Approval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow.
How do credit cards work?
A credit card allows you to make purchases on credit that you can settle at a later date. At the end of every month, you’ll receive a statement that outlines your spending for the previous month. You can choose to pay off the entire outstanding balance or make the minimum monthly payment, which typically amounts to 2-3% of the balance owed.
Unlike a loan, which comes with a predetermined repayment plan and a fixed end date, credit cards offer flexibility and are open-ended. You have access to credit when you need it, and you can settle your debt as quickly or slowly (within reason) as you choose.
High-street banks and building societies tend to be the first place people consider for a credit card, but they’re also available from supermarkets (including Tesco and Sainsbury’s) airlines (like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic) and dedicated credit card issuers (like Aqua or mbna).
Credit card jargon explained
- APR. The annual percentage rate (APR) serves as a reference point for consumers and provides an annual overview of the expenses associated with your credit card. In addition to the interest rate, the APR includes any mandatory fees, such as an account fee (if applicable). However, crucially, providers only have to award the advertised APR to 51% of those who take out the credit card – the other 49% could be offered a different (higher) rate, at the provider’s discretion. That’s why it’s often referred to as the representative APR.
- Eligibility criteria. A list of conditions that a borrower must meet in order to be considered for credit. These vary from lender to lender.
- Fixed rate. A fixed interest rate remains constant for a predetermined period, even if there are any fluctuations in interest rates. For some borrowers, this can be a preferred option since it provides a greater degree of financial certainty when it comes to budgeting.
- Credit card balance. This refers to the amount of credit you have currently used, and need to repay. Most credit cards have a monthly balance cycle, which means you’ll be charged interest if you don’t pay off your balance each month.
- Variable rate. A variable rate is the opposite of a fixed rate and can increase or decrease over time at the lender’s discretion. Typically, variations occur as market conditions generally shift – for example, an increase or decrease in the Bank of England base rate.
- Assumed credit limit. Lenders use an example credit limit of £1,200 in their representative examples to help you compare credit products more easily. All financial products providing credit have to clearly show a representative example in promotional material.
- Charge card. A charge card is similar to a standard credit card, but with one or two significant exceptions. For example, charge cards usually have a larger spending limit and require you to pay your full balance off by the statement due date, which is usually the end of the month. With credit cards, you only have to repay a small portion of the balance each month.
Why should I get a credit card?
There are plenty of situations when a credit card could be a smart choice. For starters, used carefully, they can be a cheap – or even free – way to borrow. But even if you don’t need to borrow money, there are other benefits you may want to consider.
Crucially, card issuers are jointly liable with the retailer if you don’t get what you paid for – so if your purchase (up to the tune of £30,000) isn’t as described, or if the retailer goes bust and takes your money with it, you may be able to get a refund through your card issuer.
If you are a young person or have a limited credit history, you may not have much of a credit record. If you plan to take out a mortgage or car finance in the future, it is crucial to demonstrate your ability to borrow money and repay it on time in order to secure favorable interest rates. One way to establish this is by using a credit card.
But even if you have excellent credit and you don’t need to borrow, a credit card could still work for you. Plenty of cards come with perks or rewards – from loyalty points or cashback through to airport lounge access or travel insurance.
Best ways to use a credit card
We’ve outlined some of the best ways to make the most out of your credit card:
- Build up your credit score If you don’t have much of a credit history because you’ve never borrowed before or your credit score is low, a credit card can be a good first step to improving it. Credit building cards are designed specifically for those with a poor credit history in mind. Be aware that many of these credit cards come with higher interest rates compared to standard cards, so it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month.
- Get cashback and rewards Many credit cards offer competitive cashback rates or rewards, helping you to earn something back as you spend. However, the downside is that many of these cards come with high interest rates and those cards that offer exclusive rewards (e.g. lounge access) might charge an account fee.
- Save interest on existing debt If you’re currently paying interest on existing credit card or store card debt, it’s worth shifting that debt to a 0% balance transfer credit card. Doing so will mean you’ll avoid paying interest for a number of months – almost 3 years in the best cases – giving you time to tackle your debt head on without worrying about interest building up. Be aware you might have to pay a transfer fee.
- Spread the cost of a purchase If you’re planning a large purchase, such as a holiday or new car, a 0% purchase credit card lets you spread the cost of your spending interest-free over several months. This can be much cheaper than other methods of borrowing, but only if you’re confident you can pay off your balance in full before the 0% deal ends.
- Protection on your spending Another great benefit of using a credit card is that you’ll get purchase protection. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act applies to credit card purchases of over £100 and up to £30,000. Purchase protection means your card provider is jointly liable with the retailer if you don’t get what you paid for.
How to find the right credit card for you
- Work out what you want to get out of your credit card. Do you want rewards, cashback, interest-free periods on purchases or to transfer an existing balance?
- Find the providers that offer that type of credit card. Some credit card providers specialise in certain type of cards, and may not offer other types.
- Compare credit cards to find the one that best meets your needs. You should consider things like rate, fees and features.
- Check your eligibility to make sure you qualify for the card.
See Finder’s expert picks of the best credit card deals currently available on the market.
An overview of today's credit card market
Lowest representative APR | 8.9% |
---|---|
Longest 0% balance transfer offer | 28 months |
Longest 0% purchases offer | 24 months |
Longest 0% money transfer offer | 14 months |
Highest cashback earn-rate | 2% |
Lowest cash advance | 10.94% |
Highest introductory bonus offer | 75,000 points |
Borrowing when interest rates are high
With the efforts to contain inflation, lenders have raised the rate of borrowing. Our experts have some money-saving tips when you’re looking to apply for a credit card in the current financial market:
- 0% interest periods. If eligible a 0% interest purchase credit card could help you spread the costs of your purchases to give you a bit of breathing room. But remember to repay your balance before the promo period comes to an end.
- Consolidate your debts. Consolidating your debts onto a balance transfer card could help you clear your existing balance at a lower cost. There are some appealing long 0% deals on the market but make
sure you’re eligible before you apply. - Money-saving rewards. Unless you’re a frequent flyer a rewards credit card isn’t going to be much use to you but a credit card offering supermarket points or cashback could be a great way to save on the essentials. Remember to only spend as much as you can afford and repay your balance in full and on time or you’ll earn more in interest than points.
What type of credit card should I get?
To find the right credit card to suit your wants and needs, it’s good to wise up on the types of credit cards on the market. Here are some of the main type of credit cards available in the UK, along with the key benefits they offer.
Who can get a credit card?
There are credit cards to suit almost anybody, but you’ll need to be 18 or older and a UK resident.
Credit cards are offered at the issuer’s discretion – in other words, when you apply for one, the card issuer will weigh up your application, and if it thinks you’re a safe bet, it’ll offer you a card. Card issuers normally state their minimum criteria (which could include a minimum income or being an existing customer) but meeting these criteria isn’t a guarantee of approval.
For really premium cards, you’re likely to need a decent income and a very good track record of borrowing responsibly (a high credit score), but credit builder credit cards and student credit cards are much easier to get approved for. If you’re not sure what your credit score is and what’s in your credit report, you can find out free with Finder.
How much will I be able to spend on a credit card?
If your credit card application is approved, your specific circumstances will determine what credit limit (that’s the maximum debt you can build up on the card) the issuer will offer you. Your personalised limit will depend on factors like your credit score, and your income and outgoings.
Once you’ve held a credit card for a few months or years, you might want to raise a request to increase your credit limit. Any increase will be at the card issuer’s discretion, but if you’ve been using your card sensibly (making repayments on time) and your circumstances haven’t changed for the worse, there’s a reasonable chance your request will be approved. Some card issuers will even pro-actively suggest a credit limit increase after a while.
What will a credit card cost me?
One of the downsides of credit cards is that the fee structure can be a bit fiddly. But do your homework and use them correctly, and credit cards can be the cheapest form of borrowing going (or can even earn you benefits while not costing you a penny).
- Monthly repayments. You’re free to repay as much as you like as often as you like, subject to a small monthly minimum that’ll be outlined when your statement is issued – usually about 2% of your outstanding balance. You’ll pay a late payment fee (and damage your credit score) if you don’t make the minimum repayment by the statement due date. If you clear your full balance each month, your purchases generally won’t incur any interest – it’s when you carry a balance from month to month that the interest kicks in.
- Annual/monthly account fee. Most cards don’t come with an account fee attached, but more premium options (generally high-paying rewards cards) can do. The credit card annual fee is deducted from your available credit and accrues interest at the purchase rate if it isn’t paid in the first statement period.
- Interest rates. Interest is the price you pay to borrow money, but confusingly with credit cards, different parts of your balance can incur different interest rates. Most commonly, non-sterling transactions and cash advances (withdrawing cash using the card) may have a designated interest rate that’s higher than your card’s standard purchases rate.
- Cash advance fees. Withdrawing cash on a credit card is usually a bad idea. There’s normally a one-off fee and a higher rate of interest. These extra fees can also apply to “cash-like” transactions – for example any spending at a casino, or buying foreign currency.
- Non-sterling transaction fees. Any spending in currencies other than Sterling will usually involve a currency conversion fee (unless you’ve opted for a designated overseas spending card). Plus, this part of your balance could be charged interest at a different (higher) rate.
- Other fees. There are a few other fees that issuers can charge – for example, additional card fees (when you request an additional card for a partner or family member), balance transfer fees (when you move existing debt across to your new card), money transfer fees (when you transfer money from your card to your current account) or fees for misuse, like going over your credit limit or failing to make a repayment by the scheduled date.
Credit card cost comparison
Credit card limit: £1,000
- Outstanding balance: £800
- Interest rate: 19.9%
- Monthly repayment: £25
- Total interest: £305
Credit card limit: £1,000
- Outstanding balance: £800
- Interest rate: 29.3%
- Monthly repayment: £25
- Total interest: £577
MUST READ: Credit card grace periods
Almost all credit cards come with up to 55 or 56 interest-free days each billing period. To take advantage of this facility though, you’ll need to clear your balance in full each month. It’s only applicable on new purchases and, in most cases, not available on cash advances or balance transfers.
Here’s how it works: Let’s say you make a £100 purchase on the first day of the month, then at the end of the month you’re sent a bill and asked to pay by the 25th of the next month. Provided you clear your full balance, you could have enjoyed 55 or 56 days of interest-free credit on that purchase. However, if you only pay the minimum required payment, you’ll be charged interest on the purchase from the day you made it.
If you set up a direct debit to clear your full balance each month (yep, this is possible – and very normal) then you can relax in the knowledge that you should avoid interest altogether. Just make sure you have the necessary funds in your nominated account to cover the direct debit.
Credit cards vs charge cards vs debit cards
Credit card | Charge card | Debit card | |
---|---|---|---|
Credit limit | Personalised credit limit set by card issuer. | Typically there is no defined credit limit for charge cards, but the provider may limit your spending based on your spending habits, repayment history, income and credit score. | If you’ve arranged an overdraft facility with your bank, that will come with a personalised limit. |
Repayments | It’s better for your credit score to repay your balance in full every month, however you can opt to only pay the card’s set minimum repayment amount. | You have to repay your balance in full every month. | No repayments, unless you’ve entered your overdraft. |
Consumer protetction | Protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. | Not protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. | Visa and Mastercard cards may be protected by the “Chargeback Scheme”. If you were wrongly charged or your purchase was cancelled you can dispute a payment to your provider, if the business you made a purchase from has either closed, or won’t help to get your money back, you may be able to make a chargeback claim. |
Availability | Many providers. | Limited providers. | Many providers. |
Credit score | Even with a bad credit score, you may be able to get a credit card. Using a credit card responsibly could help build your credit score. | Typically you need a good credit score to get a credit card. Using a charge card responsibly could help build your credit score. | It’s unlikely that you’ll be refused a bank account because of your credit rating. Paying bills in full and on time using your bank account could help your credit score. You might see a temporary dip in your credit score if you open multiple bank accounts. |
Late fees | Yes | Yes | No |
Annual fees | Depends on the provider and card. | Usually high fees though it depends on the provider and card. | Standard bank accounts are free. However, some accounts offer extra services or add-ons, such as insurance or overdrafts, which can cost extra. |
Additional fees | Late payment, foreign exchange, balance transfers, annual fees, cash advances and cash withdrawal. | Late payment, foreign exchange, annual fees, cash advances and cash withdrawal. | Additional fees only apply if you use the following – overdraft, insurance, foreign exchange, and in some cases, cash withdrawals. |
Eligibility | Over the age of 18, minimum income depends on the provider’s terms, UK resident. | Over the age of 18, minimum income depends on the provider’s terms, UK resident. | Typically, you have to be at least 16 to open a current account, however, there are some providers which have a lower minimum age. You don’t need an income to open most current accounts but you’ll need to be a UK resident. |
What do I need to know before I apply?
Once you’ve established what type of card you need, you can use Finder comparison tables to see the deals available.
The representative APR can be a helpful figure to use when comparing cards from different issuers – it’s a standardised figure that’s designed to illustrate the annual cost of using a card. However, the vast majority of card issuers tailor rates to the individual. They have to give their advertised “representative APR” to at least 51% of their customers, but the other 49% could be offered a higher rate. Typically, it’s the applicants that the issuer deems to be the safest bets that’ll be awarded the representative APR – based on factors like credit scores and affordability.
You can get a better idea of the rates that you’d be offered by using a soft-search facility e.g. an eligibility calculator. These involve a short form that banks or brokers use in order to be able to check your credit file without affecting your score. In return, you get a more accurate idea of whether or not you’ll get approved for a card plus the rate that you could be offered.
How to switch credit cards
Moving to a better credit card deal can be a sensible way of managing your finances. But it’s important to know how to do it right.
There are many reasons why you might want to switch to a new credit card. Some of the main ones are outlined below:
- To take advantage of a new 0% promotional deal on purchases, balance transfers or both
- To consolidate existing credit card debt and pay a lower rate of interest
- To take advantage of rewards or cashback offers.
Dos of switching your credit card
- Do check that switching credit cards will definitely benefit your finances.
- Do make sure you know how much you could be charged in interest and fees.
- Do make sure you clear your balance in full before any 0% promotional offer comes to an end – or move the debt to another balance transfer card.
- Do be aware that every credit application you make will temporarily lower your credit score.
- Do consider other forms of borrowing too, such as an overdraft or loan.
Don’ts of switching credit cards
- Don’t switch credit cards too regularly. Lenders prefer stability so if you’re constantly changing accounts, it can reflect negatively on your credit report.
- Don’t make too many credit applications in a short space of time as this can also have a negative impact on your credit score. It’s best to leave at least 3 months, preferably 6, between applications.
- Don’t forget about the balance on your old card – you’ll either need to pay it off in full or transfer it to your new card.
Will switching credit cards hurt my credit score?
Any application you make for credit can temporarily cause your credit score to drop. But it should pick up again, so long as you manage your new credit account well.
What’s more, if you’re switching to a credit card with a higher credit limit, your credit score could go up. This is because you’ll have a higher credit limit available to you, but if you’re only using the same amount of credit, your credit utilisation ratio will fall (which is good for your credit score).
How can I make the most out of my credit card?
Making the best out of your credit card is a fine art: it’s all about using it often, but not too much, and in the right way. Here are some of our top tips:
- Pay off your monthly bill in full. The best way to use your credit card is clearing your balance in full every month, so that the card doesn’t start accruing any interests.
- If you can’t pay in full, try to at least meet the minimum payment Paying the minimum repayment amount allows you to avoid late repayment fees and also helps you preserve your credit score.
- Don’t withdraw cash on your card. Most credit cards charge an extra fee for cash advances, so it’s better to just get cash with your debit card if you can.
- Set up a direct debit for repayments. We’re all busy people and forgetting to pay a bill on time is an easy mistake but has very concrete consequences, in the form of interest you’ll have to pay back.
- Don’t use all your credit. One of the many factors that can impact your credit score is the so-called utilisation rate, which is based on how much credit you use compared to how much you have available. You should keep your utilisation rate as low as possible, 30% should work just fine.
- Pay off your most expensive debts first. Let’s say you have more than one card, you’re having a rough month and have to choose which of the 2 bills to pay. In this case, check which card charges the most and clear the balance on it first.
- Choose a card which earns you more than it costs. With rewards credit cards, it all comes down to finding the right balance between the rewards you earn and the annual fee you pay.
- Put regular expenses on a credit card to earn rewards. If you get a rewards credit card, you should use it as often as you can, especially if you’re paying an annual fee. An easy way to do this is to use your credit card for regular expenses, such as your grocery shopping or your council tax.
- Don’t overspend just to earn reward points. Don’t fall into the trap. If you realise you’re not using your rewards card as much as you expected to and the annual fee isn’t worth it anymore, don’t compensate by making random purchases.
- If you’ve accumulated debt, consider a balance transfer. Balance transfer credit cards can buy you some time to pay off your debt and the best ones come with 0% on balance transfers for 2 years or more. There may be an initial balance transfer fee, but it’ll still cost way less than the interest you’d pay if you kept your debt on a regular card.
- It’s okay to keep a card you don’t use, unless it has a fee. Not using a credit card isn’t a problem in itself. You’ll have more credit available, so it’ll lower your utilisation rate and potentially help your credit score.
Learn more about specific card features
- Finder survey November 2020
- Money Helper
- Citizens Advice
Credit card news & launches

Consumers put £1.2bn on credit cards as borrowing hits highest level since 2004
Borrowing in the UK reached £1.5bn in November 2022: a jump from £700m in October and the highest monthly level since 2004.
Read more…
Amex Shop Small is back: Earn up to £25 on your spending this December
From 3-12 Dec, earn £5 when you spend at least £15 with a small business, up to a maximum of £25, thanks to Amex Shop Small.
Read more…
Avios: Last day to swap them for Nectar points before the rate drops
From 16 November, credit card customers who exchange their Avios for Nectar points will find themselves with less spending power than before: here’s how to swap your points before it’s too late.
Read more…Read more on this topic
-
3 ways to spend smarter at Christmas
Millions of us will be spending carefully this Christmas, and putting our spending on credit cards. Here’s how to spend smarter.
-
Credit card statistics and trends UK
We look at the latest statistics on credit card ownership and spending in the UK. Here’s what we found.
-
The history of credit cards
Discover all you ever wanted to know about the history of credit cards.
-
The Credit Thing card review
Aiming to revolutionise the credit industry with a virtual card, The Credit Thing card is launching in the UK.
-
How many credit cards should you have?
Thinking about getting another credit card? Having multiple cards can help your finances, but only if you use them correctly.
-
Best first-time credit cards for beginners
If you’re looking to take out your first credit card, it can be hard to know what to look for. Here’s what you need to do to find the first credit card that’s best for you.
-
What to do if you’ve received a “persistent debt” letter or your card has been suspended
If you have a credit card, persistent debt can have serious consequences for your finances. Here’s what it means and how you can fix it.
-
Using a credit card for gambling
Find out how much it could cost to use your credit card for gambling purposes.
-
“Guaranteed approval” credit cards explained
Can credit card providers really offer “guaranteed approval” or “pre-approved” cards? Find out what they mean.
-
John Lewis and Waitrose Partnership Card review 2023
Frequent John Lewis and Waitrose shoppers can discover how this loyalty-point-earning Mastercard compares.