Credit Card Options

mbeamethyst

Looking to get a credit card for the first time in over 10 years. Last time I had one it was from my bank.

This time I'm thinking to get a card from either of the two companies we shop from most often - Amazon or M&S -  to get the benefit of points/perks (with paying it off every month and not needing a balance transfer option, the perks become more the decision maker).

I should add I'm not familiar with a lot of "perks" you get with credit cards but my thinking of using Amazon/M&S was to get points to use against future purchases.

I have checked and would be eligible for both the Amazon Platinum and the Marks & Spencer Rewards credit cards.

Would really appreciate advice on which of the two might be the better option or if there are any other cards you would recommend that have benefits attached.

Thanks.

 

[Deleted User]

It depends on what perks you value - cashback is useful, as cash is widely accepted, rather than being tied to a specific retailer.

However, as you're starting from the point of effectively being a new credit card customer, try an eligibility checker first to see what you might get. 

mbeamethyst

Deleted_User said:

It depends on what perks you value - cashback is useful, as cash is widely accepted, rather than being tied to a specific retailer.

However, as you're starting from the point of effectively being a new credit card customer, try an eligibility checker first to see what you might get. 

Thanks. I've updated my post to say I would be eligible for the cards.

Ebe_Scrooge

There's an article on this site which shows some of the rewards cards that are available: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/best-credit-card-rewards/

This might be worth a quick look through.  Other than that, it really does depend on what kind of rewards would be most useful to you.  As ZX81 says, cashback cards are an obvious choice.  But if there's a retailer that you use a lot anyway, one of their cards could be a good choice - M&S or Amazon, as you say, or Tesco or a Nectar-points card if that would suit you.  There's little practical difference between them, unless you want to do the maths and work out exactly what each different type of reward is worth is monetary value.  Really it's just what's going to be most "valuable" to you.

Do bear in mind, an eligibility can give you a reasonable indication of whether or not you'll be accepted, but it's by no means a guarantee - you'll only find out for sure when you make a full a full application and they churn all your data though their systems.

Gerry1

Barclaycard Rewards is the best all rounder.  0.25% cashback on all purchases, even abroad, no foreign loading, no ATM frees abroad, no interest on foreign ATM usage if repaid in full on next statement.

In other words you can use it for all purchases abroad, get cash abroad, and get paid instead of being charged fees !