Unlock effortless cashback on your everyday bills with the RBS Reward Credit Card—where consistent spending turns into guaranteed savings, without changing a single habit.
Step-by-Step: How to Maximise the RBS Reward Card
Automate Direct Debit Payments
To unlock the core benefit (1% cashback on bills), you must set up Direct Debits for eligible services:
- Council tax
- Gas and electricity
- Water
- Mobile phone
- Broadband and TV subscriptions
Missing a single month can reduce annual reward totals significantly. Ensure all billers accept credit card payments and update your details if you change suppliers.
Use Retailer Offers Weekly
RBS updates its list of partner retailers with cashback deals of up to 15%. These are usually found in the app or online banking under “My Rewards”. Offers rotate frequently and are often stackable with discount codes.
Maximise value by:
- Opting into new offers regularly
- Using the card for both in-store and online purchases
- Syncing purchase timing with high cashback periods (e.g. Black Friday)
Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
The RBS Reward Card is not travel-friendly. It applies a 2.75% foreign usage fee. For holidays or online purchases in other currencies, use a companion card like:
- Barclaycard Rewards: No FX fees, 0.25% cashback
- Chase UK debit card: No fees, 1% cashback on all purchases (for 12 months)
Redeem Rewards Strategically
Rewards build up monthly and are paid as cashback or used to reduce your credit card balance. Best practices:
- Redeem every quarter to track earnings
- Apply rewards directly to your statement balance (saves more long-term)
- Use as part of budgeting strategy
10 FAQs That Go Beyond the Basics
Can I use the RBS Reward Card without an RBS current account?
No. It is a requirement to have an RBS current account to apply.
Are TV licences eligible for cashback?
No. Only recurring bill types listed under the program earn 1% cashback.
Can I earn cashback paying rent or mortgage?
No. These payments are excluded.
Are third-party bill payment apps eligible?
Only if the transaction is processed as a utility or telco. Apps like Curve may not trigger cashback.
Do I need to manually activate cashback deals?
Yes. Retailer Offers must be activated in-app or online before use.
Can I stack offers with third-party coupons?
Yes. RBS cashback applies post-transaction, so using voucher codes or loyalty cards is compatible.
Will I earn rewards if I split a bill with another card?
Only the amount charged to the RBS Reward Card is eligible.
Is there a spending cap on rewards?
There is no official cap, but the practical cashback is limited by the amount of eligible bill spend.
Are business expenses allowed?
The card is for personal use only. Business expenses are not rewarded.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Interest accrues at the representative APR of 31.0% (variable). Cashback eligibility may also be impacted.
Case Study: How to Get Over £70/year in Value
Tom and Lisa are a married couple in Manchester. They jointly pay the following bills through their RBS Reward Card:
- Council tax: £150/month
- Utilities: £90/month
- Internet/TV: £40/month
- Mobiles: £60/month (2 lines)
Monthly eligible spend: £340
Annual cashback: £40.80
Add savings via Retailer Offers (approximate): £30/year
Total value: £70.80/year
Net after fee (£24): £46.80 profit
Complementary Cards to Pair With RBS Reward
To fill in the gaps left by RBS Reward (such as travel use and general spending), consider pairing with:
1. Barclaycard Rewards
- No foreign fees
- 0.25% cashback
- Ideal for travel and online foreign currency purchases
2. Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday
- No annual fee
- 0.5% to 1% cashback tiered
- Great for grocery and entertainment spending
3. Chase UK Debit Card
- 1% cashback for 12 months
- No fees or interest
- Useful for everyday contactless and budgeting
Final Thoughts: Best for Bill-Payers, Not Big Spenders
The RBS Reward Credit Card is not a premium rewards tool or travel asset. But for UK households with multiple recurring bills and consistent retail habits, it quietly returns value month after month. Its passive reward structure makes it especially appealing for people who want a “set-it-and-forget-it” cashback solution.
When used alongside other strategic cards, the RBS Reward becomes part of a broader system that can net hundreds of pounds annually through smart financial habits alone.
