14 September 2011

Cash back is the No 1 incentive for UK credit card users

Cash back rewards and the length of the 0% period are the most important factors that British people look at when searching for a new credit card.

**Cash back rewards and the length of the 0% period are the most important factors that British people look at when searching for a new credit card. **

The latest research from a leading comparison site shows that 41% of Brits choose their credit cards based on the cash back, rewards or Air Miles deals.

"Over the past couple of months there has been a flurry of cash back and reward credit cards being launched by providers, suggesting many are looking to the rewards sector for growth,” said Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com.

The length of the 0% period was selected as a top priority by 25.1% of respondents, and having no charges for overseas facilities was the main concern for 19.8% of those questioned.

"With each scheme offering its customers something unique, consumers need to work out what sort of rewards suit their personal circumstances and shop around for the best deal,” added Mountford.

In addition, further data reveals that 60% of credit card users pay off their bills in full each month and 13.5% pay as much as they can afford.

Credit cards dependence

Further figures from the Scottish Provident's Financial Safety Net showed how the latest trends reveal an increased reliance on credit cards for many Brits.

The research asked a number of Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) what they think their clients, with no protection in place, would do if they became unemployed or contracted a critical illness.

66% of IFAs say clients without protection would withdraw from emergency savings to fund living costs and approximately half said their clients would turn to credit cards and loans.

Other IFAs suggested clients would rely on benefits from the state, while some suggested that people would probably have to seek help from friends and family.