American Express vs Mastercard: Which is best for me?

The positives and negatives depend on how you'll use your Mastercard or Amex card. Make a decision based on what features you need.

Updated

May 25, 2022

Fact checked

While Amex is mostly great for rewards, Mastercard has a much wider choice of cards.

Depending on how much you’re planning on using your card, where you usually shop and what you want to get out of it, you’ll be better off with one or the other. Let’s dig deeper.

What's in this guide?
What’s the difference between Amex and Mastercard?
How do Mastercard and Amex compare?
Which should I choose if I’m a frequent traveller?
What protection do Mastercard and Amex offer?
Mastercard pros and cons
Amex pros and cons
Compare Mastercard and Amex cards by type

What’s the difference between Amex and Mastercard?

Although it may look like they serve the same purpose, Mastercard and Amex are indeed two different things, which is why it’s a bit complicated to compare them.

Mastercard is a card network. It doesn’t issue cards, but it allows them to function by providing the infrastructure they need and it makes money by taking a small fee for every transaction that’s made on the Mastercard network. As you probably already know, your card may be branded Mastercard, but your bank is the one you’ll be dealing with for most credit-card-related queries, from monthly repayments to blocking the card if it gets stolen.

Amex, on the other hand, is both a network and an issuer. If you get an Amex credit card, you’ll only have to deal with Amex: you’ll use the American Express network when making a payment, but Amex will also handle the financial side of things.

How do Mastercard and Amex compare?

Here are some of the things you should be thinking about when choosing between Mastercard and Amex:

Card acceptance. American Express charges merchants a higher fee, so many don’t take it, especially outside the big cities. A lot of people who have Amex also have a Mastercard or a Visa they can use as an alternative.
The type of card you need. American Express is great for purchases and rewards, but if you need a balance transfer or a credit builder credit card, you can forget about it. Generally speaking, Mastercard has many more card options, mostly because there are dozens of card issuers (banks) to choose from.
Eligibility criteria. American Express is known to have somewhat stricter income and credit score criteria, so it may be easier to get a Mastercard if your credit score isn’t ideal. In any case, always use an eligibility checker before applying as it will tell you how likely you are to be accepted without impacting your credit score.
Rewards. Although it always depends on the card you pick and how much you use it, American Express is known to have the upper hand when it comes to rewards, including great introductory bonuses when you join.

If you’re considering Amex because of rewards but are unsure if it’s really as good a deal as they say, you may want to compare cards using our table. Don’t forget to take a look at annual fees because top rewards cards, be they Amex or Mastercard, usually charge a pretty pricey one.

So, which should I choose if I’m a frequent traveller?

That’s a tricky question. Amex has a nice set of travel partners and you can easily turn your rewards into air miles or hotel stays. If you’re big on British Airways, you may want to take a look at its Amex card, which lets you earn Avios points.

On the other hand, while you may want to use Amex to get travel rewards, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option to make purchases while you’re travelling. All Amex cards charge a foreign currency transaction fee, normally a 2.99% of the transaction. Fee-free spending abroad is more of a Mastercard thing.

Mastercard also grants you access to its Priceless Cities benefits, which is a series of exclusive experiences and events you can only access with Mastercard.

And again, don’t forget about card acceptance. Depending on where you’re travelling to and how much you like local shops, you may find it difficult to actually use your Amex in some areas.

What protection do Mastercard and Amex offer?

It really depends on the card you’re looking at. Amex usually offers 90-day purchase and refund protection, meaning that if an item you bought has been stolen in the first 90 days, or if you’re having troubles returning it to a shop, you can submit a claim and Amex will refund you.

It also has Fraud Protection Guarantee, which means that if you’re victim of a fraud, you’re not responsible for the payments that are made with your card provided you kept your account safe. Other features, such as travel insurance or concierge services depend on the card you choose.

Mastercard has a whole lot of protection features and benefits, including purchase protection and fraud protection as well, but which ones apply is entirely up to the card’s issuer.

Mastercard pros and cons

Pros

Wider acceptance
More credit card options and features
If your credit card issuer has branches, you’ll be able to deal with your credit card in person
Fee-free foreign currency transaction cards available

Cons

Benefits vary significantly among cards and card issuers so you may need to dig into each card’s terms or contact the provider to learn which benefits you’ll receive
Rewards programme depends on the card issuer and it’s hard to find one that’s as good as American Express

Amex pros and cons

Pros

Great rewards and perks
Juicy introductory bonuses
Has one of the lowest APRs on the market

Cons

Not all merchants take it
No physical presence
Fewer card options, especially for people with less-than-ideal credit scores

The bottom line

There’s a reason Amex equals rewards in people’s minds: its cards are probably the best possible way to get really good quality treats out of your daily spending. However, you should consider the drawbacks carefully before going for it, especially when it comes to card acceptance and especially if the card you’re looking at charges an annual fee. Will you be able to use it enough to make it worth it?

On the other hand, Mastercard is somewhat a safer choice. It’s accepted pretty much everywhere and you can choose among a huge list of cards with different features, including fee-free spending out of the country.

Compare Mastercard and Amex cards by type

Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first

Name	Purchases	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Link	Incentive	Representative example
HSBC Rewards Credit Card	0% for 6 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	Earn 1 point for every £5 spent on purchases. Bonus 2,500 reward points on anniversary if £10,000 spent in previous year. 1 point = 1p (no min)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card	0% for 18 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
M&S Bank Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard	0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Reward Credit Card	21.9%	£24 per annum. Reward or Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum	26.8% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	You'll earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.25% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £24 per annum. Reward or Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum, your representative rate is 26.8% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Credit Card	21.9%	£24 per annum. Reward or Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum	26.8% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	Earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.25% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £24 per annum. Reward or Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum, your representative rate is 26.8% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card	0% for 15 months reverting to 21.9%	£3 per month	27.7% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 27.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The American Express Rewards® Credit Card Finder Award	29.7%	£0	29.7% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every £1 spent thereafter. Earn up to 90,000 bonus points per year through refer a friend, 4,000 points awarded for every friend approved. 1 point = 0.45p (min 1000 points) to shop, other rewards have differing conversions	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
British Airways American Express® Credit Card Finder Award	29.7%	£0	29.7% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	Earn 1 Avios for virtually every £1 spent. Spend £12K each year and get a travel companion voucher when redeeming Avios for a BA reward flight. - Earn up to 90,000 bonus Avios points per calendar year, 4,000 points per friend/family member that successfully applies for an American Express card (Excl. Basic card) and uses the Referral Programme. Avios value varies dependent on reward (min 1000pts for flights)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card Finder Award	29.7%	£0	29.7% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	New cardmember offer: Get 5% cashback on your purchases (up to £100) for the first three months of Cardmembership. Terms apply. Spend £0 to £10,000 and receive 0.5% cashback on all purchases. Spend over £10,000 and receive 1% cashback on purchases.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Platinum Cashback Credit Card Finder Award	29.7%	£25 per annum	35.3% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	New cardmember offer: Get 5% cashback on your purchases (up to £125) for the first three months of Cardmembership. Terms apply. Spend £0 to £10,000 and receive 0.75% cashback on all purchases. Spend over £10,000 and receive 1.25% cashback on purchases.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £25 per annum, your representative rate is 35.3% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Nectar Credit Card Finder Award	29.7%	Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £25 per annum	35.3% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	Earn 20,000 bonus Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in your first 3 months. Earn a minimum of 3 Nectar points for virtually every £1 spent at Nectar partners, and 2 Nectar points for virtually every £1 spent elsewhere.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £25 per annum, your representative rate is 35.3% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Black Credit Card	21.9%	£84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum	40.7% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	Earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum, your representative rate is 40.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Reward Black Credit Card	21.9%	£84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum	40.7% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	You'll earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum, your representative rate is 40.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Finder Award	29.7%	£75 per annum	47.7% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	Earn 6 points for every £1 spent at eligible Marriott properties. Earn 2 points for virtually every £1 spent elsewhere. Earn up to 90,000 bonus points per year through refer a friend, 9,000 points awarded for every friend approved. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays of varying values (min 15000pts)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £75 per annum, your representative rate is 47.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Yonder Credit Card (only for London residents)	27.71%	£0 for the first 3 months, £15 per month thereafter.	64% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	Welcome offer: First 3 months free membership, thereafter £15 monthly membership fee, plus a sign-up reward of £50 at one of Yonder's partners. Terms apply.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 27.71% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 64% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card Finder Award	29.7%	Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £160 per annum	73.8% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	2 points earned per £1 spent on travel related purchases and spending abroad. 3 points for every £1 spent when booking through American Express Travel.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £160 per annum, your representative rate is 73.8% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card Finder Award	29.7%	£250 per annum	110.7% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	Earn 25,000 bonus Avios when you spend £3,000 in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Terms apply. 18+, subject to status. New Cardmembers Only	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.7% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £250 per annum, your representative rate is 110.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Pulse Card Mastercard (existing NewDay customers only)	Your interest rate will stay the same as your current NewDay card	£0	APR (variable)	Read review	Get 0.25% cashback every time you shop, up to a maximum of £150 cashback per year	If you are a current NewDay customer and have been invited to transfer to a Pulse Card, your interest rate and credit limit will remain the same.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Tesco Bank Low APR Clubcard Credit Card	10.941%	£0	10.9% APR (variable)	Read review	1 point per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco, must have available credit to earn points. Card can also be used as a Clubcard to collect standard points at 1 point per £1 spent on shopping and an enhanced rate of 1 point per £1 spent on fuel. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers which can be used towards shopping or exchanged for Partner Rewards. 1 point = 1p (min 250pts)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 10.941% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 10.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Sainsbury's Bank 26 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard	0% for 3 months reverting to 22.95%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Read review	Earn 1 Nectar point per £2 spent in Sainsbury's and Argos, and 1 Nectar point for every £5 spent elsewhere. Additional points can be earned by also using the Nectar card or app at the time of transaction. 1 point = 0.5p (min 500pts)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Name	Foreign usage charge (EU)	Foreign usage charge (rest of world)	Purchases	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Link	Incentive	Representative example
The Royal Bank Credit Card	0%	0%	12.9%	£0	12.9% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Credit Card	0%	0%	12.9%	£0	12.9% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card	0%	0%	0% for 15 months reverting to 21.9%	£3 per month	27.7% APR (variable)	Check eligibility Read review	0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 27.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Black Credit Card	0%	0%	21.9%	£84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum	40.7% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	Earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum, your representative rate is 40.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Reward Black Credit Card	0%	0%	21.9%	£84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum	40.7% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	You'll earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum, your representative rate is 40.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Yonder Credit Card (only for London residents)	0%	0%	27.71%	£0 for the first 3 months, £15 per month thereafter.	64% APR (variable)	Go to site Read review	Welcome offer: First 3 months free membership, thereafter £15 monthly membership fee, plus a sign-up reward of £50 at one of Yonder's partners. Terms apply.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 27.71% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 64% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Ulster Bank Credit Card Mastercard	0%	0%	12.9%	£0	12.9% APR (variable)	Read review		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Mastercard	0%	0%	14.71%	£0	14.7% APR (variable)	Read review	Thank You From Coutts - as spending increases cardholders automatically become eligible for a choice of gifts.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 14.71% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 14.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard	0%	0%	19.94%	£0	19.9% APR (variable)	Read review	£20 cashback for the 1st purchase made within 90 days of account opening. Available to accounts opened from 9th May 2023. Terms apply.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 19.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 19.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money Travel Credit Card	0%	0%	0% for 9 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Read review	Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bip Credit Card Mastercard	0%	0%	29.95%	£0	29.9% APR (variable)	Read review		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
118 118 Money Guaranteed Rate Card	0%	0%	34%	£0	34% APR (variable)	Read review		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 34% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 34% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Aqua Advance credit card	0%	0%	34.95%	£0	34.9% APR (variable)	Read review	Reduce your rate over three years if you stay within your credit limit and pay on time. No extra fees on what you spend abroad.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 34.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 34.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Tesco Bank Clubcard Plus Credit Card Mastercard	0%	0%	0% for 24 months reverting to 19.944%	£7.99 per month	37.7% APR (variable)	Read review	1 point per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco, must have available credit to earn points. Card can also be used as a Clubcard to collect standard points at 1 point per £1 spent on shopping and an enhanced rate of 1 point per £1 spent on fuel. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers which can be used towards shopping or exchanged for Partner Rewards. 1 point = 1p (min 250pts)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 19.944% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £7.99 per month, your representative rate is 37.7% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander World Elite Mastercard	0%	0%	0% for 18 months reverting to 18.9%	£15 per month	49.8% APR (variable)	Read review	0.5% on £1 to £3000 of monthly spend. Maximum of £15 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.0.5% cashback on monthly spend of up to £3,000. Access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots, no foreign transaction fees, discount on travel insurance.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 18.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 49.8% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Name	Ratings	Customer rating	Finder rating	Purchases	Balance transfers	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Incentive	Link
HSBC Rewards Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 6 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 6 months (0% fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Earn 1 point for every £5 spent on purchases. Bonus 2,500 reward points on anniversary if £10,000 spent in previous year. 1 point = 1p (no min) Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Royal Bank of Scotland Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★	Not yet rated	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 23 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 23 months (2.9% fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 23 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 23 months (2.99% fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 18 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 15 months (2.99% fee, min £5 fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 15 months reverting to 21.9%	0% for 15 months (0% fee)	£3 per month	27.7% APR (variable)	0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 27.7% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bank of Scotland Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★	Not yet rated	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 17 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 17 months (2.99% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Halifax 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 17 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 17 months (2.99% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
TSB Platinum Purchase Card	Finder score ★★★★★	Not yet rated	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 15 months reverting to 22.95%	0% for 15 months (1.45% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Halifax Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 6 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 29 months (3.49% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Lloyds Bank Platinum Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 6 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 22 months (1.99% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Tesco Bank All Round Clubcard Credit Card Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 12 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 12 months (1.99% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	1 point per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco, must have available credit to earn points. Card can also be used as a Clubcard to collect standard points at 1 point per £1 spent on shopping and an enhanced rate of 1 point per £1 spent on fuel. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers which can be used towards shopping or exchanged for Partner Rewards. 1 point = 1p (min 250pts) Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bank of Scotland Platinum Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer credit card	Finder score ★★★★★	Not yet rated	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 6 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 22 months (1.99% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Sainsbury's Bank Nectar Reward Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 6 months reverting to 22.95%	0% for 6 months (3% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Earn 1 Nectar points per £2 spent in Sainsbury's and Argos, and 1 Nectar point for every £5 spent elsewhere. Additional points can be earned by also using the Nectar card or app at the time of transaction. Earn 8,000 bonus points when you use your card to spend a total of £400 or more at Sainsbury's, Argos, Habitat or Tu Clothing during the 2 months after your account is opened. 1 point = 0.5p (min 500pts) Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Tesco Bank Purchases Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 14 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 3 months (0% interest on balance transfers for the first 3 months (2.99% fee) fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	1 point per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants, entertainment or Avios points. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 17 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 15 months (2.99% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 22 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 22 months (2.99% fee)	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
HSBC Premier Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 9 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 18 months (0% fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	A selection of rewards from a range of partners. Earn 1 point for every £1 spent within the UK and earn 2 points for every £1 spent outside the UK. Points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers and frequent flyer miles. 1 point = 1p (no min) Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money Travel Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 9 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 9 months (2% fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money Dual Credit Card Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 13 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 16 months (3% fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Sainsbury's Bank Dual 17 Month Offer Credit Card Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ User rating	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 17 months reverting to 23.95%	0% for 17 months (3% fee)	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Earn 1 Nectar points per £2 spent in Sainsbury's and Argos, and 1 Nectar point for every £5 spent elsewhere. Additional points can be earned by also using the Nectar card or app at the time of transaction. Earn 500 bonus points each time you spend £35 or more on Sainsbury's shopping with your credit card, up to ten times in your first 2 months, offer available for new customers. 1 point = 0.5p (min 500pts) Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Name	Ratings	Finder rating	Customer rating	Balance transfers	Balance transfer fee	Purchases	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Incentive	Link
Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 28 months reverting to 21.9%	3% (min. £5)	0% for 3 months reverting to 22.9%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 19 months reverting to 23.9%	0%	0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%	2.99% fee, min £5	0% for 18 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
M&S Bank Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 28 months reverting to 23.9%	2.99% fee, min £5	0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Royal Bank of Scotland Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card	Not yet rated	Not yet rated	Not yet rated	0% for 30 months reverting to 23.9%	2.99%	0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card	User survey ★★★★★	Not yet rated	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 30 months reverting to 23.9%	2.99%	0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Royal Bank of Scotland Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	Not yet rated	0% for 19 months reverting to 23.9%	2.99%	0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 23 months reverting to 23.9%	2.99%	0% for 23 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Royal Bank of Scotland Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	Not yet rated	0% for 23 months reverting to 23.9%	2.9%	0% for 23 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Go to site Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 15 months reverting to 21.9%	0% for 15 months reverting to 3% (min. £5)	0% for 15 months reverting to 21.9%	£3 per month	27.7% APR (variable)	0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 27.7% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MBNA No Fee 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 12 months reverting to 22.94%	0% for 2 months reverting to 5%	22.94%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 15 months reverting to 22.94%	2.99% for 3 months reverting to 5%	0% for 17 months reverting to 22.94%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
TSB Platinum Purchase Card	Finder score ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	Not yet rated	0% for 15 months reverting to 22.95%	1.45% for 3 months reverting to 5%	0% for 15 months reverting to 22.95%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
TSB Platinum Balance Transfer Card	Finder score ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	Not yet rated	0% for 24 months reverting to 22.95%	2.95% for 3 months reverting to 5%	0% for 3 months reverting to 22.95%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Halifax Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 29 months reverting to 22.94%	3.49% for 3 months reverting to 5%	0% for 6 months reverting to 22.94%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MBNA Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 22 months reverting to 22.94%	1.99% for 2 months reverting to 5%	22.94%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 12 months reverting to 22.94%	4% for 2 months reverting to 5%	22.94%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MBNA Long 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 27 months reverting to 22.94%	3.49% for 2 months reverting to 5%	22.94%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 12 months reverting to 22.9%	0% for 12 months reverting to 3% (min. £5)	0% for 3 months reverting to 22.9%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Lloyds Bank Platinum Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Mastercard	Finder score ★★★★★ User survey ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	★★★★★ User rating	0% for 22 months reverting to 22.94%	1.99% for 3 months reverting to 5%	0% for 6 months reverting to 22.94%	£0	22.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).	Read review	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

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Chris Lilly

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Chris Lilly is a publisher at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more.

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