How to Maximise the NatWest Reward Black Credit Card

how to use the card effectively, insider tips to maximise rewards, hidden limitations, and alternatives worth considering.

The NatWest Reward Black Credit Card is a premium option in the UK market, designed for individuals who want cashback on everyday spending, fee-free travel abroad, and flexibility in redeeming rewards. While the annual fee of £84 may deter some, cardholders can offset or even eliminate this cost by linking it with a NatWest Reward or Premier Reward Black current account.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the NatWest Reward Black

Set Up with a Reward Current Account

If you already have or can switch to a NatWest Reward Current Account, the £84 fee on the credit card is refunded. This combination dramatically improves the card’s value proposition.

Prioritise Supermarket Spending

The 1% cashback at UK supermarkets is one of the highest flat rates available for this category. Focus your grocery shopping at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Asda to ensure every pound spent is rewarded.

Use Abroad Without Worry

Unlike many UK cashback cards, NatWest Reward Black charges 0% on foreign transaction fees. This makes it an excellent travel companion for European city breaks, US holidays, and online purchases from overseas retailers.

Engage with MyRewards Partners

Beyond the baseline cashback, NatWest partners with dozens of UK retailers offering up to 15% rewards on special promotions. Regularly check the MyRewards app for offers from chains like Argos, John Lewis, and Costa Coffee.

Redeem Rewards Strategically

Rewards can be redeemed in three main ways:

• Cashback into a NatWest account (simplest).
• Gift cards for higher redemption value (e.g., £10 reward might buy a £12 voucher during promotions).
• Avios or Emirates Skywards miles, useful for frequent flyers.

Insider Hacks to Maximise Value

1. Double-Dip with Loyalty Schemes
   Pay with the NatWest Reward Black while also collecting loyalty points at Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, or Avios eStores. This creates a stacking effect.
2. Target Supermarket Promotions
   NatWest frequently boosts cashback rates during seasonal promotions (e.g., 2% at supermarkets in December). Plan high-value shopping around these periods.
3. Leverage Travel Perks
   Although not widely advertised, some cardholders report smoother foreign transactions compared to budget cards. Pairing this card with Revolut or Wise for ATM withdrawals can cut total travel costs further.
4. Convert Rewards into Avios During Bonuses
   At times, Avios offers 10–20% transfer bonuses. Converting £100 of NatWest Rewards during such promos can yield significantly more than plain cashback.
5. Offset the Fee With Household Spending
   Families spending £800–£1,200 monthly on groceries can fully neutralise the £84 fee within 7–8 months. Beyond that, it’s pure profit.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the NatWest Reward Black Credit Card worth it if I don’t travel abroad?

Yes, but less so. The main UK benefit is the 1% supermarket cashback. If you never travel, cheaper cashback cards may suit you better.

Does NatWest Reward Black include travel insurance?

No. Unlike some premium accounts, the credit card itself does not bundle travel insurance.

Can I use the card for balance transfers?

It’s not designed for this purpose. Promotional balance transfer offers are limited and not competitive compared to specialist cards.

How quickly are rewards credited?

Rewards usually appear monthly on your statement and can be redeemed once they hit £5.

What happens if I don’t pay off the balance in full?

You’ll incur 21.9% p.a. variable interest on purchases, or 40.7% representative APR. This will wipe out cashback benefits quickly.

How to Maximise the Value

• Pay off the balance in full every month to avoid interest charges.
• Combine with a no-fee debit card (e.g., Monzo or Starling) for ATM cash while travelling, reserving NatWest for purchases.
• Switch all recurring supermarket spending (food, fuel, household items) to NatWest.
• Redeem rewards during bonus campaigns for higher gift card or Avios value.
• Monitor retailer partnerships in the MyRewards app monthly.

Alternatives to Consider

Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card

• No annual fee.
• 0% foreign transaction fees.
• 0.25% cashback on all purchases.
• Best for those who want a fee-free, no-hassle card with modest cashback.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

• Strong welcome bonus (often 20,000 Membership Rewards points).
• 2× points on travel, restaurants, and overseas spending.
• Annual fee of £195 (first year free).
• Best for frequent travellers chasing premium rewards.

Halifax Clarity Credit Card

• No foreign transaction fees.
• No cashback or points.
• Great for budget-conscious travellers who don’t care about rewards.

Limitations and Criticisms

• High APR (40.7%) makes it dangerous if balances aren’t cleared monthly.
• Annual fee of £84 only makes sense if supermarket and travel spending are high.
• Fewer lifestyle perks compared to Amex Gold or Platinum.
• No built-in travel insurance or airport lounge access.

Conclusion

The NatWest Reward Black Credit Card is a niche but valuable option for UK households that:

• Spend heavily in supermarkets.
• Travel abroad multiple times a year.
• Want cashback and flexibility without Amex acceptance issues.

When paired with a NatWest Reward Current Account, the fee is refunded, boosting the card’s net annual value significantly. However, if you carry balances or have low grocery spending, cheaper alternatives like Barclaycard Rewards may suit you better.For those who can maximise its benefits, the NatWest Reward Black remains one of the best supermarket + travel credit cards in the UK for 2025.