If you regularly shop at John Lewis & Partners or Waitrose, you may be considering a John Lewis Credit Card as a way to earn rewards.
The card is officially known as the Partnership Credit Card and is issued by NewDay Ltd in partnership with John Lewis Finance.
It is a UK-based credit card designed primarily for customers of John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose, but it can also be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
What is John Lewis?
John Lewis is a British retail brand and employee-owned business based in the United Kingdom.
It operates a chain of department stores selling home goods, clothing, electronics, beauty products, and furniture.
The company is structured as a partnership, meaning its employees are called Partners and share in the business’s profits and decision-making.
Founded in 1864, John Lewis is known in the UK for its focus on customer service, quality products, and long-standing retail presence.
What the John Lewis Credit Card Is
The John Lewis Credit Card is a reward-based credit card aimed at customers who shop frequently within the John Lewis & Partners group.
Cardholders earn points on eligible spending, which are later converted into John Lewis or Waitrose vouchers.
The card can be used online, in physical stores, and for everyday purchases where Mastercard is accepted.
Account management is available through online banking and a dedicated mobile app, allowing users to track spending, statements, and rewards.
Abroad
This credit card is issued in the UK and operates in pounds sterling. It is not marketed as a dedicated “John Lewis credit card in Europe.”
Although it may be used abroad wherever Mastercard is accepted, it is subject to foreign transaction fees.
Ways to Pay for a John Lewis Credit Card
Understanding the available payment options helps avoid missed payments and unnecessary interest charges.
There are several ways to pay a John Lewis Credit Card balance:
- Online account payments, using the card’s digital banking platform
- Mobile app payments are available on supported smartphones
- Direct Debit, allowing automatic monthly payments
- Phone payments, by contacting customer service
- In-store payments, made at John Lewis & Partners locations using accepted payment methods
Payments can be made toward the minimum balance, a fixed amount, or the full statement balance.
Paying the full balance each month avoids interest charges.
Using the John Lewis Credit Card in-store
The John Lewis credit card in-store works like a standard Mastercard payment. You can use it at checkout points in John Lewis & Partners.
When used in-store, purchases earn reward points that contribute toward future vouchers.
The card also supports contactless payments, making it suitable for everyday transactions.
In-store use is one of the main ways cardholders benefit most from the rewards structure.
How Rewards and Vouchers Work
Cardholders earn points on qualifying purchases, with higher earning rates typically applied to spending at John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose.
Points are converted into vouchers several times a year. These vouchers can be redeemed online or in-store for eligible purchases.
Rewards are not issued instantly, and vouchers usually have an expiry date.
Spending outside the John Lewis group earns points at a lower rate, which may reduce overall reward value for some users.
Interest Rates and Charges
Interest rates are an important factor when deciding if a credit card is right for you.
The representative APR for the John Lewis Credit Card is approximately 28.9% variable.
Interest is charged if the balance is not paid in full by the statement due date.
Late or missed payments may result in additional charges and may affect your credit record.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a John Lewis Credit Card, applicants generally must be UK residents with a valid UK address and a satisfactory credit history.
Meet income and affordability checks to assure affordability.
Approval is not guaranteed, as each application is assessed individually based on financial circumstances and credit profile.
How to Apply
You can apply for the John Lewis Credit Card in several ways. Online application, completed through the John Lewis Finance website.
In-store assistance, where staff can guide you through the process. Phone support for questions or application help.
The application process typically requires personal identification details, address history, employment information, and financial data.
A credit check is performed before a decision is made.
Managing Your Card After Approval
Once approved, you can manage your card through online banking or the mobile app. Features include:
You can view statements and transactions along the way.
Making one-off or recurring payments, monitoring reward points, updating personal details, and requesting additional cards.
The option to add additional cardholders makes the John Lewis credit card for partners or family members practical.
Is the John Lewis Credit Card Worth It?
The answer depends on how you use it.
Advantages include:
- Reward vouchers for John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose spending
- No typical annual card fee
- Wide acceptance as a Mastercard
Potential drawbacks include:
- A relatively high APR compared to some alternatives
- Reduced reward value for non-John Lewis purchases
- Interest costs that can outweigh rewards if balances are carried
For customers who pay their balance in full every month and shop frequently at John Lewis or Waitrose, the card may offer practical benefits.
For those who carry balances, lower-interest cards may be more cost-effective.
Contact Details
John Lewis Finance Limited Registered office: 1 Drummond Gate, Pimlico, London SW1V 2QQ United Kingdom
Credit card lender: NewDay Ltd 7 Handyside Street London N1C 4DA United Kingdom
General enquiries: 0330 175 9829
Lost or stolen cards (24/7): 0333 220 2531
Conclusion
The John Lewis Credit Card is designed for customers who regularly shop within the John Lewis & Partners group.
However, the high interest rate means it is best suited for those who can pay their balance in full each month.
Before applying, it is important to compare alternatives and assess how well the rewards align with your spending habits.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is provided for general guidance only and may change over time. Interest rates, fees, and terms are subject to approval and may vary by applicant. Always review the official terms and conditions and confirm current details directly with the provider before applying. This content does not constitute financial advice.
