease of Earning | Moderate | High (many bonus categories) |
Tips to Maximize Your Reward Credit Card
Whether you’re in the UK or USA, these tips help you make the most of your reward card:
1. Pay Your Balance in Full
This is rule #1. Interest wipes out rewards faster than you think.
2. Know Your Bonus Categories
Many cards give bonus points/cashback for specific categories like:
- Travel
- Dining
- Groceries
- Gas
- Online shopping
Maximize these by using the right card for the right purchase.
3. Time Big Purchases
If a card offers a big welcome bonus after spending a certain amount, plan around that.
4. Use Portals and Partners
Travel cards often give extra value when you book through the card issuer’s travel portal or transfer to partner loyalty programs.
5. Watch Out for Fees
A card with rewards isn’t worth it if fees outweigh the benefits. Always calculate your expected rewards vs. annual costs.
6. Track Your Rewards
Some issuers let you set alerts for expiring points or high-value redemption opportunities. Use them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Reward Cards
Let’s keep it real. Some pitfalls are easy to avoid: Carrying a balance — interest erases rewards
Ignoring redemption rules — not all points are equal
Picking a card with rewards you don’t use
Letting points expire
Not checking for bonus promotions
Make reward cards work for you, not the other way around.Conclusion
Reward credit cards can be powerful tools when used thoughtfully. In the UK, you’ll find strong options like American Express reward cards, cashback-driven choices, and airline-linked cards with points that translate into travel perks. In the USA, the landscape is even broader, with cards that deliver high travel rewards, flexible points, or straightforward cashback with great redemption power.
The best card for you depends on:
- Your spending habits
- Travel frequency
- Whether you prefer cashback or travel rewards
- Your willingness to pay an annual fee
No matter where you live, the right reward card can help you turn everyday spending into real value—whether that’s discounted flights, cashback in your pocket, or free hotel nights.
So take a look at your financial habits, choose wisely, and let your credit card rewards take you further in 2025 and beyond.
Happy earning—and even happier spending! 💳✈️🌍