Compare all-round credit cards

All-round credit cards aim to meet multiple needs. Typically that means you’ll get the best of both worlds when it comes to 0% interest deals – with interest-free periods on both purchases and balance transfers, and potentially other useful features like the chance to earn rewards or 0% fees on overseas spending.

There are plenty of all-round credit cards currently available to apply for in the UK. If used correctly, these cards can save you a significant chunk of money.

Here’s how to compare all-round credit cards, find the best deal for you and use it in a way that doesn’t cost you loads of money in the long run.

What is an all-round credit card?

“All-round” isn’t a standard credit card term, and can be used to label many credit cards with a different combination of promotional rates, rewards, and perks.

Most commonly, all-round cards usually offer 0% interest periods on both balances transferred from an old credit card (or cards) and future purchases. The interest-free period doesn’t last forever though, and when it ends any outstanding balance starts to accrue interest at the card’s standard rate.

Introductory 0% interest deals on purchases are commonplace in today’s credit card market, as are 0% introductory deals on balance transfers. These are the two main sweeteners used by credit card companies to attract new customers, which is why the term “all-round” is commonly used to define cards that have both of these – and potentially further – significant benefits.

If the same 0% deal applies to both balance transfers and purchases, card issuers might alternatively refer to the card as a “balanced” or “matched” credit card.

All-rounders can offer other features and benefits as well, like the opportunity to earn rewards while you spend or fee-free spending overseas.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of these cards is their flexibility. Nobody knows what the future holds, but a flexible card could stand you in good stead for a variety of scenarios.

Who is an all-round credit card best suitable for?

If you’re an individual with existing credit card debt who is also looking to make a sizeable purchase in the future, an all-round credit card is likely to save you money, or at least save you from being hit with interest payments (for a limited period).

You could use the balance transfer deal to take a break from paying interest on your existing debt, and the purchases deal to spread the cost of your upcoming expenditure – without paying interest.

An all-round credit card might not be the answer if you’ll spend more on the card than you pay off before the end of the 0% deal. In this situation, you’ll end up in a worse situation than you were in to begin with.

If you only plan on using one of the available 0% deals – for example, if you don’t already have card debt and wouldn’t transfer a balance – then there are likely to be more competitive deals on the market. The longest 0% deals on purchases tend to be available on the most specialised cards, without balance transfer deals (and vice-versa on the longest balance transfer deals).

Cards with long 0% deals on balance transfers and purchases are likely to be available only to those who have good credit scores. However, almost every card issuer now has an “eligibility checker” which runs a “soft search” of your credit file, to tell you your likelihood of approval without affecting your credit score.

How can I find the right all-round credit card for me?

There are lots of all-round credit cards around, so how do you find the best one? These are some of the most important features to look for when deciding what all-round credit card to apply for.

• Balance transfer offer. This could be your primary focus if you’re planning to bring a large card debt across to the new card. Consider how long you will need to clear the balance: by dividing the amount of the debt by the number of months in the introductory 0% period, you can get an idea of what you’ll need to be paying each month. However, bear in mind that this won’t take into account any additional purchases you make on the card.
• Balance transfer fee. This is a one-time fee, charged as a fixed percentage of the debt you transfer to your new card. Typically it ranges from 1% to 3%. Longer balance transfer deals can come with larger balance transfer fees, so it’s worth considering how long you’ll realistically need to pay off a transferred balance. An 18-month balance transfer deal with a 1% fee will work out cheaper than a 24-month deal with a 2% fee (provided you pay both off on time).
• Purchases offer. If you’re anticipating a forthcoming expenditure that’s going to outweigh any existing card debt, this is likely to be your primary focus. Ideally, you’ll want to be confident that the duration of any 0% purchase offer is long enough to clear your balance.
• Standard rate. After the promotional period ends, the remaining debt will be charged interest at a higher standard variable rate. At this point, you could potentially switch to a new credit card, if you remember, but there’s no guarantee of approval, and it’s hard to be certain about what the future holds. So, if you don’t think you’ll be able to clear your balance before the promotional period ends, you might want to look for a card with a lower standard rate.
• Annual/monthly fee. A few cards charge an annual or monthly account fee. This will normally be offset by rewards, premium features or superior rates. Generally, it’s best to avoid cards with an account fee, unless you’re confident that the perks of the card will save you more than the fees will cost you.
• Other benefits. Look at the other features of the cards you’re considering, such as reward points, free airport lounge access or free travel insurance. Are they quantifiable? How much would those benefits realistically save or earn you?

Pros and cons of all-round credit cards

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Frequently asked questions

• How do I trigger a balance transfer?

  Contact the provider of your new credit card. It will arrange everything, although you’ll need to provide details of your old card. Read our guide to making a balance transfer.

• How is a balance transfer fee applied?

  A balance transfer fee is nearly always expressed as a percentage of the debt you are moving, although there will usually be a minimum charge expressed in pounds. The fee will be added to your credit card balance.

  For example, if you’re moving £1,000 with a 4% fee, you’ll owe £1,040 on the new card.

• Are there any terms to be eligible for a 0% balance transfer deal?

  A 0% balance transfer deal usually only applies to balances transferred within the few first months of card ownership.

  You’ll only be eligible to transfer the balance if the new debt doesn’t take you over your credit card limit.

• Which of my debts are paid off first, balance transfer or purchases?

  If you’re making different types of transactions on your credit card (e.g. balance transfers, purchases, cash withdrawals), you will hold a separate balance for each.

  When making repayments, the credit company has to reduce the balance with the highest interest rate attached to it first.

  However, if the interest rates are the same on each balance, it’s up to the credit card company which debt is reduced first.

Written by

Chris Lilly

Head of publishing

Chris Lilly is Head of publishing 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. See full bio

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