Suggestions: Good backup cashback credit which isn't Amex?

RandomMusings

Hello all!
First time poster, so apologies if I'm asking something that's already been answered.

I've had a Amex Platinum Everyday card for about 12 months that I use for all my purchases. However, sometimes Amex isn't accepted by some companies so I have to use my backup credit card from Lloyds (Mastercard), but unfortunately that doesn't give any cashback or rewards whatsoever.

As such I'm thinking of replacing said Lloyds credit card.

My issue being that the usually wonderful MSE website only suggests AMEX cards as it's top picks (and that would just compound my issue). It does suggest some supermarket and store specific cards but I'm not a creature of habit and shop in different places each week so they wouldn't be particularly useful either.
As such does anyone have any suggestions for a backup credit card that's not an AMEX or supermarket/store specific card and  (preferably) pays cash back? 
Other suggestions are also welcomed.

Thanks
RandomMusings

safe_hands2

Hi there. I used to use my Nationwide card as 2nd, but it stopped awarding cashback last year, so I'm now using John Lewis card. It was a toss-up between that and Barclaycard as both give 0.25%. I do sometimes shop at JL/Waitrose so will get better cashback then, and the card came well recommended from others on here. It arrived quickly, easy to set up, easy to use app, like the notifications of spending, customer service has been OK with my one question through app messaging so far.

jbrassy

Barclaycard Rewards is your best bet. It only pays 0.25% cashback, but it also offers fee-free spending abroad which is useful. I've personally had one since March last year and had no issues. 

Other people will recommend supermarket or store credit cards, but I personally prefer cashback as:
1 - it's easier to understand the value of cashback compared to a loyalty point. Who knows what a Nectar/Clubcard/Avios point is worth? 
2 - with cashback you are unconstrained about what you spend it on. However, with a, for example, John Lewis or Amazon credit card, you're forced to spend the rewards at those specific stores which you may not really want to.

MallyGirl

Same - Partnership card but we do (when not in a pandemic) like to shop in JL/Waitrose so get a reasonable number of vouchers. You have to spend the vouchers in JL/Waitrose so it is not strictly 'cash' back.

blue.peter

If you spend a fair bit at Amazon and have Prime, the Amazon credit card can be useful.

You'll earn 1.5 Amazon Reward Point on the Amazon Platinum Mastercard, for every £2 spend on Amazon.co.uk. For Amazon Prime members, earn 3 Amazon Reward Points on the Amazon Platinum Mastercard for every £2 spend on Amazon.co.uk. Earn 0.5 Amazon Reward Point on the Amazon Platinum Mastercard for every £2 spend everywhere else.

1,000 Reward Points = £10 Amazon gift card (automatically added to your account when your card statement is produced).

So for a Prime member, that equates to 1.5% on Amazon spending + 0.25% on other spending.

safe_hands2

Yes, sorry, good point. Should have clarified that JL card not actual cashback. It works for me as I don't spend that much on my second card anyway as amex mostly accepted. Also have Halifax clarity and nationwide select cards already, so foreign spending covered. Don't go abroad much in normal times so didn't think getting cashback card for that worth it. Just a question of weighing up what works best for you.

MDMD

MallyGirl said:

Same - Partnership card but we do (when not in a pandemic) like to shop in JL/Waitrose so get a reasonable number of vouchers. You have to spend the vouchers in JL/Waitrose so it is not strictly 'cash' back.

Oddly, they do allow you to cash in the vouchers at the till, just buy a banana and they will give change.

see 5c here

https://www.johnlewisfinance.com/content/dam/jlf/pscd/pdfs/reward-programme-rules/john-lewis-partnership-card-reward-programme-rules.pdf

I personally buy discounted supermarket gift cards through work which gives me a 4% discount but only gets 0.25% cash back so takes an age to reach the £5 minimum redemption.  Once I get to the next £5 I might look for another option.

[Deleted User]

jbrassy said:

Barclaycard Rewards is your best bet. It only pays 0.25% cashback, but it also offers fee-free spending abroad which is useful. I've personally had one since March last year and had no issues. 

Other people will recommend supermarket or store credit cards, but I personally prefer cashback as:
1 - it's easier to understand the value of cashback compared to a loyalty point. Who knows what a Nectar/Clubcard/Avios point is worth? 
2 - with cashback you are unconstrained about what you spend it on. However, with a, for example, John Lewis or Amazon credit card, you're forced to spend the rewards at those specific stores which you may not really want to.

With 1) as an example, it's easy to see what Nectar are worth - the app tells you. I have ~ 100,000 points worth ~ £500 if I use them to spend in Sainsbury's - with the Sainsbury's Nectar card and bonus offers, it's easy to rack them up. Our Christmas and New Year spent was all done on these points - £200 near enough on food, booze etc that cost "nothing" - in the sense that I earn points as I am buying stuff I need i.e. food and fuel

RandomMusings

Thanks all for the detailed replies.
I think I'm going to go with the Barclaycard Rewards; that way I can replace both my Halifax Clarity and Lloyds credit cards in one fell swoop.

yorkie2021

Yes, Barclaycard Rewards is an excellent choice.  I've had one a while now.

trient

Any reason why NatWest/RBS Reward (coupled with a rewards a/c to avoid the CC admin fee) wouldn't be better than the Barclaycard? Same 0.25% regular rewards but 1% for supermarket spendings.