The Card & Payments Awards recognise excellence and innovation across the industry. Each year many eligible organisations compete for one of the prestigious awards which are judged by an independent panel of industry experts. Entries open in June and close in September each year.

The Card & Payments Awards are open across the different categories to credit, debit, prepaid and charge card issuers, co-brands, merchant acquirers, payment processors and other payments companies in the UK and Republic of Ireland. For the first time in 2021, the Awards are also open to companies based in Europe, who are offering programmes or initiatives within the UK market. Retailers are eligible to enter payments-related products and services into the Awards. There are a range of categories covering key disciplines and offering organisations the opportunity to showcase achievements. Success at the Awards can be used to enhance consumer facing communications.

After a detailed judging process the Awards culminate in a prestigious Black Tie Dinner and Awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House on London's Park Lane. The Card & Payments Awards are a great spectacle and the only networking event of its kind in Europe providing a superb opportunity to socialise with peers, colleagues, suppliers and clients. Each year more than 1200 key players from across the industry join together to celebrate industry achievements.