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The UK’s best credit cards of 2021
We compare the whole UK market daily so you can bag the best credit card for you, be that the biggest rewards, longest 0% interest offers or lowest fees available.
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What's in this guide?
We all want to get the best deals, and finding a credit card is no exception, but how do you pick the best credit card? The reality is that “best” will depend on your spending habits, your credit rating and what you want to use the card for. We’ve listed the main types of credit card and for each one, you’ll find step-by-step advice on how to choose the best credit cards of that type and our “top pick” recommendation (find out how we choose our top picks). At the end, see how customers rate the card companies in our full league table) of customer ratings.
Best rewards credit cards
Rewards credit cards offer points or cash based on the amount you spend. This “earn-rate” may vary according to where you use the card. A Tesco reward card is likely to 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.
Understand and compare rewards cards
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
56.6%
Representative APR
20,000 points
Max. intro bonus
1 point
per £1 spent
2 points
per £1 spent with select partners
This statement premium rewards card offers Membership Rewards points by the bucketload rewards plus a variety of enticing benefits like airport lounge access and travel inconvenience and travel accident insurance (subject to enrolment). Although there's an annual fee, it's waived in year one.
- It's a gold Amex... enough said. OK, not enough said – a good credit card has to do more than just look the part – but it's certainly a card that raises a few eyebrows.
- The array of benefits the card offers is enormous. This could be Amex trying to keep customers on board after year one, because there's a decent chance cardholders will still be uncovering new benefits at 12 months in!
- Amex customer service is refreshingly good. When we put it to the test there was no waiting on hold and no being transferred from pillar to post.
- The app is better than many we've seen and gives you a good deal of control.
- Despite the network's recent "Shop small" campaign, if you're in the sticks and paying at a small independent merchant, Amex could well be off the table. To its credit, Amex is trying to fix this (you could earn cashback on your spending at participating small businesses), but it's not going to change overnight. Carry a decent back-up option and it's not really a problem.
- Some of the card's perks take a bit of research and "activating" on your own part. It's all about getting cardholders engaged.
- That annual fee... it's not small. However you can use year one to try the card on for size, and to get an idea of the true value to you personally of all those perks, points and offers.
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | UK resident and has a UK bank or building society account. |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
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).
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 Asda or Dorothy Perkins, if it’s a brand that you regularly spend money with, you’re likely to appreciate the rewards more.
How can I find the best rewards credit card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best credit builder credit cards
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.
The best credit builder credit cards
Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card
29.5%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
Up to 56 days
Interest-free each billing period
£250
Minimum credit limit
If you're looking to build or rebuild your credit, then the Chrome Credit Card is designed with you in mind. Use it correctly, and you could improve your credit and get a credit limit increase in as little as five months (and then further increases every five months after that).
- You could get approved even with bad credit.
- You could get a credit limit increase in as little as five months (and then further increases every five months after that).
- For a credit builder, the Chrome Card has a very competitive representative APR.
- Used responsibly, it can help improve your credit score.
- Like almost all UK credit cards, if you clear your full balance each month and don't withdraw cash or transfer money using the card, you can avoid interest altogether.
- As with most credit builders, there's no annual fee to worry about.
- You can manage your account in the Vanquis Bank App, which lets you request credit limit increases, check your balance, review transactions and manage direct debits. You can also set up text and email alerts to stay on top of things.
- Up to 49% of applicants are likely to be offered a higher rate than the advertised representative APR (card issuers are only obliged to offer this rate to 51% of customers).
- This is a fairly basic card, so don't expect rewards or perks – it's all about getting your credit record back on track.
- Although Vanquis shows a commitment to reviewing your credit limit regularly, there's no evidence of a similar commitment to reviewing your interest rate.
- Because the card is aimed at people who don't have excellent credit, the interest rates aren't market-leading. So if you end up carrying a balance from month to month (particularly if you regularly make just the minimum required repayment), the costs of running the card can mount up.
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | UK resident |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
Representative example: When you spend £250 at a purchase rate of 29.5% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.5% APR (variable).
Who are credit builder cards suited to?
First-time credit card users or those looking to rebuild a poor credit record.
How can I find the best credit builder credit card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
The best 0% purchase credit cards
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card
16 months
0% interest on balance transfers
18 months
0% interest on purchases
19.9%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
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.
- Extended 0% purchase and balance transfer period
- Competitive regular purchase rate
- No annual fee
- You’ll need to be an M&S devotee to get the most out of this card
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Min. income | 6800 |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 2.99% (min. £3) |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 19.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 19.9% APR (variable).
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 can I find the best 0% purchase credit card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Choosing the best balance transfer cards
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card
25 months
0% interest on balance transfers
21.9%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
3 months
0% interest on purchases
Enjoy a reduced balance transfer fee and an ultra-long (25 months) 0% interest period this straightforward balance transfer deal from HSBC. Plus, if you're anticipating some additional spending, there's a 3-month 0% deal on purchases too.
- An impressive 25 months of 0% interest to focus on clearing existing card debt.
- Benefit from Visa Offers cashback rewards.
- Use this card for contactless payments, Apple pay, Google pay and Samsung Pay.
- Competitive balance transfer fee.
- Not available to customers already using the HSBC Basic Bank Account.
- Requires a minimum income of £6800 p.a.
- Balances can't be transferred from first direct, M&S Bank or John Lewis cards.
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Min. income | 6800 |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 2.99% (min. £3) |
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).
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 can I find the best balance transfer credit card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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”.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 a Sainsbury’s Bank or American Express credit card might reward your spending with Nectar points.
Video: Choosing the right balance transfer deal
Best 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 or withdraw cash abroad (although the ATM owner may still charge a fee). Currencies will usually be converted using the standard Mastercard rate or Visa rate. Just remember that “fee-free” does not mean “interest-free”.
Understand and compare 0% foreign transaction fee cards
Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard
0%
Balance transfer fee
19.9%
Representative APR
0%
Foreign transaction charge
£0
Account fee
Halifax's Clarity Credit Card is bordering on a household name. It's the nation's go-to holiday credit card for good reason – offering fee-free currency conversion on non-sterling transactions and cash withdrawals (just bear in mind if you do use it to withdraw cash overseas, this part of your balance won't benefit from the usual 0% interest grace period).
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases.
- No cash withdrawal fees when you're abroad (on any other card, this would be one of the worst things you could do).
- No annual fee.
- Cash advances at home or abroad don't benefit from interest-free days (and "cash advances" includes buying foreign currency).
- No 0% introductory offers.
- No rewards.
- Balance transfer fee.
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 0% |
| Cash advance fee | 0% |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 19.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 19.9% APR (variable).
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 can I find the best low or no foreign transaction fee card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Best 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.
Compare the best cashback credit cards
American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Card
22.2%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
Up to £100
Intro cashback
Up to 56 days
Interest-free each billing period
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.
- Get 5% intro cashback in the first 3 months
- No annual fee
- Competitive purchase rate
- An expensive option if you carry a balance from month to month
- Intro offer is limited to £100
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | UK resident and has a UK bank or building society account. |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
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).
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 can I find the best cashback credit card for me?
- 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. Use Finder’s cashback calculator to estimate the returns you could expect. It’s not unusual for the earn-rate to vary depending on where you use your card and/or how much you spend.
- Is there a cap on earnings? Many cashback cards limit the total cashback you can earn over a specified period.
- Is there a minimum spend? Sometimes you’ll need to spend a certain amount within a specified timeframe to maximise cashback earnings.
- 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…
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Understand and compare frequent flyer cards
British Airways American Express Card
22.2%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
5,000 points
Max. intro bonus
Up to 56 days
Interest-free each billing period
Earn points virtually every time you use your card, to redeem with British Airways or a number of other airlines, for flights, flight upgrades, hotel stays and more. You can also benefit from a generous intro points offer, and won't pay an annual fee.
- Earn Avios on all your spending, without paying an annual fee.
- Big spenders who clear their balance in full each month may get more from the Premium Plus card.
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | UK resident and has a UK bank or building society account. |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
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).
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 can I find the best frequent flyer credit card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Is there a minimum spend? Sometimes you’ll need to spend a certain amount within a specified timeframe to maximise points/miles earnings.
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.
Best 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.
Understand and compare money transfer cards
MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card
12 months
0% interest on balance transfers
22.9%
Representative APR
18 months
0% interest on money transfers
£0
Account fee
With this card you'll get the double benefit of 0% periods on both balance transfers and money transfer, so you can move money to your bank account with no annual fee.
- Extended 0% period on money transfers
- No annual fee
- Competitive rate
- Shorter 0% balance transfer period
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must hold a UK bank/building society account. Must hold permanent UK address for 3 years. |
| Min. income | 14000 |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.95% |
| Cash advance fee | 5% (min. £0) |
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).
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 can I find the best money transfer credit card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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”.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best 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.
Understand and compare student credit cards
TSB Student Credit Card
19.9%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
Up to 56 days
Interest-free each billing period
£500
Minimum credit limit
The TSB Student credit card offers slightly higher credit limits than most of its competitors, while still having no annual fee and a relatively competitive interest rate.
- No annual fee
- Relatively higher credit limits
- Available to those with limited credit history
- Existing TSB student customers only
- No rewards or other incentives
| Availability | Available to existing customers |
|---|---|
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.95% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a purchase rate of 19.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 19.9% APR (variable).
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 can I find the best student card for me?
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
“Best all-rounder” credit 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.
Understand and compare all-round credit cards
Santander All in One Credit Card
26 months
0% interest on balance transfers
0%
Balance transfer fee
26 months
0% interest on purchases
21.7%
Representative APR
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, as well as letting you earn cashback, in return for a monthly fee.
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | UK Resident for more than 36 months |
| Min. income | 7500 |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 0% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 15.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 21.7% APR (variable).
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 can I find the best all-round credit card for me?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Approval for any credit card will depend on your status. The APR shown represents 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.
What is the best credit card available? A summary
Ultimately it depends on what you want the card to do, and also on your circumstances, however here are our top picks:
- Best for rewards: American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
- Best for building credit: Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card
- Best for purchases: M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card
- Best for balance transfers: HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card
- Best for travel: Halifax Clarity Credit Card
- Best for cashback: American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Card
- Best for frequent flyers: British Airways American Express Card
- Best for money transfers: MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card
- Best for students: TSB Student Credit Card
- Best all-rounder: Santander All In One Credit Card
Our 2020 customer satisfaction league table
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 750 card customers was carried out in December 2019.
| Overall satisfaction | Customers who’d recommend | Issuer | Review | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | 85% |  | Credit where credit’s due – it’s probably fair to say the Americans do customer service better than us Brits. Amex is fighting hard to win new customers at the moment, so it’s no surprise that it’s investing in leaving a decent impression. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 85% |  | Santander has some of the stronger 0% deals on the market, but it also offers a couple of fairly luxurious rewards/perks cards. Customers in our 2020 survey loved the cashback deals on offer. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 85% |  | The oldest bank in UK has managed to keep its customer service standards high for centuries and offers a super-comprehensive range of cards. Customers in our survey praised Barclaycard’s good interest deals. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 84% |  | Tesco Bank credit cards all earn Clubcard points. Despite being competitive cards in their own right, as you’d expect, they’re most popular with Tesco shoppers. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 79% |  | Virgin Money has a wide range of cards on offer, including a few with some of the longest 0% deals. Customers with a Virgin Money credit card can also sign up to a range of reward schemes, like cashback and money-off offers for family days out. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 77% |  | One of the world’s largest banks, HSBC has several cards on offer, including good 0% balance transfers deals, and a credit card designed especially for students. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 77% |  | The UK’s second largest supermarket chain, Sainsbury’s Bank offers some of the longest 0% deals around. You can also earn extra Nectar points whenever you use your card. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 76% |  | NatWest offers a small but diverse range of cards, including a student card and a couple of strong premium reward cards. Customers surveyed appreciated the bank’s rewards programme but not its interest rates. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 69% |  | Halifax offers a good selection of balance transfer cards, with a range of 0% deals. There’s also a low interest flexicard and card with zero fees for spending abroad, which customers in our survey were particularly pleased with. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 69% |  | Part of the Lloyds Bank Group, MBNA offers several highly competitive 0% and low interest deals. Customers in our survey praised the bank’s online account management tools and customer service, but reported sudden interest rate increases. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 68% |  | M&S Bank keep things simple with only a handful of cards on offer. These will particularly appeal to M&S customer, as you can earn points to spend in store. Customers surveyed were impressed with the rewards on offer, but not the online banking system. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 67% |  | Capital One has built itself on providing a fair and straightforward approach to credit, making it particularly good for those with lower credit scores. The interest rates for Capital One cards are high, so not paying off charges in full can lead to financial difficulties. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 66% |  | One of the biggest banking groups in the UK, Lloyds Bank has a range of cards with great 0% deals and generally relatively low interest rates. Customers in our survey praised the bank’s efficient and reliable customer service and easy application process. | View deals |
| ★★★★★ | 64% |  | Another good option for people with low credit scores, Aqua prides itself on helping customers move on to stronger financial products. The interest rates for Aqua cards are high, but there are no annual fees and customers in our survey praised the company’s transparency and good service. | View deals |
Playing for keeps: The credit card sector's fight for customers
Finder published a paper in November 2020 looking at how consumers have been changing their use of credit cards during the pandemic, and how the industry is tackling disruptors such as buy now, pay later schemes. Our report includes an overview of the credit cards sector and original consumer research, as well as contributions and expert predictions from Daniel Dawson, senior associate at RBR, Martin Magnone, CEO of Tymit, Andrea Dunlop, chair of the EPA advisory board, Rob Escott, CEO of Koto, and Chris Lilly, credit card specialist at Finder.
Join Finder now to get this report immediately and many other free benefits, including exclusive tips and deals. It takes just a few seconds!
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Frequently asked questions
Are reward point credit cards worth it?
If you carry a balance on your credit card from month to month (rather than clearing your balance in full), then you’ll usually pay more in interest than you’ll earn in rewards. If you always clear your balance in full each month, however, then with most cards on the UK market, you won’t pay interest at all, thanks to a grace period on purchases. That means that, provided you choose the right card and use it carefully, you can earn reward points without paying interest.
Some rewards or frequent flyer cards come with annual or monthly account management charges, but thankfully, plenty don’t charge this fee. If you think you would spend a lot on a credit card but would also clear your balance in full each month, then paying an annual fee might actually be worth it. That’s because these are the cards which tend to come with the best reward point earn-rates.
Can I get a credit card with bad credit?
Possibly, yes. Although realistically some top cards will be off the table, there are plenty of card issuers that specialise in credit builder cards – which are specifically designed for those with a damaged or limited credit history.
Additionally, the interest rates and credit limits of credit cards are often tailored to the applicant, which means you may find that you are offered a card, but with a relatively low opening credit limit, and potentially with a rate that’s higher than the advertised representative APR.
Which credit card gives the best travel rewards?
Virgin Atlantic and American Express are frequently to be found battling it out at the top of frequent flyer comparison tables.
If you can make your peace with an annual fee, the British Airways Premium Plus Card offers the highest Avios earn-rate, while Amex’s Preferred Rewards Gold Card comes with two complimentary airport lounge visits annually.
Other types of credit card and sought-after card features
In addition to the features listed above, the best credit cards around can come with a whole host of other features and benefits.
If you’re concerned about some of the costs involved with credit card use, you can look around and find cards with no annual fee, an ongoing low interest rate or no balance transfer fees. Perhaps you do all your shopping in one place and want your rewards from your favourite shop, in which case a store-affiliated card may be the way to go.
Use the list below to browse our credit card feature/benefit guides and comparisons.
R
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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