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The Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Get travel money with zero commission fee from John Lewis – here's how
The countdown to your next holiday has begun – the flights are booked, your wardrobe is packed and all that's left is one crucial task: sorting out your travel money. But let's face it, the process can be a headache. You check exchange rates, worry about commission fees, and wonder whether that local Bureau de Change can actually offer you a decent deal. Then, just when you think you've got it figured out, there's the issue of lugging cash around or waiting in line. Sound familiar? Well, what if we told you there's a better way? Imagine a world where the only thing you need to worry about is your sun hat and passport. Enter John Lewis — the retail chain isn't just about stylish homeware and top-tier customer service. They've also got your travel money covered, and here's the kicker: zero commission fees. Whether you're off to the beaches of Bali, skiing in the Alps, or exploring cities across Europe, John Lewis Money has over 50 currencies ready online for you. With convenient home delivery or in-store collection, John Lewis offers hassle-free travel money. So, let's dive into how effortless it can be to get your travel cash sorted – so you can focus on soaking up the soon-to-be sunshine. Cash in on zero fees with John Lewis Travel Money* With John Lewis Travel Money, you don't have to worry about commission fees eating into your travel funds. That means every penny you exchange will come back to you, so you can make the most of it on your trip. Whether you're indulging in Parisian fine dining or exploring Tokyo's sakura blossoms, you can count on great rates. With more than 50 currencies available online – from euros and US dollars to Thai baht and Swiss francs – consider your holiday cash complete, and all of it commission-free. Now, with that lira in tow, let's start planning that Turkish food tour.* *Minimum online order value £250. Delivery or collection fee of £5.50 applies to orders under £500. Exchange rates may vary online and in-store. Benefits of John Lewis' currency exchange With John Lewis Money, peace of mind goes beyond commission-free currency exchange. If your plans change and your holiday is cancelled, you're covered with a 35-day refund guarantee. Simply bring your receipt, ID and proof of cancellation to any in-store location, and you'll get a full refund on your travel money order (minus any delivery costs). But that's not all – if you end up with unused foreign notes, you can easily sell it back to us. Whether it's Mexican pesos, Aussie dollars, or South African rand, you can exchange your leftover cash for pounds. And the best part? No commission when you sell it back, either. It's the perfect blend of convenience, flexibility, and reliability for savvy travellers. Before visiting a store, make sure we've got your chosen currency in stock and that the store can accept your leftover bills. You can do this by calling our Contact Centre on 0345 608 0677. Calls may be recorded or monitored and call charges will vary. Need your travel money in a hurry? With John Lewis Money, you've got options. Order online and collect it from over 330 Waitrose stores or a John Lewis Bureau de Change – all free on orders over £500. Really on a time crunch? Order online before 3pm to get next working day delivery. You can have your travel money delivered right to your door — again, at no extra cost on £500+ orders, and a £5.50 delivery fee for orders under £500. You'll need a minimum online order for £250 and remember that exchange rates may vary in-store and online. For instant access, visit your nearest John Lewis Bureau de Change. With so many ways to get travel money, it'll be easier than navigating airport security. John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are trading names of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 1 Drummond Gate, Pimlico, London SW1V 2QQ. Registered in England and Wales (company number: 233462). John Lewis plc introduces the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, who each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC. Travel Money online from John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance, and John Lewis & Partners, is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited (company number: 04287490 and Money Service Business licence number: MLR-64068). Registered office: Botanica, Ditton Park, Riding Court Road, Datchet, Berkshire, SL3 9LL, England.
Telegraph
10-07-2025
- Telegraph
How to survive a holiday with the in-laws
More and more of us are taking what can be a cost-effective option of holidaying with relatives. Last year, a survey by John Lewis Money found that 51 per cent of respondents had holidayed with at least three generations. So, it's likely there will be more than a few of us spending our precious annual leave with grandchildren or grandparents this summer. Clearly there's a money-saving aspect to this, but holidaying across the ages also brings plenty of feel-good moments. But while a whole-family getaway might sound both economical and appealing on paper, is the reality true? Or might there be arguments by teatime on day one? Anna Mathur, a psychotherapist and author, believes we should all be aware of the potential pitfalls. 'Multi-generational holidays can be full of memories and bonding,' she says, 'but also simmer with stress if we're not mindful of everyone's different needs and could be a foundation for new and old rifts.' In June, me, my husband Chris, 43, and our sons Will, 11, and James, nine, set off on a self-catering holiday in Scotland with Chris's mum, Lizz, 67, and stepdad Stephen, 68. Friends raised their eyebrows when I explained we were holidaying with the in-laws over half-term. And I understand why. It's one thing to plan a trip with relatives you love dearly but don't usually see for more than a few hours at a time, it's quite another to share living space and routines for an extended period. But there are ways to make an interfamily trip run smoothly – or as smoothly as it can. Firstly, if you are hoping to nap all day while your in-laws like exploring ancient history, you're off to a dodgy start. We were all upfront with each other about what our preferred plans were, what might be nice to do, and what we really didn't fancy. I was vocal, for example, when a trip to visit an underground bunker got mentioned, and my mother-in-law had a hankering for visiting farm shops while the kids were clamouring to build forts on the beach – whatever the weather. Be honest From the very early discussions about going away together, there were parameters in place. My in-laws were adamant separate bathrooms would be required; we all wanted a holiday let in easy reach of the coast; the boys wanted space to be able to have a kickabout and I hoped to be able to squeeze in a run or two. Mathur, whose next book The Good Decision Diary is published August 7, says getting an idea of what family members would like is key. 'The earlier you discuss expectations, the better,' she advises. 'These conversations don't have to be formal at all, but simply checking in on what everyone hopes for can make a huge difference. 'Does someone need a nap every afternoon? Does someone else hope that the cooking responsibilities might be shared? Are you hoping for some kid-free time? If so, make that clear. Clearing the air before the trip allows you to find compromises ahead of time.' If one party has a more, let's say, exacting eye on accommodation, let them steer that research. It's fair to say that my in-law took the reins with this, but I'd argue their self-catering standards are higher than ours. Hence, in the interests of everyone being happy, this made sense. Personal space Aside from the second bathroom, enough room for everyone to relax was key. Stephen did a great job of securing a holiday let with plenty of living space. We may have dreamed of staying in a coastal cottage, but with six pairs of trainers cluttering up the hallway from the second we arrived, it was clear we'd have been on top of each other. The grown-ups could read (or doze) in a garden room while the kids watched TV in the living room. We'd all come together for a game or a meal, but everyone could decompress separately too. Mathur says that finding space to be able to gather, but also being able to retreat again, is key. 'Cosy can sound like a lovely idea, but a bit of space really helps,' she says. 'A second bathroom, a room to retreat to for quiet or have a bath without feeling like you need to rush, or simply a garden where someone can read a book alone. 'These pauses help regulate everyone's nervous systems,' she adds. 'Especially when you're not together all the time in daily life, the adjustment needs a little breathing room.' You can't all be mum... Chores are part and parcel of a self-catering holiday, and potentially a flashpoint too. For us, the division of who did what soon became clear. Lizz oversaw the food, helped mostly by Chris with the food prep. Mathur advises to routinely check that everyone is OK with the status quo so that no one ends up stuck in the kitchen simmering with resentment. 'Talking about it ensures that there will be fewer crossed wires, backseat drivers and overbearing sous chefs.' For us, it was clear: too many cooks do spoil the broth. I was happy to relinquish my usual role in the kitchen, instead turning up armed with tins and baked goods. Chris and I rolled up our sleeves to help out when needed and for clearing up duties, as well as making breakfast each morning and emptying the dishwasher. Stephen, meanwhile, took responsibility for looking after the rather complicated bin system. While I may have felt momentary guilt that my mother-in-law was preparing most of the meals, this did free me up to help out in other ways and meant I could dash down to the beach with the children. According to Mathur, the division of labour can take many forms: 'Instead of seeing it as stepping back, think of it as shifting roles,' she says. 'You can support in ways that feel more natural to you. For example, if someone thrives on meal planning, maybe you take the reins on playtime or laundry. Contribution can look different for everyone.' Obviously, there might be times when no one wants to cook. When that happened, we went to the pub! Be realistic Often, we expect our holidays to be rose-tinted relaxed perfection. But the usual family needs aren't something you can leave at home. Let's face it, lie-ins are going to be unlikely if you are holidaying with under-fives. And children will likely get whiny if expected to stay up way beyond their usual mealtimes. Mathur suggests going into any holiday with your eyes open will make all the difference. 'We can easily build up the idea of the dream break, but real life rarely looks like that,' she notes. 'When we expect everything to feel idyllic, we're more likely to feel frustrated when tiredness, tantrums or tension bubble up.' Holidaying with kids is all about spending quality time in the fresh air; a chance to burn off energy is essential. All the adults knew this, so walks, scrambling over rocks and a trip to an adventure playground all featured in our stay. Different dynamics It's often assumed that families only go away with grandparents for the free babysitting. And, yes, Chris and I did have a couple of hours at the pub one evening, something we couldn't have done without Lizz's and Stephen's help. But I'd argue Will and James had more fun off the parental leash anyway! If our sons got bored, we were all in for a less enjoyable time. But with a bit of divide-and-conquer, we could wear out the lads on the beach as they ran, jumped, dug, played and peered into rockpools. Those less keen on the beach got to have a quiet coffee and had lunch ready for the beachgoers' return. With more adults to cover food shopping, James and Will were both delighted to not be dragged around supermarkets and Grandma was able to read James a story at bedtime too. A pleasant surprise I knew that we'd probably all enjoy our time away, but the added dynamic of another generation delivered some unexpected outcomes. Ordinarily, we'd be on the receiving end of moaning and eye-rolling from the boys if we'd brought out a board game. Not on this holiday. There was minimal bickering and the presence of Grandma and Grandpa meant both boys were happy to play Cluedo for well over an hour without anyone getting stroppy. There was no whingeing and more laughter. There were lovely memories made, too. I leaned against rocks watching as Chris taught Will and James how to skim stones with Grandpa's help. And Chris and Lizz got several chances to have full conversations that just don't really occur over a busy family Sunday lunch or when the weeks flash by. Moreover, all four adults had the chance to sit down to do word games and a crossword at the same time each day: something I'd never make the time for at home. Chris and I left feeling way more relaxed than we do after our usual family-of-four break. Was it because four adults pitched in to help out with the necessary tasks? Or did multiple generations together mean a more leisurely pace? Mathur concludes by pointing out that by involving more of the family, the usual patterns are replaced. 'Multi-generational holidays can offer connection across generations that just doesn't happen in everyday life,' she notes. 'Children might see a slower, softer version of their grandparents. Parents might feel relief from the daily solo juggle. When you strip away the usual logistics, there's room for slower moments that become the memories that last.' Where to stay Looking for a property that's big enough to host the whole brood? Try these... Cornwall The Ark, Southwold: sleeps six Price: £2,736 for four nights Book via Rural Retreats Northumberland Postmaster's Apartment, Alnwick: sleeps nine Price: from £234 per night Book via Airbnb North Wales Plas Iolyn – Pentrefoelas near Betws-y-Coed: sleeps 14 Price: from £2,311 for seven nights Book via Scotland Haven House, Argyll and Bute: sleeps 10 Price: from £3,180 for seven nights Book via The Cotswolds
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
John Lewis to make major change to loyalty scheme – and it'll cost you more
JOHN Lewis will make a major change to it's loyalty scheme and it will cost customers more. Partnership credit card holders will see their perks slashed when they shop with other retailers. 1 Customers with the card earn points on purchases which they can convert into gift vouchers to spend in John Lewis and its sister brand Waitrose. Each point coverts into 1p. Currently customers earn a point for every £4 they spend at other stores. However come August that is set to change, with the amount increasing to £10. It means customers will have to spend more money at other stores to receive vouchers or wait a longer time to see their rewards build up. The rewards for spending at John Lewis and Waitrose stores will remain unchanged at five points for every £4 spent. Customers also get a £5 voucher for every 500 points they earn. John Lewis Money spokesperson said: 'Our rewards are being updated to help maintain our market-leading reward for spending at John Lewis and Waitrose, where customers earn 1.25% back on every pound spent. "Spending on purchases made elsewhere will earn 0.1% from 1st August." It is not the first time the retailer has lowered rewards for spending elsewhere. The £3.50 M&S buy that'll make your whole house smell like a 'boujee candle' In 2020, the retailer reduced the amount customers of points customers earn from purchases made at other stores from one point for £2 spent to £4. But it is not all bad news for card holders, with the retailer announcing bigger rewards for loyal customers. For the next three years, shoppers will earn triple points when shopping in John Lewis stores and double points when shopping online. The spokesperson added: These changes enable us to invest in the rewards that are most valued by our customers - alongside a new bonus to help customers earn additional points throughout August.' PARTNERSHIP CREDIT CARD John Lewis's credit card lets customers earn points on money they spend in stores and other retailers. Customers can also get certain perks such as discounted cinema tickets. If you are interested in signing up you will need to undergo a credit check. But it is important to check the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on any credit card before you sign up. This is amount of interest you will be charged, if you do not pay off your credit card in full every month. John Lewis charges customers 28.9% APR on its Partnership card. Credit card need-to-knows Not using a credit card effectively can wreak havoc on your finances and your credit score. If you don't keep up with repayments or default on your debt, you are likely to get a black mark on your credit record, which could affect your ability to get a credit card, loan or mortgage in the future. It's important not to let yourself get sucked into overspending. You should always clear the full balance as soon as possible. If you have a poor credit score, don't bank on being approved for a card or getting the 0% deal you'd hoped for. Card providers only have to give the advertised rate to 51% of applicants, so you could end up paying more interest than you bargained for. If you've got a poor credit record, you're less likely to get the best rates. And if you are looking for a new credit card, don't apply for lots at once. After your 0% period is up, lenders can charge upwards of 40% interest, so if you have not repaid the debt fully by then, try to move the debt onto another 0% deal.
The Independent
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
John Lewis makes major change to its credit card system
John Lewis is reducing perks for its credit card holders, requiring shoppers to spend more to get rewards. Starting in August, customers will earn one point (worth 1p) for every £10 spent outside John Lewis and Waitrose, a decrease from the previous rate of one point per £4 spent. Rewards for spending in John Lewis and Waitrose stores will remain unchanged at five points for every £4 spent. Customers will receive triple points in John Lewis stores and online during August for the next three years to offset the reduced points earned elsewhere. A John Lewis Money spokesperson stated the changes will help maintain market-leading rewards for spending at John Lewis and Waitrose, and enable investment in valued rewards, including a new bonus in August. John Lewis slashes perks for credit card holders
The Independent
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
John Lewis slashes perks for credit card holders
John Lewis is slashing perks for its credit card holders – meaning shoppers will need to spend more to reap their rewards. Points earned on purchases using the credit card convert into gift vouchers to spend in John Lewis and Waitrose. Each point equates to 1p, but from the beginning of August customers will only earn a point for every £10 they spend – instead of £4. The less generous perks will mean customers will need to spend more to receive their vouchers in the post. The rewards for spending in the group's own stores will remain unchanged at five points for every £4 spent. That means if you spend £100 in John Lewis or Waitrose you will get £1.25 in points. The company also announced that although there will be cuts to points collected elsewhere customers will get triple points in John Lewis department stores and online in August over the next three years. A John Lewis Money spokesperson said: 'Our rewards are being updated to help maintain our market-leading reward for spending at John Lewis and Waitrose, where customers earn 1.25 per cent back on every pound spent. "Spending on purchases made elsewhere will earn 0.1 per cent from 1st August. 'These changes enable us to invest in the rewards that are most valued by our customers - alongside a new bonus to help customers earn additional points throughout August.' The retailer said there were 'many other advantages' to its card and it was 'adding more for you all the time'. These included double-points promotions, competitions and special offers from its partners. The reduced point system for spending in other stores is in line with other popular cards offered by supermarkets such as Sainsbury's and Tesco. It's also not the first time John Lewis has cut reduced the offers on its cards. In 2020, the retailer halved the number of points shoppers could gain from elsewhere from one point per £2 spent to one every £4.
