Barclaycard introduces new rewards scheme for credit card customers

Barclaycard has introduced a new scheme that will enable holders of its credit cards to get rewards at thousands of retail outlets.

Called Barclaycard Freedom, the scheme gives all existing cardholders 'Reward Money' every time they use their card in participating stores, restaurants and online outlets, which they can then redeem against future purchases.

Sarah Newman, managing director of Barclaycard Freedom, believes the scheme is a way of rewarding loyalty and also an alternative to other schemes that require vouchers or coupons as the entire process is done through the card chip.

She said: Barclaycard Freedom offers our cardholders something for nothing on top of the benefits they already receive.

This is an exciting development for our customers, our retail partners and for Barclaycard itself.

Last month, American Express introduced a new credit card that gives points for spending, with the reward in the form of vouchers which can then be used in stores or online.

The scheme gives more points for spending in supermarkets, where 50 per cent of shopping sales are made, according to the company's research.