Chase UK launched in 2021 with a headline offer of 1% cashback on all debit card spending for the first 12 months — unusually generous for a free current account. In 2026, that blanket offer is no longer universally available to new customers. This article explains how Chase cashback works now, what the original scheme looked like, and how to make the most of what Chase offers today. For a full overview of the account including savings rates and limits, see the Chase UK hub.
What Chase Cashback Looks Like in 2026
| Offer type | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1% on all spending (first 12 months) | No longer universally available to new customers |
| In-app targeted promotions | Active — varies by customer |
| Merchant partner cashback offers | Active — varies by merchant |
| Automatic cashback (no activation needed) | Depends on the offer — some require in-app activation |
Chase periodically runs promotions — these can include cashback on spending at specific retailers, bonus interest periods, or limited-time blanket cashback for certain customer groups. Check the Rewards or Offers section in your Chase app to see what is currently available to you.
How the Original 1% Cashback Worked
Understanding the original offer helps clarify what customers who joined in 2021–2023 received:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rate | 1% cashback on all eligible debit card purchases |
| Monthly cap | £15 per month (cashback on first £1,500 of monthly spending) |
| Annual maximum | £180 over 12 months |
| Duration | 12 months from account opening |
| Payout | Credited directly to the Chase current account within a few days |
What was excluded: Cash withdrawals, gambling transactions, peer-to-peer transfers, credit repayments, and PayPoint payments did not earn cashback.
Worked example: You spend £800 on groceries, transport, and eating out in a month. You earn 1% = £8 cashback. At the cap (£1,500/month), you earn the maximum £15/month = £180 over the first year.
Current In-App Cashback Offers
In 2026, Chase’s cashback model operates through personalised offers in the app. These might include:
- Merchant offers — e.g. 5% back at a specific supermarket chain for a limited period
- Category offers — e.g. cashback on contactless payments during a promotional window
- Partner rewards — e.g. cashback when booking through specific travel or retail platforms
To access these:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Chase app |
| 2 | Tap Offers, Rewards, or the cashback section (label varies by app version) |
| 3 | View available offers — some activate automatically, others require you to tap Activate |
| 4 | Make a qualifying purchase |
| 5 | Cashback appears in your account within a few days |
Always read the terms of each offer — minimum spend thresholds, eligible categories, and expiry dates vary.
What Does Not Qualify for Cashback
Across all Chase cashback promotions, the following transactions are typically excluded:
| Excluded category | Notes |
|---|---|
| ATM cash withdrawals | Cash does not earn cashback under any Chase offer |
| Gambling transactions | All gambling-related spend excluded |
| Peer-to-peer transfers | Sending money to individuals |
| Balance transfers or credit repayments | Not eligible |
| PayPoint and utility top-up payments | Generally excluded |
The exact exclusions are specified in the terms of each individual promotion.
Is Chase Cashback Still Worth It in 2026?
Without the blanket 1% offer, Chase’s cashback value depends on what in-app offers are available to you. For someone who actively uses the app and takes advantage of merchant offers, there is still meaningful cashback to be earned — particularly during promotional periods.
However, Chase’s standout benefit in 2026 is not cashback — it’s 5% AER interest on the current account balance. For someone holding £5,000, this is £250/year, which will typically exceed what targeted cashback promotions return:
| Benefit | Value (illustrative) |
|---|---|
| In-app cashback offers (targeted) | Variable — depends on offers available |
| American Express Cashback Everyday (0.5–1%) | £75–£150/year on £15,000 annual spend |
| Chase 5% AER on current account | £250/year on a £5,000 balance |
| Chase fee-free foreign spending | Saves ~2.75% vs most high-street banks |
For many Chase customers, the current account interest rate is the primary financial benefit — more predictable and often larger in value than cashback alone. See Chase UK Fees and Benefits for the full picture.
Comparing Cashback Options
If cashback on everyday spending is your primary goal, a dedicated cashback credit card may offer more consistent returns than Chase’s app-based promotions in 2026:
| Option | Cashback rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chase in-app offers (2026) | Varies by offer | Targeted categories; not guaranteed |
| American Express Cashback Everyday | 0.5–1% on all eligible purchases | No annual fee; requires full monthly repayment |
| Barclaycard Rewards | 0.25% on eligible purchases | No annual fee |
Note: PocketWise does not recommend specific financial products. This comparison is for general information only. Check Best Current Accounts for a broader account comparison.
Related Guides
- Chase UK hub — full guide to the Chase UK account
- Chase UK Review 2026 — complete account review
- Chase UK Savings Account — linked Saver rates and how it works
- Chase UK Travel Spending — fee-free foreign spending and ATM limits abroad
- Chase UK Fees — full fee schedule
- Best Current Accounts UK 2026 — how Chase compares to other accounts