John Lewis & Waitrose Partnership Card: Worth Keeping in 2025?

For years, the John Lewis & Waitrose Partnership Card has been a firm favourite among shoppers devoted to these two high-street names.

John Lewis & Waitrose Partnership Card: It’s built around a simple idea — reward loyal customers with points that turn into store vouchers — and has been especially appealing to those who regularly shop in John Lewis department stores or pick up their groceries at Waitrose.

But in August 2025, the reward scheme changed, and not everyone is convinced the card still holds the same appeal. With adjustments to how points are earned on non-brand spending, it’s fair to ask whether it still offers good value compared to other UK credit cards.

The Main Perks at a Glance

• Better rewards in-store: Up to 2.5% back in vouchers during the first 60 days when spending at John Lewis or Waitrose.
• Exclusive deals: Seasonal promotions, extra point offers, and special events through the John Lewis Finance app.
• Easy voucher use: Every 500 points equals a £5 voucher, redeemable at John Lewis or Waitrose and sent out up to three times per year.
• Bonus opportunities: Extra points for wine club members, bulk purchases, and selected in-store events.

How the 2025 Scheme Works

The way points are collected is straightforward, but the return on purchases outside of the two brands has dropped.

Spending Category	Points Earned	Voucher Value	Effective % Back
John Lewis & Waitrose (standard)	5 pts per £4	£5 per 500 pts	1.25%
John Lewis & Waitrose (first 60 days)	10 pts per £4	£5 per 500 pts	2.5%
All other UK/overseas spending (before Aug 2025)	1 pt per £4	£5 per 500 pts	0.25%
All other UK/overseas spending (from Aug 2025)	1 pt per £10	£5 per 500 pts	0.1%

This means the card now shines for brand-loyal spending but has much less appeal for everyday purchases elsewhere.

A Real-World Example: The Dedicated Waitrose Shopper

Take Sarah, who lives in London and spends about £600 a month on groceries at Waitrose.

• Before August 2025: She would collect around 9,000 points each year — worth £90 in vouchers.
• After August 2025: Her grocery rewards stay the same, but spending on dining, fuel, and travel earns fewer points. Without shifting more of her budget to John Lewis or Waitrose, her yearly voucher total falls to roughly £75.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

• APR: Around 29.9% variable — carrying a balance is expensive.
• Fees: No annual fee, but there are charges for overseas transactions.
• Best suited for: Anyone spending £250 or more per month at John Lewis or Waitrose.
• Less suited for: People looking for a versatile rewards card for travel, dining, or general shopping outside the partnership.

How It Measures Up

Card	In-Brand Rewards	Out-of-Brand Rewards	Annual Fee
John Lewis & Waitrose Partnership Card	1.25% (2.5% first 60 days)	0.1%	£0
American Express Nectar	1% at Sainsbury’s/Argos/eBay	0.5%	£0
Barclaycard Rewards	0.25% cashback	0.25% cashback	£0

Final Verdict

If you’re a frequent shopper at John Lewis or Waitrose, the Partnership Card still offers meaningful value — especially in the first two months when rewards are doubled. However, the 2025 changes mean it no longer competes well as an all-rounder card for everyday spending.On the next page: Practical tips for getting the most out of your points, lesser-known reward tricks, an FAQ, and side-by-side comparisons with other UK credit cards for different spending habits.