Changes are coming to the John Lewis Partnership credit card — and they’ll mean fewer points when you shop at other stores.
The card, issued by NewDay, lets you collect points that convert into vouchers to spend at John Lewis and Waitrose. But from 1 August, the rate for spending at other retailers will drop from 1 point per £4 to 1 point per £10.
A short-term offer will boost points on shopping at John Lewis and Waitrose during August.
Here’s what the changes mean for you — and how the card compares with supermarket credit card rivals.
How does the John Lewis Partnership card work?
The credit card lets you earn points on your spending, which are converted into gift vouchers to use at John Lewis and Waitrose.
You currently earn:
- 5 points for every £4 spent at John Lewis and Waitrose
- 1 point for every £4 spent elsewhere
From 1 August 2025, this will drop to 1 point per £10 for spending at stores other than John Lewis or Waitrose. This is equivalent to earning 0.1% on spending elsewhere.
Points are converted into gift vouchers at a rate of 100 points for £1. Vouchers are issued three times a year in £5 blocks, so you’ll need at least 500 points during a redemption period to get one.
The card has no monthly fee and a representative APR of 28.9% (variable). It was relaunched with NewDay in 2023, replacing the previous version backed by HSBC.
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Bonus points available in August
A new points boost will apply each August for the next three years, giving cardholders the chance to earn more when shopping directly with John Lewis and Waitrose.
During the month-long offer, you’ll earn:
- 15 points for every £4 spent in-store at John Lewis and Waitrose
- 10 points for every £4 spent on johnlewis.com
The usual rates will apply outside of August.
- Find out more: best cashback and reward credit cards 2025
Why rewards are changing and what it means for you
John Lewis Money told Which? that it’s reducing the rate on external spending to help maintain rewards on purchases at John Lewis and Waitrose.
John Lewis Money said: ‘These changes enable us to invest in the rewards that are most valued by our customers, alongside a new bonus to help customers earn additional points throughout August.’
In practice, it means that those who use the card outside the Partnership will earn less. From 1 August, it will take £5,000 of spending at other retailers to collect the 500 points needed for a £5 voucher, compared to £2,000 today.
However, those who shop regularly at John Lewis or Waitrose may benefit more, especially during the August bonus period. A £100 weekly shop at Waitrose in August would earn around £16.50 in points, compared with about £5.50 under the standard rate.
If you’re an existing cardholder, you’ll receive a letter explaining the changes. John Lewis Money said if you’re unhappy with the new terms, you have the right to close your account.
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How other rewards cards compare
Many retailers offer a rewards credit card, and schemes offer varying rates of rewards points per pound.
The table below compares the best rewards cards on the market, ordered by the representative APR.
* when you scan your Nectar card at the checkout alongside your credit card
** free for the first year
The John Lewis Partnership credit card now offers one of the lowest returns for spending outside its own stores.
But when choosing a reward card, it’s more important to think about where you shop most often. Most schemes give the best value when you spend with the participating retailer, making this the most effective way to earn points.
Reward points can usually be redeemed in-store or with selected partners. But comparing schemes isn’t always easy. Points are earned at different rates and often don’t have the same monetary value.
That’s why we’ve crunched the numbers in our full guide — showing what points could be worth based on spending £100, and what that adds up to in real terms.
- Find out more: top credit card introductory deals
