Are you a member of the UK’s largest loyalty card scheme but unsure how to get the most out of it? Well, let’s take a look at the best ways to spend Nectar points and everything else you need to know.
Where do you get best value for your Nectar points?
Caffe Nero offers the best return for your points, with a potential of 1 pence for every point (instead of the usual 0.5 pence). You’ll also get good value filling up at Esso, as long as you put more than 30 litres into your tank.
There are plenty of loyalty schemes, some far better than others. But one of my favourites has to be Nectar. However, that’s partly because there’s a Sainsbury’s store just down the road from me so it’s easy for me to collect the points.
But, I do find that loyalty cards are sometimes put there to confuse me. With so many options on what to do with my points, I want to ensure I’m getting the most for my money. So today, we’ll look through how to make the most of your Nectar card points.
Where can you spend Nectar points?
There are plenty of redemption options for cashing in your points. However, the deals on offer may be a little disappointing if you’re used to trading in points for your Tesco Clubcard, where you can get twice their value. Nectar seems to lack special deals.
Also worth reading
Sainsbury’s
If you’re looking for money off your weekly shop, then you need to swipe your Nectar card in Sainsbury’s stores when you come to pay. Use the Nectar points balance to pay. You can also spend your points online, just enter your Nectar card number when you’re at the checkout. You can spend as few or as many points as you like.
There are restrictions on what you can spend your points on, including tobacco, postage stamps, baby milk products and lottery tickets.
But look out for the various events Sainsbury’s offers, such as the Big Points Swap. These usually take place at the end of November/early December and allow you to swap your points for up to double their value.
Argos
Similar to Sainsbury’s, you must swipe your Nectar card if you’re shopping in-store. You will need to link your Argos account to your Nectar card for online shopping. You’ll need to select “Spend your Nectar points” in the checkout part. You will need a minimum of 500 Nectar points (worth £2.50) towards a purchase and can spend a maximum of 100,000 points (worth £500).
eBay
You will need to link your eBay and Nectar accounts to spend your points here. You can then convert your points into eBay vouchers. They can be converted in multiples of 500 and, once done, can be stored on your eBay account. Then, when you have found something you want to buy, add the voucher to the purchase.
Caffe Nero
This is one of the more generous options when redeeming your Nectar points. Visit the Nectar site or app and redeem 400 points (worth £2) for a QR code voucher. Show your voucher in any Caffe Nero and you’ll receive a free hot drink – any size. Considering that coffees usually start from £3.40, this is quite good value.
Esso petrol stations
In exchange for 300 points, you can get 5 pence off every litre of fuel in participating Esso stations. Just swipe your Nectar card when you come to pay. The more you fill up, the better value you receive.
This deal can be a great way to get more for your points.
300 Nectar points are worth £1.50 without any boosts. To receive a £1.50 discount from Esso, you need to fill up at least 30 litres. But the average UK fuel tank takes 45-65 litres, so you should get more for your points.
But make sure you check fuel prices first. There’s no point using your points to get money off at Esso if the garage down the road is much cheaper for fuel.
Vue cinemas *Currently not available*
Present your Nectar card at a Vue cinema and tell them how many points you want to redeem. There’s no special offer here your points are exchanged for their cash value.
Dulux Decorator Centre
At Dulux, you’ll get a £20 voucher for 4,000 points. But to do so, call Nectar on 0344 811 0811 and select option 3 to spend your points. You will then be sent a credit voucher within 21 days.
British Airways
If you’re planning on taking a flight, you can swap your Nectar points over to Avios. Or, if you have an excess of Avios points, swap them over to Nectar.
Eurostar
You can redeem your points for face value for vouchers worth £10, £25, £50 and £100. Then, convert your Nectar voucher code(s) to a Eurostar E-code here https://partner.eurostar.com. 2,000 points is equal to £10.
Nectar Hotels
There are thousands of hotels to choose from on the Nectar Hotels website. Just choose your preferred hotel and select the option to pay with points. Again, there are no boosts and points are traded at face value.
Habitat
When shopping in Habitat, swipe your Nectar card and ask for your points balance to be taken from your bill. You’ll need to make sure your Nectar and Argos accounts are linked for an online purchase. Points spent at Habitat are made so at face value.
Which is the best way to spend Nectar points?
Spending Nectar points at Caffe Nero or when you fill up at Esso will usually give you the best value.
However, it might be worth waiting for a Big Point Swap or Double Up event, although there hasn’t been one for over a year, so we may have seen the last of them.
How do you spend Nectar points?
How you can use your Nectar points depends on where you’re spending them.
Sainsbury’s
- in store, swipe your card
- online, follow the steps once you have linked your card
Argos
- in store, swipe your card
- online, enter the details of your Nectar card at checkout
eBay
- Link your eBay and Nectar accounts here. Choose how many Nectar points you want to swap
Esso
- Swipe your Nectar card when you pay and choose ‘5p/litre for 300 points’
British Airways
- Link your Nectar and British Airways account and choose how many points you want to swap
Where can you collect Nectar points?
In-store/in-person, you can collect at
- Argos
- Dulux
- Esso
- Habitat
- Sainsbury’s
- Sky
- Woodland Trust
Online, there are over 500 stores you can collect points. Merchants cover fashion, travel, dining, entertainment, healthcare and insurance.
All you need to do is click on the link to your chosen retailer through the Nectar site and make your purchase. The points will then be credited to your Nectar account. Some of the most popular include
- ASOS
- Currys
- eBay
- Expedia
- Dulux
- Superdry
- Viking
Of course, with so many retailers on offer, I can’t list them all. However, before you rush off to collect your Nectar points, it’s important to note that most of the Nectar partners only offer 2 Nectar points for every £1 you spend, which is equivalent to 1%.
These partners are usually found on other cashback sites and can pay as much as 10%. Take a look at the best cashback sites. But, with that said, you can find some special boosts now and again where you can collect up to 5x extra Nectar points.
If you’re a big fan of Nectar, find out how to collect even more points.
FAQs
Can I collect Nectar points at Homebase?
No, Homebase has left the Nectar scheme. It came back once before, so it’s possible we may see it again.
Do Nectar points have an expiry date?
Technically, no, they don’t. But if you don’t use your account for one year, Nectar will assume you no longer want it and will close it, with all your points being wiped.
Can I spend Nectar points on fuel?
Yes, you can. When you visit a Sainsbury’s petrol station, you will need to go into the kiosk and swipe your card. You cannot redeem your points at the pump.
How much are Nectar points worth?
1 Nectar point is the equivalent of 0.5 pence. That means:
2 Nectar points = 1 pence
200 Nectar points = £1
500 Nectar points = £2.50
1000 Nectar points = £5
5000 Nectar points = £25
Or take a look at my Nectar points calculator.
Can you still redeem your Nectar points at Sky Store?
No, the ability to swap your points for movies at the Sky Store was stopped back in 2023.
Tom
Sunday 24th of October 2021
Sainsbury's no longer offers the Double Up scheme in November. Announced on 1 October 2021.
Ms E Williams
Tuesday 25th of October 2022
@Money Saver Pete, I hope so too! It’s the only time you get a good deal from Nectar card but I’m not convinced that Sainsbury’s want you to take advantage of the Double Up as they make so darn fiddly to spend. Sainsbury’s are miles behind Tesco’s with their club card!
Money Saver Pete
Sunday 24th of October 2021
Hi Tom. I have updated my main most about the Double Up. I do hope that they will bring it back next year. But we shall see