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27 September 2024
Cashback UK, best cashback credit cards UK

The Ultimate Guide to Earning Cashback in the UK

Earning cashback in the UK has never been easier, thanks to a wide range of cashback credit cards, cashback websites, and innovative mobile wallets like Curve that allow you to "stack" cashback offers on top of one another so you can earn multiple times on a single transaction.

Whether you’re looking to earn on everyday purchases or big buys, this guide will break down the best ways to maximise your cashback. We'll also highlight how you can double, or even triple your rewards when you play your cards right. Whatever debit cards or credit cards you you use everyday, you can transform them all into cashback cards with a Curve Wallet.  Curve is the only mobile wallet that saves you money as you spend. Think of it like Apple Pay, if Apple Pay also handed you free cash as you spent. 

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Best Cashback Credit Cards in the UK

There are several top-tier cashback and rewards credit cards in the UK, each catering to different spending patterns. Here's how some of the best cashback cards in the UK. 

  1. Chase UK Current Account

    • Welcome Offer: None.
    • Ongoing Cashback: 1% cashback on all purchases for the first 12 months.
    • Perks: No monthly fees, with cashback covering most spending categories, and a round-up feature that helps you save effortlessly on every purchase.
    • Who it’s for: Ideal for those looking for a simple, no-fee cashback solution on everyday spending.

  2. Santander Edge Current Account

    • Welcome Offer: None.
    • Ongoing Cashback: 1% cashback on supermarket and travel spend (e.g., trains, buses, and taxis), and 0.5% on household bills like water, electricity, and broadband.
    • Monthly Fee: £3 per month.
    • Perks: Cashback on everyday essentials and bills makes it a great option for families and frequent commuters.
    • Who it’s for: Perfect for those who spend heavily on groceries and travel.

  3. Barclaycard Avios Plus

    • Welcome Offer: 25,000 Avios points if you spend £3,000 in your first three months.
    • Ongoing Rewards: 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, 3 Avios per £1 on British Airways purchases.
    • Annual Fee: £20 per month.
    • Perks: The card offers excellent Avios-earning potential, with the added bonus of a British Airways upgrade voucher when you spend £10,000 annually.
    • Who it’s for: Best suited for frequent travellers looking to build up Avios points for flights and upgrades.

  4. American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Card

    • Welcome Offer: 5% cashback on purchases in the first three months (up to £100).
    • Ongoing Cashback: 0.5% on spending up to £10,000 annually, increasing to 1% after hitting the threshold.
    • Annual Fee: Free.
    • Perks: No annual fee, making it a good choice for casual spenders.
    • Who it’s for: Shoppers who want to earn cashback on daily purchases without a monthly fee.

Top Cashback Websites in the UK

Cashback websites are an easy way to add extra savings on top of what you might earn from cashback credit cards. Here are the leading platforms in the UK:

  1. TopCashback
    • Average Cashback: Up to 20% on selected retailers.
    • Features: Offers a wide range of retailers, from groceries to travel bookings. It also provides a payout bonus if you redeem via gift cards.
  2. Quidco
    • Average Cashback: 5-15% on most retailers.
    • Features: Quidco is similar to TopCashback but often has exclusive deals and bonuses. Ideal for online shoppers.
  3. Boom25
    • Unique Feature: Every 25th customer wins their entire purchase amount back in cashback.
    • Features: A gamified experience where you have the chance to win back your entire purchase instead of a percentage.

These websites are a fantastic way to stack cashback with your rewards cards. For instance, you could earn cashback through Quidco while paying with a Chase UK or Santander Edge account to maximise returns on each purchase.

Cashback Stacking: How to Maximise Rewards

Cashback stacking is the strategy of combining multiple cashback offers on a single transaction to boost your rewards. Here’s how you can stack cashback for maximum gains:

  1. Credit Card Cashback: Use a rewards credit card (e.g., Chase UK, Santander Edge) to earn cashback or points.
  2. Cashback Websites: Visit the retailer via TopCashback or Quidco to earn additional cashback on the same purchase.
  3. Mobile Wallets: Curve is the only mobile wallet that enables you to earn cashback on top of the cashback you earn with the cards linked to your wallet. 

Let’s break down how Curve’s Cashback Stacking can turn your spending into even more significant rewards.

How Cashback Stacking with Curve Works

Curve is a mobile wallet that allows you to link multiple debit and credit cards and access cashback offers across different retailers. Unlike traditional payment platforms, Curve offers Cashback Stacking, letting you earn cashback from several sources on the same transaction. 

Cashback offers at Curve:

  1. 1% Welcome Cashback: For the first 30 days, you’ll earn 1% cashback on all purchases with Curve, which can be stacked on top of your credit card rewards.
  2. 1% Referral Cashback: Get 1% cashback for 30 days for every friend you refer.
  3. Premium Cashback: Curve Black and Curve Metal customers can earn 1% cashback at up to 12 retailers of their choice, such as Amazon, Tesco, or ASOS.

Double-dip  Double up on rewards by using a cashback credit card in your Curve Wallet to spend. Let’s say you link your Barclaycard Avios Plus card to your Curve wallet. If you spend £1,000 at a retailer that offers cashback on Curve, you can earn 1% cashback through Curve, 1.5 Avios per £1 spent through Barclaycard, and possibly additional cashback if you’ve referred friends or you're in your welcome period. 

Curve Fronted: Paying Off Credit Cards with another credit card to Earn More Cashback

One of Curve’s most innovative features is Curve Fronted, which allows you to pay bills—such as taxes, school fees, or even other credit cards—with another credit card, even if the vendor only accepts debit cards. This opens up a unique opportunity to earn cashback or points where you normally wouldn’t be able to. Here’s how it works:

  • Fees: There’s a 2.5% fee for using Curve Fronted, but Curve Black customers get up to £1,000 per month fee-free, and Curve Metal users get up to £3,000.
  • Maximise Rewards: By using Curve Fronted, you can pay off your American Express bill with a Barclaycard Avios Plus, earning Avios points on top of your Amex rewards. 

Maximising Rewards with Curve

To get the most out of Curve, follow these tips:

  1. Link High-Reward Cashback Credit Cards: Make sure you connect cards like Barclaycard Avios Plus, Chase UK, or Santander Edge to double up on rewards.
  2. Check the Curve App for Cashback Offers: Curve frequently adds new deals that can be stacked on top of credit card rewards.
  3. Refer Friends: Keep your 1% referral cashback active by inviting friends to join Curve.
  4. Upgrade to Premium Plans: Premium Curve users can access exclusive offers, including 1% international cashback and a higher allowance for Curve Fronted.

What is Cashback?

Cashback is a type of reward program that gives consumers a percentage of the money spent on purchases back. The concept is simple: when you make a purchase, a portion of the amount you spend is returned to you, either as a direct credit on your account or as points that can be redeemed for cash or other rewards.

Cashback can be offered by credit cards, debit cards, cashback websites, or mobile wallets like Curve (which is basically like Apple Pay or Google PAy - with cashback on top) . It’s a popular way for consumers to save money on everyday purchases without changing their spending habits. Depending on the method, cashback percentages can range from as low as 0.5% to as high as 20%, particularly during promotional periods or for specific retailers.

Is Cashback Legit?

Yes, cashback is entirely legitimate, and it’s a win-win for both consumers and companies. For consumers, cashback is an easy way to save money. For businesses, offering cashback encourages more spending and brand loyalty. Cashback websites like TopCashback and Quidco partner with retailers to give consumers part of their commission, which is how they can afford to offer cashback on purchases. Similarly, credit card companies use cashback as an incentive for consumers to choose their card over others.

While cashback is genuine, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions associated with cashback offers. Some cashback rates only apply to specific categories, and certain purchases may be excluded. However, as long as you read the fine print and use reputable platforms, cashback can be a valuable tool to earn extra money.

Conclusion: The Best Way to Earn Cashback in the UK

To maximise your cashback potential in the UK, follow these steps:

  1. Choose the Right Credit Card: Select a rewards card like Chase UK, Santander Edge, or Barclaycard Avios Plus that suits your spending habits.
  2. Utilise Cashback Websites: Shop via TopCashback or Quidco to earn extra cashback on top of your credit card rewards.
  3. Leverage Curve for Cashback Stacking: Use Curve to combine multiple cashback offers in one transaction for maximum gains.

By combining these methods, you can supercharge your earnings and turn everyday purchases into significant rewards. Start stacking today and make every pound you spend work harder for you!

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