Compare Capital One credit cards for September 2019

Capital One is one of the UK’s top ten largest card providers starting back in 1996 and has based its ethos around a fair and holistic approach to providing credit. It helps do this with tools like its QuickCheck eligibility checker; to quickly and easily check your eligibility for a card for free, without damaging your credit score.

Furthermore, it bases its approach around simplicity, clarity and customer support. Capital One offers a streamlined and understandable application process along with transparent card charges and rates, and full support in managing your account.

Compare Capital One credit cards

Updated September 21st, 2019

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Name	Product	Max. credit limit	Purchases	Balance transfers	Rep. APR		Representative example
Capital One Balance Transfer Mastercard		£3,000	0% for 3 months reverting to 24.93%	0% for 12 months reverting to 24.93%	24.9%	More Info	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.93% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One Classic Platinum Mastercard		£1,500	29.84%	29.84%	29.8%	More Info	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.84% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.8% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One Classic Mastercard		£1,500	34.94%	34.94%	34.9%	More Info	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 34.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 34.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One Luma Mastercard		£1,500	35.94%	35.94%	35.9%	More Info	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 35.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 35.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One Luma Purchase Mastercard		£1,500	0% for 3 months reverting to 35.94%	35.94%	35.9%	More Info	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 35.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 35.9% APR (variable).	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Types of credit cards from Capital One

Capital likes to stress that its customers choose the right card for their individual needs as this is one of the most important stages in proper credit management.

Credit building cards

Capital One has a range of cards that might work for you if you have bad credit and you need to improve your credit health. Even with a poor credit rating you’re eligible to apply for one of these cards, and provided you consistently make the monthly payments on time and stay below the monthly limit, it could help you build up your credit score to a healthy level. These are potentially suitable for a range of borrowers, from those with no credit history to those with bad credit history who are finding it difficult to obtain credit. While these cards might also come with a small credit limit, this can increase over time with evidence that you are able to use it responsibly.

Learn more about credit builder credit cards

Balance transfer cards

These cards offered by Capital One are designed to transfer balances from other credit cards or existing debts to a lower interest rate. Sometimes these cards can offer interest rates as low as 0%. Capital One suggest that these cards could be a suitable option for those wanting to save money on expensive interest payments, and to simplify debt payments.

Capital One typically charges a one-off fee to make a balance transfer and the low rate could be removed if payments are missed.

Learn more about balance transfer credit cards

The benefits of banking with Capital One

Capital One offer many benefits for credit card customers and these are just some of them.

• Eligibility checking

  Capital One strives to help customers choose the right card for them and ensures customers know what they are signing up for. They therefore have QuickCheck, a rapid response service that checks if you are eligible to apply for a credit card in as little as 60 seconds. It will not affect your credit score and they say it provides 100% certainty before you actually apply for a card.

• Credit score checking

  Capital One has a tool called CreditWise which is able to provide your Equifax credit score for free. This works in minutes and won’t affect your existing credit score.

• Customer service

  Capital One looks to set itself apart in its customer service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They encourage customers to call in whenever they have an issue, need an assistance with their existing account, or have any queries before applying for a card.

• Mobile management

  Capital One offers a range of services via mobile banking that could make managing a credit card account more simple and secure. This includes fingerprint technology or a 6-digit passcode for secure log-in. There is also up-to-date account management so you can always see how much you’re spending, your latest transactions as well as how much credit you have left.

• Extra cardholder and balance transfer

  With Capital One you are often able to get up to three extra credit cards for family members which might help manage household finances.

• Enhanced Security

  When you take out a Capital One credit card, you get a range of support features to help boost security. This includes anti-fraud protection and monitoring, day to day online security and ID theft prevention support advice.

How to apply for a Capital One credit card

Capital One has tried to make the application process transparent and clear. First you need to check your eligibility by filling out a simple online form that requires your personal information relating to identity, employment, income status and your address.

Eligibility requirements

While every application will be decided on an individual basis, the following basic requirements are needed to give you a good chance of applying for a credit card with Capital One.

• You are over 18 years old.
• You have some history of managing your own credit, even if you have had a CCJ in the past.
• You’re on the electoral roll.
• You don’t have a history of bad debt.
• You have been working more than one year if self-employed.

Capital One advises using the free QuickCheck service to check if you are likely to be accepted for a card. It takes 60 seconds and does not affect your credit score. It will also help by suggesting a card that you might be suitable for.

Why might you not be approved?

Unfortunately, Capital One may be unlikely to approve for a credit card if you have not had any credit in the UK before, or if you have declared bankruptcy in the last year.

Frequently asked questions

• What are terms and conditions?

  These represent the agreement you make with Capital One in terms of your card and how you can use it.

• What is APR?

  This stands for annual percentage rate of charge, which is based on the purchase interest rate and includes annual fees (although does not include some other fees such as withdrawal fees).

• What is a credit limit?

  This is the amount you can borrow on your Capital One credit card.

• What is the 'Minimum Payment'?

  This is the minimum amount of money you need to send to Capital One each month and is shown on your balance statement. Not paying more than this means your card will take longer to pay off than it might do otherwise.

• What is a credit history?

  This is a record of all the credit accounts you’ve held in the last six months, along with public information like whether you are on the electoral roll and county court judgements.

• What is a credit reference agency?

  These collect and store information on the credit behaviour of people and companies in the UK to help other organisations who need such information.

• Why do you use credit reference agencies when I have applied?

  Capital One go to Experian and possibly Equifax and Credit Call, the main three agencies in the UK, to get more information on your credit history. You provide permission for this when you submit your application form.

• Can I see my credit file?

  You can find out your credit score free of charge by visiting credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.

• Why is it important for me to have a good credit rating?

  Having a good credit rating helps you to successfully apply for a loan, including a mortgage. Many companies that may provide you with credit, like a loan, looks at your credit rating when making a decision.

Chris Lilly

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Chris Lilly is a publisher at finder.com. He's a specialist in credit-based products including business and personal loans, mortgages and credit cards, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their borrowing. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more.