1.American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
American Express
- 3%Cash back on Amex Travel
- 2%Cash back on airline/overseas spend
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points for spending £3,000 in the first three months.
Earn 3 points per £1 on Amex Travel, double points on airline/overseas spend, and 1 point per £1 spent on other purchases.
85.8% Variable APR
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card stands out as the top choice because it offers a substantial welcome bonus and a flexible rewards structure that caters to frequent travelers and diners alike.
Pros:
- No annual fee for the first year
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- High annual fee after the first year
- Spending requirement for bonus
2.American Express Nectar Credit Card
American Express
- 3%Cash back at Nectar partners
- 2%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 20,000 Nectar points for spending £2,000 in the first three months.
Earn 3 points per £1 spent at Nectar partners and 2 points per £1 on all other purchases.
35.8% Variable APR
What sets the American Express Nectar Credit Card apart is its strong rewards structure, particularly for those who frequently shop at Nectar partners, making it a great choice for everyday spending.
Pros:
- Strong rewards structure at Nectar partners
- Waived annual fee in the first year
Cons:
- Limited to Nectar partners for maximum rewards
- Annual fee after the first year
3.Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Barclaycard
- 1.5%Cash back on all eligible purchases
Collect 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on eligible purchases.
80.1% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the generous welcome bonus of 25,000 Avios, making the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard an attractive option for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- Includes a cabin upgrade voucher
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending for rewards
4.British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
American Express
- 3%Cash back on British Airways purchases
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Collect 30,000 Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first three months.
Earn 3 Avios per £1 spent on British Airways and 1.5 Avios on all other purchases.
135.7% Variable APR
This card shines for its ability to earn triple Avios on British Airways purchases, making it the best option for loyal British Airways customers who can leverage the companion voucher effectively.
Pros:
- High rewards on British Airways purchases
- Includes a companion voucher
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending for rewards
5.Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
Virgin Atlantic
- 3%Cash back on Virgin Atlantic purchases
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 18,000 Virgin Points after your first purchase within 90 days.
Earn 3 Virgin Points for every £1 spent with Virgin Atlantic and 1.5 Virgin Points on all other purchases.
69.7% Variable APR
A key differentiator is the high earn rate on Virgin Atlantic purchases, making the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard an excellent choice for frequent flyers with the airline.
Pros:
- High earn rate on Virgin purchases
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to Virgin for maximum rewards
6.Barclaycard Platinum 36 Month Balance Transfer Card
Barclaycard
- No rewards breakdown available
N/A
N/A
24.9% Variable APR
The Barclaycard Platinum 36 Month Balance Transfer Card is a solid choice for those looking to manage existing debt with its long 0% interest period on balance transfers.
Pros:
- 0% interest on balance transfers for 36 months
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Balance transfer fee applies
- Limited rewards
Final Words
As you navigate your options for credit cards this March, remember that the best choice aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. Take time to compare the various rewards, fees, and benefits available to ensure you make an informed decision that enhances your financial wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points for spending £3,000 in the first three months. You can earn 3 points per £1 on Amex Travel, double points on airline/overseas spend, and 1 point per £1 spent on other purchases.
The American Express Nectar Credit Card provides a welcome bonus of 20,000 Nectar points for spending £2,000 in the first three months. You can earn 3 points per £1 spent at Nectar partners and 2 points per £1 on all other purchases, making it a solid choice for regular Nectar shoppers.
With the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard, you can collect a welcome bonus of 25,000 Avios if you spend £3,000 in the first three months. The card allows you to earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on eligible purchases, ideal for frequent flyers.
When choosing a credit card, consider factors like your spending habits, whether you prefer cashback or rewards, and any annual fees associated with the card. Comparing the benefits and welcome bonuses can help you find a card that maximizes your rewards based on your lifestyle.
Eligibility for credit cards typically includes being at least 18 years old, a UK resident, and having a good credit score. Lenders may also consider your income, existing debt, and financial history when assessing your application.
Many cashback credit cards have no annual fee, making them accessible for most users. However, premium cards with higher rewards rates may charge annual fees, so consider your spending level to determine if the extra rewards justify the cost.
The time it takes to receive a credit card after applying can vary, but most applicants receive a decision within a few minutes to a few days. Once approved, it usually takes 5 to 10 working days for the card to arrive by mail.
