Cashback vs Rewards Points vs Airmiles: What’s the Best Way to Earn?

TL;DR: Comparing Cashback, Points & Miles

• Cashback is simple and reliable - usually 0.5% to 1% back per £1 spent
• Points and miles can offer more value (~0.8p - 1.2p), but come with friction like expiry or restrictions
• Curve Pay lets you stack its own cashback rewards on top of any card-based points or miles
• For everyday spending, cashback is easiest; for flexible travellers, airmiles and points can go further
  
  

Choosing between cashback, rewards points, and airmiles can feel like a maze. This guide breaks it down with real-world numbers, typical reward values, pros and cons—and a clear verdict based on how you spend.

Whether you’re after everyday simplicity or travel perks, you’ll also learn how Curve Pay helps you combine rewards without switching cards.

Definitions: Cashback, Points, Airmiles

• Cashback: You get a percentage of your spend back, either as real money or a bill credit.
• Points: You earn a flexible currency redeemable with certain retailers or services (e.g. Nectar, Clubcard).
• Airmiles: Rewards tied to airline loyalty schemes, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and travel extras.
  
  

All three offer ways to save - but they differ in flexibility, earning rate, and redemption complexity.

Cashback vs Points vs Miles: Value Comparison

Let’s look at real-world value on two common purchases:

In most scenarios, cashback delivers consistent value, while points and miles offer higher upside—but only with the right redemptions.

UK reward program valuations typically range from 0.8p - 1.2p per point or mile.
As NerdWallet explains, you’ll need flexibility and time to unlock higher returns from miles or points.

Where Cashback Wins: Everyday Spend Simplicity

Cashback is the most accessible reward system for most people. It doesn’t rely on brand loyalty or complex redemptions - it simply gives you back a percentage of what you spend. Whether you’re paying bills, buying groceries, or topping up fuel, it puts money straight back in your wallet without the hassle.

• No restrictions or redemption steps.
• Works well for groceries, fuel, bills, and online shopping.
• Cashback earned with Curve Pay is automatic and visible in your app.
  
  

For everyday users, cashback provides immediate, tangible value. And when you pay with Curve Pay, you can earn cashback from Curve on top of your card’s own rewards, offering you a way to cut your costs without changing how you spend. Limits apply, see Fair Use Policy for details.

Where Points Win: Brand Loyalists & Offer Hunters

Points shine when you regularly shop with the same brands or retailers. They’re great for those who want to stretch their money further through partner offers or bonus events. If you’re loyal to particular supermarkets or department stores, points can add up quickly and offer flexibility when converted into vouchers or discounts.

• Great for shoppers loyal to brands like Tesco, M&S, or Sainsbury’s.
• Often come with partner offers or boosted events.
• Can be converted into vouchers, discounts, or travel benefits.
  
  

This setup works especially well when you combine it with other rewards. For instance, using Curve Pay with your existing rewards card can help you collect points while also earning cashback, maximising returns on the same spend.

Where Airmiles Win: Frequent & Flexible Travellers

Airmiles can be extremely valuable- but only for those who travel often and can plan strategically. They tend to offer the highest returns when redeemed for upgrades, premium flights, or long-haul journeys. However, getting that value takes flexibility, as redemptions can vary widely based on timing and routes.

• Highest value when used for upgrades or long-haul flights.
• Often tied to elite status tiers or travel credit cards.
• May require flexible travel dates to avoid blackout periods.
  
  

As LendingTree notes, the effort to earn and redeem miles may not be worth it for infrequent travellers. But for those who fly regularly, using Curve Pay alongside your travel card lets you keep earning airmiles while stacking additional cashback for everyday purchases between trips.

The Stack: Combine Curve Cashback with Card Rewards

The best part? You don’t have to choose just one.

Curve Pay lets you stack your bank or card points/miles with its own cashback deals:

• Link your card that earns rewards
• Pay through Curve Pay
• Activate Curve cashback for eligible merchants
• Earn both: your card's points or miles and Curve Pay cashback
  
  

This “smart stack” works with both everyday cards and travel credit cards. For a practical walkthrough, here’s how to combine cashback deals with Curve Pay.

Friction to Watch Out For

Even the best rewards systems come with strings attached. Points and miles can deliver value, but they also introduce limitations that cashback typically avoids. Understanding these can help you avoid disappointment - or worse, lost rewards.

• Expiry: Airmiles and points may expire if unused.
• Minimum redemption thresholds: Some programs need £10+ of value to cash out.
• Blackout dates: Miles often can’t be used on peak dates.
• Reward dilution: Points/miles programs can devalue over time.
  
  

Cashback, on the other hand, is usually instant and doesn’t devalue - making it the more reliable option for most people. With Curve Pay, you can still enjoy the best of both worlds: consistent cashback, plus extra rewards from your favourite cards or loyalty schemes.

Conclusion: Which Reward System Works Best?

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• Use cashback if you want instant, predictable value on daily spending
• Use points if you’re loyal to a brand and want frequent shop perks
• Use airmiles if you travel often, have flexibility, and can play the rewards game
• Use Curve Pay to combine rewards and never miss an opportunity to earn
  
  

You’re not locked in to one approach. Curve Pay makes stacking easier - whether you want flight upgrades, grocery points, or cash in your wallet.

FAQs: Cashback vs Points vs Miles

Is cashback better than points?
Cashback is simpler and more flexible - great for everyday spend. Points can be worth more but often require time, effort, or brand loyalty.

How much is a point or mile worth in pounds?
In the UK, most points/miles are worth £0.008 to £0.012 (0.8p–1.2p). Cashback is worth exactly what it says- 1% means 1p per £1 spent.

Can I earn card points and Curve cashback at the same time?
Yes. Pay with your rewards card via Curve Pay, and you can earn both the card's points/miles and Curve’s cashback (where eligible).

What’s the best reward system for travel?
Airmiles can deliver high value if redeemed well- but cashback is more reliable unless you’re a frequent flyer with flexibility.

Can I stack cashback and loyalty points?
Yes- with Curve Pay, you can stack rewards across Curve cashback, loyalty cards (e.g. Nectar, Clubcard), and your bank’s cashback or points.