Look to cashback this Christmas

Category: Credit cards
Date: 11/4/2011

With the Christmas season fast approaching, people will be getting their finances in order for what is likely to be an expensive time.

Many people like to use a credit card to pay for their festive outgoings.

As long as balances can be paid off on time, they are a good option as they guarantee all purchases of £100 or more, so if you buy a gift from a firm that goes bust, your money is covered.

Cashback credit cards are a good option for consumers who may be facing an expensive Christmas, as they offer rewards in return for spending.

A range of cashback cards are available, offering varying rewards subject to how much and whereabouts consumers spend.

There are a number of cracking cashback cards currently available, including:

• The World MasterCard from Capital One offers an introductory 5% cashback on purchases, with a standard rate of 1.25% thereafter;

• The Platinum Cashback Amex from American Express, offering an introductory 2.5%, then 1.25%; and

• The 123 Cashback Credit Card from Santander, offering from 1%-3%, depending on purchases.

"As with any credit card, you must be confident that you can pay off the balance in full each month and not just pay the minimum repayment," said Louise Holmes, spokesperson at Moneyfacts.co.uk.

"If monthly payments are missed regularly, any benefits such as cashback or introductory deals, which rely on good account conduct, may be removed by the provider.

"If used correctly, cashback cards can help customers benefit and reap rewards from their spending during the costly Christmas period."

Disclaimer: Information is correct as of the date of publication (shown at the top of this article). Any products featured may be withdrawn by their provider or changed at anytime.