Check the price
Include delivery, returns and any voucher conditions.
UK Avios, cards and cashback
Get the card stack, earning routes and redemption checks I use in one guide, with the card links sent in the same email.
My own setup
I compare the available return before I buy, then use the route that suits that purchase. The guide puts those decisions into one order.
See what is inside ↓Inside the guide
Start with the card stack, build the earning habits, see what the bonuses are really worth, protect the points you already have, then redeem with a clear comparison.
Your next purchase
This is the smallest useful version of the system. It takes one planned purchase and helps you choose the route before you click through.
Include delivery, returns and any voucher conditions.
Choose one shopping portal for that order.
Use an eligible card only when you can repay it in full.
Choose one route
I compare these before an online order because the available retailer and rate can change which route gives me the better return. All four open straight from here, no email needed.
Use it when an eligible retailer and rate make the Avios route worthwhile.
Open AviosCompare its cashback rate with the points routes before choosing.
Open RakutenFree to join. Eligible tracked purchases can earn cashback after approval.
Open TopCashbackUse it when you have a purpose for Virgin Points and the rate suits the purchase.
Open Virgin RedWhere I invest
Trading 212 is where my ISA and my monthly index fund buys sit. Not sponsored. When Trading 212 runs an invite promotion, my invite goes here.
Join with my invite and we both get free fractional shares worth up to £100. Open until 3 November 2026. Capital at risk, terms apply.
Claim the inviteThe last invite promotion has ended. Trading 212 runs a new one from time to time; when it does, my invite goes straight back here. Capital at risk.
Next invite comingCards and fees
A bonus gets attention. The annual fee and the rewards you can realistically use decide whether the card fits your spending.
| Card | First year | After year one |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Amex | £0 | £30 a year |
| Preferred Rewards Gold | £0 | £195 a year |
| BA Premium Plus | £300 | £300 a year |
The playbook also explains the Mastercard I use where Amex is not accepted. Credit cards involve borrowing, and interest or fees can outweigh rewards.
The supporting accounts
You can use the shopping routes with your existing bank. These two accounts remain here because they serve a purpose in my own setup. Monzo opens from here. Lloyds and the three Amex cards come by email, through the form.
I use pots and instant notifications to keep spending and bills organised. One link, two offers. It opens on the business side, £50 each way if you open a Monzo business account, and £10 each way if you open a personal current account instead.
Open MonzoIt serves a separate banking purpose for me. Compare any account with what you already have.
Sent by emailBefore you start
No. Start with the route that serves your next purchase, then add an account when it has a clear job.
Avios earns Avios, Virgin Red earns Virgin Points, and Rakuten and TopCashback pay cashback.
Yes. Participating shopping portals can work with an eligible payment method, subject to each retailer’s terms.
The playbook and the card referral links. Further emails are sent only when you select the optional box.
Reward flights can still include taxes, fees and carrier charges. Availability also varies, so compare the points and cash cost with the cash fare.
Start with the guide
Get the complete setup order and the card links in one email.
Send me the playbook