Earn money back — or free flights — just by spending normally.

Completely free. Earn 5% cashback for your first 5 months (max £125 bonus) — just for spending on normal things. After that: 0.5% on spending up to £10,000, then 1% above. Cashback is credited to your account once a year. Best for: anyone who wants real cash back without paying a fee.

Pays slightly more than the free version: 0.75% on first £10,000 of spending, rising to 1.25% above that. The £25 annual fee pays for itself once you spend around £3,500/year. Best for: moderate spenders (£5,000+/year) who want pure cash, not points.

A Visa card — accepted in far more places than Amex (some small shops, restaurants and markets don't take Amex). 1% cashback everywhere for the full first year with no cap, including abroad. A brilliant pair with an Amex card. Best for: people who want a backup to Amex, or those shopping at places that don't take Amex.

The easiest way to start earning Avios. Every £1 you spend earns 1 Avios point. Spend £15,000 in a year (about £1,250/month — groceries, bills, petrol) and you get a companion voucher: two economy flights for the Avios price of one. Best for: Avios beginners and people who spend under £1,000/month on the card.

The most powerful Avios card in the UK. Earn 1.5 Avios per £1 — that's 50% more than the free card. On BA flights: 3 Avios per £1. The companion voucher works in Business Class and First Class, making it potentially worth thousands of pounds. The £300 fee pays for itself quickly once you trigger the voucher. Best for: regular travellers spending £1,000+/month.

A Mastercard (accepted far more widely than Amex) that still earns 1.5 Avios per £1. Great for pairing with the free BA Amex — use Barclaycard where Amex isn't accepted. You can hold BOTH and earn Avios on every single purchase you make. Best for: frequent travellers who want a backup Avios card to complement their Amex.

The most popular business cashback card in the UK, used by over 200,000 small businesses. 1% unlimited cashback on all spending — no caps, no minimum spend. Redeem as cash against your balance, gift cards, or convert to Avios. Quick 2-minute application. Note: requires a limited company (not sole trader) with £24k+ annual turnover since January 2026. Best for: limited companies wanting simple, free cashback.

Amex Membership Rewards points are extremely flexible — transfer them to British Airways Avios, Marriott hotels, Hilton, and more. The welcome bonus of 60,000 points (extended to 5 May 2026) converts to 60,000 Avios — enough for a Business Class return to New York for one person. Free in year one. Best for: business owners who want maximum flexibility on how they use points.

The only business Visa that earns Avios directly at 1:1 — and unlike American Express, it's accepted almost everywhere. Zero foreign exchange fees abroad. Includes unlimited airport lounge access via Priority Pass. Tax deductible fee. Converts points to Avios, Virgin Points, or cashback instantly via the app. Best for: business owners who travel and want lounge access plus Avios.

The highest welcome bonus available on any UK business card right now — 120,000 Membership Rewards points (converts to 120,000 Avios) if you spend £12,000 in your first 3 months. That's enough for two return Business Class flights to New York. Also includes hotel status, extensive lounge access, and a £200 annual travel credit. Best for: high-spending business owners seeking maximum first-year value.