How to apply for RBS Reward Credit Card: complete step-by-step guide
This page explains how to apply for the RBS Reward Credit Card, including the current eligibility requirements, information you may need and the costs to review before proceeding.
Approval is subject to status and a credit assessment, so meeting the published requirements does not guarantee that an application will be accepted.
Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements
To apply for the RBS Reward Credit Card, you must currently be 18 or over, live in the UK and earn at least £10,000 per year.
RBS also states that you must not have been bankrupt within the previous six years.
Before making a full application, RBS provides an eligibility check.
The eligibility checker takes around two minutes and uses a soft credit search, which does not affect your credit rating.
It gives an indication of how likely you are to be accepted, but it is not a guarantee of approval.
Step 2: Have your information ready
RBS states that a credit card application asks for your address history covering the previous three years.
You will also need information about your income, employment and bank account.
Existing RBS customers may have some information pre-filled when applying through Digital Banking or the Royal Bank app.
RBS does not state that every applicant must automatically provide payslips, tax returns or pension statements.
Identity verification may, however, be required during the application.
RBS works with Mitek for this process. You may be asked for photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or eligible national identity card.
Mitek may also request a short video or selfie and, where required, proof of address.
Step 3: Check eligibility and apply
You can start through the official RBS Reward Credit Card page by selecting the eligibility and application option.
At the beginning of the process, RBS checks whether you could qualify for the card and provides information about what the credit could cost you.
If you choose to continue with a full application, additional credit and identity checks may be carried out.
A full credit application may involve a hard search on your credit report. Unlike a soft eligibility search, a hard search is recorded and can be visible to other lenders.
RBS states that an online credit card application can take less than 10 minutes when you have the necessary information ready.
Step 4: Complete identity verification
RBS may use Mitek to confirm your identity after you decide to continue with the application.
This can involve matching photo identification with a selfie or short video.
Proof of address may also be requested depending on the verification process.
If you do not have the required identification available immediately, RBS states that you may be able to complete this part later.
Applicants who prefer not to use biometric verification can contact the specialist application team, although this route may take longer.
Step 5: What happens after applying
RBS assesses the information supplied in your application together with information from credit reference agencies.
The decision and terms offered depend on your individual financial circumstances and credit assessment.
If the application is approved, RBS states that a new credit card could arrive within approximately 5 to 7 working days.
Once you receive the card, follow the instructions supplied by RBS for setting it up and using the account.
The Royal Bank app can then be used to view transactions, check your PIN, manage payments and access other card controls.
Step 6: Review the APR and annual fee
The RBS Reward Credit Card currently has a 31.0% representative APR variable.
The standard purchase rate in the representative example is 25.9% p.a. variable.
RBS states that some applicants may receive a purchase and balance transfer rate of up to 29.9% p.a. variable, depending on the credit assessment.
The representative example assumes a credit limit of £1,200.
This figure is used for comparison and does not mean that every successful applicant will receive a £1,200 credit limit.
The card has a £24 annual fee.
If you hold an eligible RBS Reward current account, RBS currently refunds the £24 annual card fee.
Step 7: Understand interest and other charges
Purchases can receive up to 56 days interest free when the required repayment conditions are met.
To benefit from the interest-free period, you generally need to repay the relevant statement balances in full and on time.
Using the Reward Credit Card for purchases in a foreign currency currently carries a 2.75% non-sterling transaction fee.
Cash withdrawals also carry a fee. RBS currently states a 3% cash handling fee, with a minimum charge of £3.
Additional interest may apply to cash transactions, so review the latest Summary Box before withdrawing cash on the card.
Step 8: Understand the Rewards
The card currently earns 1% back in Rewards on supermarket spending.
Eligible spending at supermarket petrol stations and most other locations earns 0.25% back in Rewards.
Selected MyRewards retailers can offer between 1% and 15% back. Offers and participating retailers can change.
Once you have accumulated at least £5 in Rewards, available redemption options can include transferring money to an eligible bank account, exchanging Rewards for selected e-gift cards or donating to participating charities.
RBS itself warns that if you carry a balance and pay interest, the borrowing cost could be greater than the Rewards you earn.
Before you apply
Consider the annual fee, APR and your usual repayment habits before deciding whether the card is suitable.
If you already hold an eligible Reward current account, the annual fee refund may affect the overall cost.
The eligibility checker can help you understand your likelihood of acceptance without affecting your credit rating.
However, do not treat an eligibility result as a promise that the full application will be approved.
Also review the latest Summary Box and MyRewards terms because interest rates, fees and retailer offers can change.
About Royal Bank of Scotland
The RBS Reward Credit Card is provided by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc.
Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
RBS is responsible for the credit assessment, lending decision, credit limit and management of the credit card account.
This website does not issue the card, process credit applications or participate in lending decisions.
You earn 1% cashback at supermarkets, 0.25% at supermarket petrol stations and elsewhere, and 1–15% at selected retailers through MyRewards. Cashback is credited as Rewards, which can be redeemed for various options.
Yes, there is a £24 annual fee. However, this fee is refunded if you also have a Reward current account with RBS.
Applicants need to have a minimum gross annual income of £10,000 to be eligible for the RBS Reward Credit Card.
Applications must be completed online via the RBS website. You will provide ID, proof of income, and proof of address and will receive updates about your status by email or through the app.
Independent editorial notice: This website provides independent informational content. We are not a bank, lender, credit broker or financial institution, and we are not affiliated with Royal Bank of Scotland or Mastercard. We do not issue cards, process applications or make lending decisions. Product rates, fees, eligibility requirements and Rewards can change, so check the provider’s current information before applying.
Credit is subject to status and eligibility. Missing or late repayments may result in charges and can affect your credit record. If you are experiencing difficulties with debt, free and impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper.
