How to Maximise Your Cashback and Reward Schemes

Cashback and reward schemes can feel like small wins—just a few pounds back here or some points saved there. But when used smartly, they can add up to hundreds of pounds a year, all for spending money you’d be spending anyway. The trick? Knowing how to make the most of them.

Here’s how to turn everyday purchases into serious savings.

1. Pick the right card or app

Not all cashback or reward schemes are created equal. Some focus on supermarkets, others on travel, and some on general everyday spending.

• Cashback credit cards – Great for everyday purchases (if you always clear the balance in full to avoid interest). When it comes to choosing which one look at what they offer and what gives you the best value for money. We changed to a gold American Express card as the points can be used at a wide range of retailers/ providers.

• Supermarket reward cards – Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, or Lidl Plus can save you money on groceries and beyond. As most accounts are free to open get accounts at anywhere you shop, even if it’s just occasionally. I have of the above as they give different things. Tesco Clubcard gives you lower priced items and Nectar does the same but you also get points which can give you money off vouchers. With Lidl you can get free or cheaper products.

• Other store reward cards- You can collect points at places such as Waterstones, Boots and Nandos which can be redeemed for money off/ free items. My Waterstones plus rewards card is probably my most used and I’ve made so much money from it.

• Dedicated cashback apps – Like Airtime Rewards, Quidco, or TopCashback, which give money back for online or in-store shopping. It’s worth opening accounts with quite a few and looking to see which offers the best cashback rate for any purchase you make.

If you sign up to a lot of places with physical cards don’t worry about having them on you, you can add them to digital wallets so you always have access to them.

2. Stack your rewards

One of the best tricks is double or even triple stacking.

• Use a cashback site (like Quidco) to click through to a retailer.

• Pay with a cashback credit card.

• Scan your loyalty card at checkout.

That’s three layers of rewards on a single purchase.

Don’t spend just for the cashback

It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing rewards, but cashback usually only offers a small percentage. S

pending £100 to get £2 back isn’t saving—it’s spending more than you planned. Always stick to your budget first; the cashback is just a bonus.

Redeem points strategically

Reward points are often worth more when used in specific ways:

• Tesco Clubcard points – Triple their value when spent with partners like restaurants or days out.

• Avios or air miles – Better value when booked for flights rather than gift cards.

• Nectar points – Often more valuable during promotional events.

Check where your rewards go the furthest before cashing them in.

Keep an eye on expiry dates

Many schemes have expiry limits if you don’t use your account for a while. Regularly log in, redeem small amounts, or make a low-value purchase to keep your account active and avoid losing points.

Automate where you can

Link your debit or credit card to apps like Airtime Rewards so you earn cashback automatically without having to remember each time. The easier it is, the more likely you’ll stick with it.

For someone like me who always forgets to use cashback apps/ sites this is super useful.

Maximising your cashback and reward schemes

Cashback and reward schemes aren’t going to make you rich—but they can be a great way to get more out of your everyday spending. By choosing the right schemes, stacking your benefits, and redeeming rewards wisely, you can save money (or treat yourself) without any extra effort.

Think of it as free money—just for being a little more organised.

Do you use cashback or reward schemes? Which one has saved you the most money?