Our Verdict
A rewards-based credit card that will hold particular appeal to regular M&S shoppers – with some decent introductory 0% offers thrown in on both new purchases and balance transfers.
Pros
- Equal interest-free periods on purchases and balance transfers
- Collect M&S points on all shopping with welcome bonus
- Additional rewards when used alongside aSparks cardfor M&S shopping
Cons
- Balance transfers incur a fee
- Longer 0% periods available
- Rewards based only around M&S
- Fees apply for using the card abroad
Compare Cards
Using Our Eligibility Checker
Representative APR
19.9%
Rewards / Perks
Collect M&S Points on all spending
0% Purchase Period
12 months
Table of Contents
- Key features
- Charges
- Rewards
- Protection
- Will I be eligible?
- What more should I know?
- Is it the right card for me?
- What are the alternatives?
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Key features
- Earn M&S points on all shopping – and double points on M&S shopping for the first 12 months
- 0% interest on new purchases for 12 months
- 0% interest on balance transfers transfers for 12 months. Applies to transfers made within 90 days of account opening – with a fee
Charges
There is no annual fee for this attractive rewards credit card offering, but it will cost you 2.9% (minimum £5) on any balances you transfer over from other cards.
Any balance – transferred or accumulated – will attract a representative annual interest rate (APR) of 19.9% (variable) after the initial 0% offer.
New purchases made on the card will also be charged at a representative APR of 19.9% (variable) after the initial 0% offer.
That said, you get up to 55 days’ rolling interest-free credit on purchases. This means that if you pay your balance in full every month by the due date – you won’t pay a penny in interest.
If you are late with your credit card repayment – or go over your credit limit – you will face a fee of £12. You may also forfeit any 0% offer.
Rewards
You can collect M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world with your card. You will get two points for every £1 you spend in M&S in the first year – then one point for every £1 in subsequent years. You will get one point for every £5 you spend elsewhere.
One hundred points equals £1 reward voucher. Your points will be converted into reward vouchers four times a year and sent to you along with your loyalty statement.
Protection
As with any credit card, with M&S Bank’s Reward Plus Offer, you get extra protection on all purchases you make costing more than £100 and up to £30,000. This cover is offered under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
You still get this protection even if you only use your credit card to pay a deposit on items of this value, and pay the rest by another means. Find out more with our guide to section 75.
Will I be eligible?
You’ll need a decent credit score to qualify for the M&S Bank Credit Card Reward Plus Offer.
It’s always a good idea to use an eligibility checker to view your chances of being accepted for any credit card before making a formal application.
These so-called ‘soft searches’ won’t disturb your credit score, leaving it healthy and intact.
What more should I know?
A new credit card can’t be opened if you have held a credit card with M&S Bank within the previous 12 months.
Points cannot be earned on balance transfers, cash advances or withdrawals, interest charges, travel money, foreign currency or reward vouchers.
As with any rewards card, you should aim to clear your balance in full each month. If not, you’ll face interest on your outstanding balance, and this will swiftly erode the value of any rewards you build up.
If you can’t pay off your card in full, it’s vital you make at least your minimum payments by the due date each month. Fail to do this, and you risk losing your promotional rates on balance transfers and purchases.
If you take out cash from an ATM using your card, interest will be charged straight away, from the day you make the withdrawal.
Is it the right card for me?
If you’re a loyal M&S shopper who can be disciplined about only putting your regular spending on this card, and clearing the balance in full each month, the M&S Reward Plus Offer could be a great fit.
1
M&S Purchase Plus Credit Card
0% interest on purchases for up to 20 months
0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months (3.49% fee)
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
1
M&S Purchase Plus Credit Card
On M&S Bank's Website
Featured Partner Offer
2
American Express Rewards Credit Card
10,000 point welcome bonus (new cardholders)
1 Membership Rewards® point for every £1 spent
Representative example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 31% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 31% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
2
American Express Rewards Credit Card
Featured Partner Offer
What are the alternatives?
Weigh up whether the 2.9% (minimum £5) balance transfer fee is worth paying. You might be better off with a card offering a longer interest-free period on balance transfers to give you more breathing space – or one offering a longer 0% period to pay off your shopping.
If you have no existing card debt and shop regularly across several high street stores, a more generic cashback credit card could be more up your street.
