Best credit cards of 2021

Promoted for

Cashback

American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Card

Promoted for

Balance transfers

Santander Everyday Credit Card

Promoted for

Avios points

British Airways American Express Card

Promoted for

Bad credit

Aqua Classic Credit Card

There are several types of credit card, so the best for you will depend on what you’re trying to do (and your credit score). As lockdown eases, you may be thinking about major purchases or travel – there are cards designed for each. We’ve listed the main categories with step-by-step advice on how to choose the best credit cards of each type, plus our “top pick” recommendation (find out how we choose our top picks). Learn what customers think about their card issuer in our league table of customer ratings.

Best rewards credit card

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Benefits: 2 complimentary airport lounge visits every year, 20,000 Membership Rewards Points welcome bonus (provided you spend £3,000 in your first 3 months) plus an ongoing earn-rate of 1 point per £1 spent.
• Account fee: Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £140 per annum.
• Why we like it: Amex is working super-hard to entice and retain new customers, coming top in our latest customer satisfaction survey. This statement rewards card offers points by the bucketload – both when you join, as you spend, when you refer friends or add an additional cardholder, and also on the anniversaries of your being a cardholder. Plus there are more perks to unlock through the app. Did we mention travel inconvenience and travel accident insurance (subject to enrolment)?
• Need to know: While accepting Amex is increasingly becoming the norm, some places still only take Visa or Mastercard.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.2% (variable) p.a. with an annual fee of £140 (£0 in first year), your representative APR is 56.6% APR (variable).

Check if you're eligible for this card

About rewards credit cards

Rewards credit cards offer points or cash based on the amount you spend, and may also offer an introductory “welcome” bonus. Your points “earn-rate” may vary according to where you use the card – a Tesco reward card will earn you points at a higher rate when you use it in Tesco, for example. You can typically redeem your points for shopping, travel, gift vouchers, etc. Premium rewards cards may bundle in other perks, like airport lounge access for example, but this could be offset by an annual fee, in which case you should weigh up whether the benefits would outweigh the running costs.

• Who are rewards cards suited to?

  Big spenders who clear their balance in full stand to benefit the most, and because these cards are often affiliated with a brand, for example John Lewis or Sainsbury’s, if it’s a brand that you regularly spend money with, you’re likely to appreciate the rewards more.

• How do I choose a rewards credit card?

  1. What kind of rewards do you want to redeem? Reward programmes differ greatly in the variety of rewards they offer, from flights to shopping, gift cards and experiences. If the rewards on offer appeal to you, great. If they appeal to you, and they stand to save you money, that’s even better.
  2. What’s the earn-rate? Check how many points a card offers per £1 spent. It’s not unusual for the earn-rate to vary depending on where you use your card and/or how much you spend, so be realistic about how many points you’ll accrue.
  3. Is there a bonus on account opening? Rewards cards very often come with an introductory sweetener, like a lump sum of reward points or an enhanced earn-rate for a limited period.
  4. Is there a cap on points earnings? Many rewards credit cards also have points caps that only allow you to earn a specified amount of points during a statement period or over a year.
  5. Is there a minimum spend? Sometimes you’ll need to spend a minimum amount within a specified timeframe to enjoy that introductory bonus or to unlock the best earn-rates.
  6. How much will the card cost to run? The right rewards card for you should earn you more than it costs to run. Weigh up any annual/monthly fee (plus any interest charges you anticipate incurring) against the value of any rewards you expect to earn.
  7. Is this a card for the short-term or the long-term? The best credit card deal for you might only be the best for a short time. Your strategy might be to get the card, spend the minimum necessary to bag any introductory rewards then ditch it. Or, you might not want the hassle of changing cards every year or so. Whether you’re more interested in the short view or the long view will impact the importance of any introductory bonuses to you.
  8. Are you eligible? Most card issuers now offer a “soft search” facility so you can find out if you’re eligible without affecting your credit score.
  9. What else can the card do for you? Check the other features of the card, such as complimentary insurance, airport lounge passes or balance transfer offers.

Compare rewards cards

Best balance transfer credit card

Santander Everyday Credit Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Interest-free periods: 0% interest on balance transfers for 18 months. 0% interest on purchases for 3 months.
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: Yes, you could easily find a longer 0% deal on the market, but this is the joint-longest deal with no transfer fee (and it narrowly wins on the revert interest rate charged after the 0% period is over). So if 18 months gives you long enough to clear your balance, this could be the card for you.
• Need to know: If you think you'll need longer than 18 months to clear your balance, then a balance transfer fee could be worth shouldering.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 20.9% p.a. (variable), your representative rate is 20.9% APR (variable).

Check if you're eligible for this card

About balance transfer credit cards

Balance transfer credit cards let you move existing credit card debt to a new card, where you’ll enjoy 0% interest on the balance for a set period. At the end of this introductory 0% period, the card’s standard rate kicks in – which is typically much higher. Provided you don’t use them for additional spending, these cards allow you to clear debt faster, because all of your monthly repayment goes towards the outstanding balance. The catch? There’s generally a “balance transfer fee” to pay – which is a percentage of the balance you’re transferring.

• Who are balance transfer credit cards suited to?

  If you have existing credit card debt that’s accumulating interest, a balance transfer deal can help you to pay off that debt faster (and more cheaply).

• How do I choose a balance transfer credit card?

  1. How long is the balance transfer offer? Most current balance transfer offers feature 0% interest for a promotional period. Divide your outstanding debt by the number of months, and you’ll see how much you’ll need to pay each month to clear your debt.
  2. How much is the balance transfer fee? Balance transfer deals usually come with a balance transfer fee (which is generally a percentage of the amount being transferred – typically around 3%), which becomes more significant if you’re transferring a larger balance. It is possible to find fee-free balance transfer deals, but these usually won’t have the very longest 0% interest periods available.
  3. Are there any limitations? Check whether the 0% rate only applies to transfers within a specific window from account opening. For example, a card’s promotion might be worded: “0% interest for 24 months on balances transferred within 60 days from account opening”.
  4. What’s the revert rate? When the promotional 0% period is up, you’ll start being charged interest on any outstanding balance. If there’s a chance you won’t clear your balance before this point, then the rate that your balance reverts to should be a consideration. Yes, you could apply for a new 0% deal at this point, but acceptance is never guaranteed.
  5. What other fees apply? Check to see whether the cards you’re considering come with an annual or monthly account fee. Other fees you might incur include cash advance fees and non-sterling transaction fees.
  6. Are you eligible? The longest 0% deals on the market are likely to be restricted to individuals with very good credit. Look foe an “eligibility checker” so that you can find out if you’re eligible without affecting your credit score. It’s not unusual for applicants with less-than-perfect credit scores to be offered a shorter 0% deal.
  7. What other features does the card come with? While the details of the balance transfer interest deal are likely to be your primary focus, some cards will have other features which might benefit you. For example Sainsbury’s Bank or American Express credit card might reward your spending with Nectar points.

Best balance transfer cards

Best 0% purchase credit card

M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Interest-free periods: 0% interest on balance transfers for 20 months with a fee of 2.9%. 0% interest on purchases for 20 months.
• Benefits: Earn 1 point for every £1 spent at Marks and Spencer's and 1 point for every £5 spent elsewhere. 100 points = £1 reward voucher. Points will be converted into reward vouchers 4 times a year.
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: This versatile all-rounder from M&S gives you a lengthy break from interest on both purchases and balance transfers, and even earns rewards on your spending. With no annual fee and a low reverting purchase rate, it can help keep the cost of your purchases down.
• Need to know: M&S devotees will get the most out of this card.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 21.9% APR (variable).

Check if you're eligible for this card

About 0% purchase credit cards

0% purchase credit cards let you make purchases up to your credit limit and then pay 0% interest on them for a promotional, introductory period. At the end of this period, any outstanding balance will start to accrue interest at the card’s standard purchase rate, which will be much higher.

• Who are 0% purchase credit cards suited to?

  If you’re anticipating a major upcoming expenditure – perhaps a new car or getting hitched, then a 0% purchase credit card could be the best credit card for you, letting you spread the cost without incurring interest.

• How do I choose a 0% purchase credit card?

  1. How good is the 0% purchase offer? Purchases offers feature 0% interest during the promotional period only, so you’ll want to consider how long the promotional period lasts. Check to see if the 0% rate applies to purchases made at any point during the promotional period, or if it only applies to purchases made within a specified window from account opening.
  2. What’s the revert rate? When the promotional 0% period is up, you’ll start being charged interest on any outstanding balance. If there’s a chance you won’t clear your balance before this point, then the rate that your balance reverts to should be a consideration. Yes, you could apply for a new 0% deal at this point, but acceptance is never guaranteed.
  3. What fees apply? Some cards come with an annual or monthly fee, although these tend to be the more premium rewards cards. Other fees you could find yourself hit with include cash advance fees and non-sterling transaction fees.
  4. Are you eligible? The longest 0% deals on the market are likely to be restricted to individuals with good credit. Most card issuers now offer a “soft search” facility though, so you can find out if you’re eligible without affecting your credit score. It’s not unusual for applicants with less-than-perfect credit scores to be offered a shorter 0% deal.
  5. What other features does the card come with? While the details of the purchases deal are likely to be your primary focus, some cards will have other features which might benefit you. For example a Sainsbury’s Bank or American Express credit card might reward your spending with Nectar points.

Best 0% purchase credit cards

Best cashback credit card

American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Benefits: Get 5% cashback on your purchases (up to £100) for the first 3 months of Cardmembership, and 1% thereafter.
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: An accessible and easy-to-use card that rewards your everyday spending with cashback. With no annual fee, you can also keep your costs low, provided you pay off your balance in full each month.
• Need to know: If you don't pay off your balance in full every month, you're likely to pay more in interest than you'd earn in casback, and a 0% purchase or low rate card might be more suitable for you.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.2% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.2% APR (variable).

Check if you're eligible for this card

About cashback credit cards

Cashback credit cards reward you for spending in the form of pounds or credit on your account. How much you can earn will depend on the card’s “earn-rate”, plus any “earnings caps”. Cards that are affiliated with a brand may offer a better earn-rate when you spend with that brand, and in some cases cards come with an introductory enhanced earn-rate for a specified period or an enhanced earn-rate once your spending has exceeded a specified threshold.

• Who are cashback cards suited to?

  Cashback cards are the best credit cards for big spenders who clear their balance in full every month and who prefer the flexibility and simplicity of cash rewards instead of point rewards will stand to benefit the most from this type of card.

• How do I choose a cashback credit card?

  1. What’s the earn-rate? Be realistic about how much you’d actually use the card, and calculate how much this would earn you, considering both the earn-rate plus any caps or restrictions on cashback. It’s not unusual for the earn-rate to vary depending on where you use your card and/or how much you spend.
  2. Is there a cap on earnings? Many cashback cards limit the total cashback you can earn over a specified period.
  3. Is there a minimum spend? Sometimes you’ll need to spend a certain amount within a specified timeframe to maximise cashback earnings.
  4. Is there an introductory promotion? Cashback cards sometimes come with a brucie bonus – typically an enhanced earn-rate for a specified period. It might be that the “best” cashback option will only be the best for a certain period…
  5. Do you actually earn cashback (account credit) or vouchers? Watch out for cards billed as offering cashback, that actually issue vouchers (with restrictions on where they can be redeemed). Not really the same, is it?
  6. How much will the card cost to run? Interest rates on purchases tend to be quite high with this type of credit card, so if you carry a balance from month to month, the interest will probably outweigh the cashback earnings. Check whether or not the card you’re considering has a monthly or annual fee.
  7. Are you eligible? Some deals will be restricted to individuals with good credit. Most card issuers now offer a “soft search” facility however, so you can find out if you’re eligible without affecting your credit score.
  8. What other features does the card come with? While the cashback terms are likely to be your primary focus, some cards will have other features which might benefit you.

Best cashback cards

Best travel credit card

Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Benefits: Fee-free currency conversion on non-sterling transactions and cash withdrawals.
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: Halifax's Clarity Credit Card is the nation's go-to holiday credit card for good reason. It's one of a tiny group cards offering commission-free non-sterling cash withdrawals in addition to the more common commission-free card spend, all with no account fee to worry about.
• Need to know: If you do use it to withdraw cash overseas, this part of your balance won't benefit from the usual 0% interest grace period (plus watch out for local atm fees). Additionally, multiple credit card cash withdrawals could start to hurt your credit score.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 19.93% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 19.9% APR (variable).

About travel credit cards

These credit cards are designed to make it more affordable to spend money overseas or online with international retailers. Unlike most debit and credit cards, they don’t charge a foreign transaction fee when you use your card to spend in an international currency. Currencies will usually be converted using the standard Mastercard rate or Visa rate. Just remember that “fee-free” does not mean “interest-free”.

When you’re using one of these cards, don’t forget that if a merchant/bank abroad offers to take payment in sterling (this is called dynamic currency conversion), you should decline and choose to pay in the local currency. Otherwise the it will be the local bank or merchant whose currency conversion fee structure will apply, rather than your card issuer’s.

• Who are travel credit cards suited to?

  If you’re a frequent traveller, have a holiday coming up or regularly use your credit card for shopping with international stores online, a no foreign transaction fee card could be a smart way to avoid extra costs.

• How do I choose a low or no foreign transaction fee card?

  1. Does commission-free currency conversion apply for the country you’re visiting? While there are plenty of cards offering fee-free spending overseas, some will restrict this to Europe. Sometimes the quickest way to get to the bottom of this one is to look for the card’s “summary box” – all card issuers are obliged to provide this standardised document.
  2. What network is the card on? There’s no getting away from it – Visa and Mastercard are the most widely-accepted networks. If a merchant takes plastic, it probably takes Visa and Mastercard. If you plan on heading overseas with your Amex, it could be worth backing this up with a Visa or Mastercard.
  3. What fees will apply if you withdraw cash abroad? Check whether the commission-free currency conversion applies to cash advances, and check whether there’s a flat fee for cash advances. If you’re heading to a country with a largely cash-based economy, this is an important one. Don’t forget that whatever your card issuer’s policy is, a bank overseas may still charge you for the privilege of using their cash machine.
  4. What point is interest charged from? Usually, provided you clear your balance in full each month you can enjoy up to 55 or 56 days interest-free on your purchases. However, it’s not unusual for non-sterling transactions to incur interest from the day on which your account was debited, regardless of your repayment habits.
  5. Are there any travel perks? If you’re looking to use your card overseas, see if it can offer further savings/earnings like complimentary credit card travel insurance. The insurance available and eligibility requirements differ from card to card, so comparing options will help you make sure the cover is right for you. Other travel perks that could come with a no foreign transaction fee card include rewards programs and airport lounge access.
  6. How much will the card cost to run? You may be saving on foreign currency conversion fees, but you’ll want to make sure any interest or annual/monthly account fees that you stand to incur don’t outweigh these savings. It’s not unusual for a travel credit card to be your “second” credit card – in other words you might have one card for use at home, and one for using when you’re out of the country.
  7. Are you eligible? Some deals will be restricted to individuals with good credit. Look for a “quick check” or “eligibility checker” facility, so that you can find out if you have a decent shot at getting approved.

Best travel cards

Best credit builder credit card

Aqua Classic Credit Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Benefits: Aqua aims to say Yes to those with bad credit who might have been rejected by other lenders. This card's accompanying app and text alerts are designed to put you back in control.
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: Aqua's classic card has been designed as a stepping stone to its big sister card, the Aqua Advance, which offers a more competitive rate.
• Need to know: Try to clear your balance in full each month so you avoid interest altogether, as this card (like other credit builders) charges a relatively high interest rate.
• Representative example: Assumed credit limit £1,200, representative 29.7% APR (variable), purchase rate 29.75% p.a. (variable).

Check if you're eligible for this card

About credit builder credit cards

Credit builders are simple credit cards designed to improve credit scores, for people with bad or no credit history. Expect low starting credit limits which can be quickly reviewed provided the card is used responsibly. This type of card will often be a “stepping stone” product to credit products with a better interest rate.

• Who are credit builder cards suited to?

  First-time credit card users or those looking to rebuild a poor credit record.

• How do I choose a credit builder credit card?

  1. Are you eligible? Start by checking whether you’re likely to be able to get approved for the card. Most card issuers offer a “soft search” facility so that you can find out if you’re eligible without affecting your credit score.
  2. How much will the card cost to run? These type of cards tend not to charge annual fees, but you should aim to pay off your full balance every month, as the standard interest rates tend to be high.
  3. What credit limits are available, and when are they reviewed? Credit builder cards tend to come with lower credit limits than other cards, but provided you use them responsibly, this will typically be reviewed after a specified interval. Limits are tailored to the individual, but a card issuer may declare the minimum and maximum credit limits available with a particular card.
  4. Does the card have any perks? Credit builders clearly aren’t about the rewards, but a select few do let you collect points on your spending or offer fee-free spending overseas.

Best credit builder cards

Best frequent flyer credit card

British Airways American Express Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Benefits: Collect 1 Avios for every £1 you spend plus a 5,000 Avios welcome bonus if you spend £1,000 in your first 3 months.
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: With no annual fee this is a great introduction to collecting air miles. You can also opt for the Premium Plus version to get an even better earn rate and heftier intro bonus in return for an annual fee. If what you'll earn in rewards outweighs the annual fee, then that could be a smart choice.
• Need to know: If you're not going to pay off your balance in full each month, chances are you'll pay more in interest than you'll earn in air miles. If that sounds like you, you could consider a 0% purchase or low rate deal instead.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.2% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.2% APR (variable).

Check if you're eligible for this card

About frequent flyer credit cards

Frequent flyer credit cards let you earn frequent flyer points or air miles on everyday purchases, either directly or by transferring card reward points to your chosen airline loyalty programme. These cards tend to be more premium options, so there’s often an annual fee to consider, but chances are it’ll be offset by some tasty perks.

• Who are frequent flyer cards suited to?

  Anyone who wants to maximise their frequent flyer points total to enjoy free flights and other benefits. Those who spend a lot on their credit card but also clear their balance in full each month stand to benefit the most. Naturally frequent flyer cards are the best credit cards for those who travel (or plan to travel) often.

• How do I choose a frequent flyer credit card?

  1. Which frequent flyer programme is available? Some credit cards are tied directly to a specific airline rewards scheme, such as Virgin’s Flying Club or Lufthansa’s Miles & More. Others allow you to transfer credit card reward points to partner frequent flyer programmes. Lloyds Bank, for example, offers a card that earns Avios, which can be redeemed with a number of airlines.
  2. What is the points earn-rate? The earn-rate is the number of points you earn per £1 spent. It’s not unusual for the earn-rate to vary depending on where you use your card and/or how much you spend.
  3. Is there an introductory promotion? These cards often come with a “welcome bonus” – either a lump sum of points or a better points earn-rate for a specified period.
  4. Is there a cap on points earnings? Check whether there’s a cap on how many points you can earn each month or each year.
  5. Is there a minimum spend? Sometimes you’ll need to spend a certain amount within a specified timeframe to maximise points/miles earnings.
  6. How much will the card cost to run? Is there an annual/monthly account fee to pay, and if there is, do the potential rewards outweigh this? If you anticipate carrying a balance from month to month, what interest rate will you be charged?
  7. Are there any other perks? What other features do you want from your card? Does it come with perks like complimentary insurance or airport lounge access?
  8. Are you eligible? Most card issuers now offer a “soft search” facility so you can find out if you’re eligible without affecting your credit score.

Compare frequent flyer cards

Best money transfer credit card

MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Interest-free periods: 0% interest on money transfers for 18 months with a fee of 2.99%. 0% interest on balance transfers for 12 months with a fee of 4%.
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: This specialised card lets you move funds to a different account and avoid paying interest (you'll just pay the one-off transfer fee), and this is one of the longest around. Unlike other 0% offers, money transfer deals give you much more flexibility – great if you need to pay several parties in cash, for example.
• Need to know: The 18 months interest-free applies to money transfers you make in the first 60 days. You'll need to earn at least £14,000 p.a. to apply.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.93% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).

About money transfer credit cards

A 0% money transfer card allows you to make transfers from the credit card to your bank account, and won’t charge interest on this balance for a specified period. After the 0% period, the card’s standard rate kicks in, which is invariably much higher.

• Who are money transfer cards suited to?

  If you want to clear a big overdraft or pay off a loan, a money transfer card could be a low-cost way to do so. They’re also useful when you need to transfer money to individuals, or when you need to make payments in cash.

• How do I choose a money transfer credit card?

  1. How long is the money transfer offer? Most current money transfer offers feature 0% interest for a promotional period, which could potentially be over two years. Work out how much you need to transfer and how much you expect to be able to repay each month to get an idea of how long you need.
  2. Is there a transfer fee? Typically these cards have a money transfer fee of around 3%, which for larger transfers could get painful. It is possible to find fee-free money transfer deals, but these usually won’t have the very longest 0% periods on the market.
  3. Are there any limitations? Check whether the 0% rate only applies to transfers within a specific window from account opening. For example, a card’s promotion might be worded: “0% interest for 24 months on transfers in the first 3 months”.
  4. What’s the revert rate? When the promotional 0% period is up, you’ll start being charged interest on any outstanding balance. If there’s a chance you won’t clear your balance before this point, then the rate that your balance reverts to should be a consideration. Yes, you could apply for a balance transfer deal at this point, but acceptance is never guaranteed.
  5. What other fees apply? Check to see whether the cards you’re considering come with an annual or monthly account fee. Other fees you might incur include cash advance fees and non-sterling transaction fees.
  6. Are you eligible? The longest 0% money transfer deals will be reserved for individuals with good credit. Card issuers now usually offer a “soft search” facility however, so you can find out if you’re eligible without hurting your credit score.
  7. What other features does the card come with? While the details of the money transfer promotion will be your primary focus, some money transfer cards come with other features that might appeal to you.

Compare money transfer cards

Best student credit card

HSBC Student Credit Card Visa

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Benefits: Enjoy a credit limit of at least £250 and up to 56 days interest-free credit on purchase (provided you clear your balance in full each month).
• Account fee: £0.
• Why we like it: The HSBC Student Credit Card beats than most of its competitors on rate, while still having no annual fee. There's even a few cheeky perks to be had through the bank's Home & Away program.
• Need to know: You'll need to hold an HSBC student bank account to apply. Some other banks claim to offer offer higher credit limits on their student cards, but these are tailored to the applicant anyway.
• Representative example: When you spend £500 at a purchase rate of 18.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 18.9% APR (variable).

About student credit cards

Most student cards are tied to a student bank account – in other words you’ll usually need to hold a student account with a particular bank in order to be eligible to apply for its student credit card. Student credit cards come with no annual/monthly fees, but low credit limits and uncompetitive rates (in part due to the limited credit histories of many of the cards’ users). As such, it’s not advisable to carry a balance from month to month. However, provided you don’t, you’ll usually be able to take advantage of up to 55 or 56 days of 0% interest on your purchases each month – a handy buffer when you’re waiting for your next student loan payment.

• Who are student credit cards suited to?

  Students who understand the responsibilities of debt and are looking for a little financial flexibility and to kickstart a healthy credit record.

• How do I choose a student credit card?

  1. Are you eligible? Even though they’re called “student credit cards”, these products still have criteria you must fulfil in order to be eligible. For example, most banks stipulate you hold your student bank account with them in order to be considered for a credit card, and most will want proof of your status as student. Some may ask for a guarantor (such as a parent) to share the financial responsibilities of the card.
  2. How much will the card cost to run? You’re highly unlikely to find annual/monthly account fees with a student credit card, but, as rule, the standard purchase rate is rarely competitive. Check what other rates and fees could impact you, for example fees for non-sterling transactions or cash advances (withdrawing cash from the card).
  3. Are there any perks to be had? Look out for sweeteners, such as cashback offers through the Visa Offers programme, or experience discounts through Mastercard’s Priceless Cities scheme.

Compare student credit cards

Best “all-rounder” credit card

Santander All in One Credit Card

• Finder rating: ★★★★★
• Interest-free periods: 0% interest on balance transfers for 26 months. 0% interest on purchases for 20 months.
• Account fee: £3 per month.
• Why we like it: As the name suggests, the Santander All In One credit card is a jack of all trades, offering generous 0% interest periods on both balance transfers and purchases, and 0% on currency conversion as well as letting you earn cashback – all in return for a small monthly fee.
• Need to know: The very longest 0% deals on the market can be found on more specialised cards.
• Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 17.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 23.7% APR (variable).

Check if you're eligible for this card

About all-round cards

These cards are designed to serve multiple needs. 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 even fee-free overseas spending.

• Who are all-rounder cards suited to?

  As you might expect, all-rounders can be a good option for people in all sorts of circumstances, however, an all-rounder can be a bit of a jack of all trades and a master of none. For example, if you’re simply looking to clear debt, the very best balance transfer deals are likely to be on highly-focused cards. Likewise, the highest-earning rewards cards might not come with lengthy 0% introductory offers.

• How do I choose an all-round credit card?

  1. What features matter most to you? Decide which card features are most important to you, and start there. If you need to transfer existing card debt, but really not very much of it, then you might want to focus on other features, for example, rather than simply seeking out the longest 0% balance transfer deal.
  2. How much will the card cost? Does the card come with an annual/monthly fee? Is the interest rate competitive? Work out how much you stand to save or how much you stand to spend with each card, and try not to be dazzled by rewards when there’s a chance that the potential costs could outweigh them.
  3. Are you eligible? A good all-rounder is likely to require decent credit, and may also involve other criteria such as a minimum income. Look for an “eligibility checker” which can tell you in advance of applying (and without hurting your credit score) whether or not you’re likely to get approved.

Compare all-round credit cards

The best credit card companies for customer satisfaction in 2021

We asked cardholders to rate their satisfaction with service, and whether they’d recommend their card issuer to a friend. We’ve shown both for each brand in the table below. Our independent survey of 1,861 card customers was carried out in December 2020. The table is ordered by percentage of customers who said they’d recommend the brand to a friend.

Card issuer	Overall satisfaction	Customers who’d recommend	Overview
	★★★★★	95%	American Express has been top dog for customer service two years running. It offers a range of credit cards with tempting rewards such as lounge access, and the exclusive Experiences rewards programme.	View deals
	★★★★★	88%	An arm of the oldest bank in UK, Barclaycard has some of the longest balance transfer periods on the market and also offers rewards and everyday cards. However it’s range of cards is dramatically smaller now than it has been in recent years.	View deals
	★★★★★	84%	Like other credit card retailers, M&S Bank lets you earn M&S on every credit card transaction, and preferential foreign exchange rates.	View deals
	★★★★★	83%	Lloyds Bank has a wide variety of credit card products, with rewards, cashback and even specialised cards for large purchases.	View deals
	★★★★★	83%	NatWest offers specialised rewards and balance transfer cards, as well as a student credit card.	View deals
	★★★★★	82%	Halifax lets you combine 0% balance transfers and purchases on one card, and also issues the super-popular Clarity card with 0% currency conversion fees.	View deals
	★★★★★	80%	Tesco Bank has a wide range of credit card products and lets you earn Tesco Clubcard points on every transaction you make using your card.	View deals
	★★★★★	80%	Virgin Money provides a number of bonus credit card programs, such as Virgin Red, and offers discounts across the entire Virgin Group. With a Virgin Atlantic credit card, you can also collect air miles to spend on flights and upgrades.	View deals
	★★★★★	80%	Spanish banking giant Santander offers generous cashback benefits and credit cards aimed at those looking to travel abroad.	View deals
	★★★★★	78%	The UK’s second-biggest supermarket brand, Sainsbury’s lets you earn Nectar points on all credit card transactions, with bonus points for new customers.	View deals
	★★★★★	78%	One of the world’s largest banks, HSBC has an extensive credit card product range, with 24/7 customer service and global reward systems.	View deals
	★★★★★	78%	Aqua credit cards are specifically designed for those looking to build their credit score. Unlike other credit-builder cards, Aqua also lets customers earn rewards for using their card.	View deals
	★★★★★	77%	Capital One offers credit-builder cards for people with limited or damaged credit files, aiming to say “Yes” when other card issuers wouldn’t. The interest rates for Capital One cards are high, so not paying off balances in full each month can get expensive.	View deals
	★★★★★	71%	MBNA is part of the Lloyds Group and offers a range of credit cards with extended 0% balance transfer and purchase periods.	View deals

Frequently asked questions

Customer satisfaction ratings methodology

In December 2020, we ran a customer satisfaction survey on credit cards. 1,861 people responded and gave us their opinion on their current credit card provider.

The survey asked respondents how satisfied they are with their credit card (using a 1-5 rating) and whether they would recommend the brand to a friend. We converted the responses into star ratings and produced a shortlist of the top-performing companies based on customer satisfaction. When there was a draw, we used the recommendation score (that is, the percentage of customers who said they would recommend the brand to a friend) as a tie-breaker.

You can get a full breakdown of our ratings methodology for credit cards here.