Compare Visa credit cards

If you've got your heart set on a Visa credit card, this guide can help you find the right one.

Visa provides the technology and network required for processing credit card payments. When you buy an item with a Visa credit card, the transaction will be processed on Visa’s network. As one of the largest card processors in the world, broadly speaking, if a merchant takes credit card payments, they take Visa.

Compare Visa credit cards by type

Comparison is ordered by representative APR with affiliated products shown first.
Name Product Ratings Finder rating Customer rating Balance transfers Balance transfer fee Purchases Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
★★★★★
User rating
0% for 27 months reverting to 24.9%
3.49% fee, min £5
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
Check eligibility
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
★★★★★
User rating
0% for 16 months reverting to 24.9%
3.49%, min £5
0% for 18 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
Check eligibility
Nationwide Member Credit Card All Rounder
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Not yet rated
0% for 15 months reverting to 19.9%
1.5% (min. £5) for 3 months reverting to 2.4% (min. £5)
0% for 15 months reverting to 19.9%
£0
19.9% APR (variable)
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).
Nationwide Member Credit Card Balance Transfer
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Not yet rated
0% for 18 months reverting to 19.9%
1.5% (min. £5) for 3 months reverting to 2.4% (min. £5)
0% for 3 months reverting to 19.9%
£0
19.9% APR (variable)
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).
The Co-operative Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Not yet rated
0% for 24 months reverting to 20.6%
3% (minimum £5)
0% for 4 months reverting to 20.6%
£0
20.6% APR (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 20.6% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 20.6% APR (variable).
first direct Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
Not yet rated
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
2.29%
24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Barclaycard Platinum 29 Month Balance Transfer Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
★★★★★
User rating
0% for 29 months reverting to 24.9%
3.45%
24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive pre-sale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Barclaycard Platinum 20 Month Balance Transfer Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
★★★★★
User rating
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
1.99%
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive pre-sale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
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Name Product Ratings Customer rating Finder rating Purchases Balance transfers Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 27 months
(3.49% fee, min £5 fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
Check eligibility
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 18 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 16 months
(3.49%, min £5 fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
Check eligibility
Barclaycard Forward Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 3 months reverting to 33.9%
33.9%
(0% fee)
£0
33.9% APR (variable)
Rate discounts: 3% interest rate reduction if you make all your repayments on time for the first year, and a further drop of up to 2% more if you continue to do so in the second year.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 33.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 33.9% APR (variable).
Check eligibility
Nationwide Member Credit Card All Rounder
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 15 months reverting to 19.9%
0% for 15 months
(1.5% fee)
£0
19.9% APR (variable)
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).
Nationwide Member Credit Card Balance Transfer
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 3 months reverting to 19.9%
0% for 18 months
(1.5% fee)
£0
19.9% APR (variable)
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).
The Co-operative Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 4 months reverting to 20.6%
0% for 24 months
(3% (minimum £5) fee)
£0
20.6% APR (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 20.6% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 20.6% APR (variable).
first direct Gold Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 12 months reverting to 24.9%
24.9%
(0% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Barclaycard Platinum 20 Month Balance Transfer Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 20 months
(1.99% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive pre-sale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
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1 - 4 of 4
Name Product Ratings Customer rating Finder rating Purchases Balance transfers Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
MBNA Limited Platinum Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
13.94%
13.94%
(5% (0% fee if transfer is completed within the first 90 days) fee)
£0
13.9% APR (variable)
0.25% after £1 of yearly spend. Cashback paid January into Card Account. Earn 0.25% cashback on purchases within the first 36 months of account opening. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 13.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 13.9% APR (variable).
AIB Options 1 Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
17.44%
17.44%
(1.5% fee)
£0
18.9% APR (variable)
0.5% after £5000 of yearly spend. Minimum of 12 transactions per year required. Maximum of £250 cashback paid per year. Cashback paid Anniversary into Card Account. For initial £5K a £25 cashback is paid, plus an additional £1 for every further £200 spent.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 17.44% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 18.9% APR (variable).
smile Classic Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
19.9%
19.9%
(0% fee)
£0
19.9% APR (variable)
0.25% after £1 of monthly spend. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account.
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).
Barclaycard Rewards Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
28.9%
28.9%
(0% fee)
£0
28.9% APR (variable)
0.25% after £1 of yearly spend. Cashback paid On request into Card Account. Cashback paid annually or on request. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 28.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 28.9% APR (variable).
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1 - 10 of 10
Name Product Ratings Customer rating Finder rating Purchases Balance transfers Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card (+optional Business Rewards)
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
35.15
N/A
£99
35.15% APR (variable)
Earn points on all card spend. Points can be redeemed for Avios or 1% cashback. 10,000 bonus points when £5,000 is spent on card in first 3 months.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 35.15% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 35.15% APR (variable). Optional upgrade to Business Rewards (£99 per year).
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Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
34.3%
N/A
£0
35.15% APR (variable)
Earn 1 point for every £1 of card spend. Redeem 1 point for 1p (1% cashback)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 35.15% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 35.15% APR (variable).
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Jeeves Business card
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0%
0%
(0 fee)
£0
N/A (this product is a charge card).
Earn up to 2% cashback on all your advertising spending in the first 90 days, up to 1% cashback thereafter, and 1.5% cashback on spend with Google, Amazon, Meta. Terms apply.

Debite corporate card
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
N/A
£0
N/A (this product is a charge card).
Earn 4% cashback for the first 3 months on card spending. Cashback is credited to your account after 30 days. Cashback is capped at £1,000 a month.

Nationwide Member Credit Card All Rounder
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 15 months reverting to 19.9%
0% for 15 months
(1.5% fee)
£0
19.9% APR (variable)
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).
Nationwide Member Credit Card Balance Transfer
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 3 months reverting to 19.9%
0% for 18 months
(1.5% fee)
£0
19.9% APR (variable)
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).
Barclaycard Rewards Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
User survey
★★★★★
★★★★★
User rating
★★★★★
Expert analysis
28.9%
28.9%
(0% fee)
£0
28.9% APR (variable)
0.25% after £1 of yearly spend. Cashback paid On request into Card Account. Cashback paid annually or on request. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 28.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 28.9% APR (variable).
Tymit Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 3 months reverting to 29.9%
N/A
£0
29.9% APR (variable)
Representative Example: 29.9% (variable) based on a borrowing of £1200 over 12 months with no annual fee.
Onmo Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
29.9%
N/A
£0
29.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Assumed credit limit £1,200. Interest rate 29.9% p.a. (variable). Representative 29.9% APR (variable).
Zopa Credit Card Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
Not yet rated
★★★★★
Expert analysis
34.9%
N/A
£0
34.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 34.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 34.9% APR (variable).
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Who offers Visa credit cards?

Visa credit cards are offered by a number of different banks and card providers.
These include:

  • Barclaycard
  • Chrome
  • first direct
  • HSBC
  • Nationwide
  • Vanquis
  • The Co-operative Bank
  • MBNA
  • AIB
  • Tymit
  • Onmo
  • Zopa
  • Capital on Tap
  • Debite
  • Jeeves

What is the best Visa credit card in 23?

This will depend on your individual circumstances and what you need your credit card for. For example, if you’re looking to spread the cost of an expensive purchase, you might want to consider a 0% purchase credit card. On the other hand, if you’re looking to clear existing credit card debt more cheaply, look for a 0% balance transfer credit card.

Alternatively, if you’re after a credit card that allows you to build up your credit score, consider a Visa credit builder credit card.

How can I compare Visa credit cards?

  • Annual/monthly fees. A minority of credit cards charge an annual fee, which could be as low as £25 or upwards of £450 for an ultra-premium option. The credit card issuer determines the annual fee based on the features available, with more perks usually equalling a higher cost. For this reason, premium Visa cards can have higher fees because of the extra features they offer.
  • Interest rates. Standard credit card interest rates can significantly increase the cost of the card you choose, so it’s important to look at both the purchase rate and the cash advance rate for each card you compare. Again, these rates are set by the issuer but tend to be higher for more premium products.
  • Rewards. A wide range of Visa credit cards come with rewards programs or frequent flyer programs. These products offer you points per £1 spent on purchases and usually include other additional features as well as higher annual fees. When comparing rewards cards, consider the earn rate, the type of rewards available and your average card spending so that you can decide if the annual fee will be worth it.
  • Complimentary extras. Credit card providers may offer a range of additional perks, including complimentary insurance, concierge services, airport lounge access and flight vouchers. These benefits vary significantly between products and they can add value to the card you choose if you use them.
  • Introductory offers. Credit card providers regularly offer new customers additional perks for a limited time, such as bonus points and 0% balance transfer rates or purchase rates. These features are available for an introductory period and can add short-term value to the card you choose.
  • Security services. In addition to the security services offered by Visa, such as “Verified by Visa”, credit card providers may offer 24/7 fraud-monitoring services, daily transaction limits or even the ability to temporarily lock your card if you have misplaced it. All credit cards are chip-and-PIN products, which offer superior security for in-person payments.

Different types of credit cards explained

What are the pros and cons of Visa credit cards?

Pros

  • You may be able to benefit from perks such as cashback, airport lounge access or air miles
  • Zero liability protection is included which means you won’t be held responsible for unauthorised transactions
  • You may be able to enjoy 0% balance transfer or purchase rates
  • Round-the-clock customer service assistance is included

Cons

  • Depending on the card you choose, interest rates can be high
  • Annual fees and other charges may apply
  • Deals offered may not be the most competitive

Where can you use Visa?

You can use your Visa credit card anywhere in the world, wherever you see the Visa logo. You can use it to pay for goods in restaurants, supermarkets and retailers, and to withdraw cash at ATMs.

How to apply for a Visa credit card

You can apply for a Visa credit card in the same way as any other credit card. When comparing your options, you’ll need to consider what you need your credit card for before making your decision.

It’s also wise to use an online eligibility checker as this will show you which cards you’re most likely to get accepted for without damaging your credit score. Keep in mind that you will usually need a good credit rating to get accepted for the most competitive credit cards.

Once you know which card you want to apply for, you can usually do so online, over the phone or in a branch, depending on the card issuer/bank.

The history of Visa – when did Visa launch?

Visa’s history dates back to 1958 when the Bank of America launched the BankAmericard. This was the first mass-marketed credit card program and it quickly grew in popularity.

By the 1970s, BankAmericard was an independent entity and went on to take the name Visa. Visa then launched VisaNet, which was the first electronic payment authorisation, clearing and settlement system in the world. It has continued to grow as a card payment processor since then and, like Mastercard, has been at the forefront of technologies including chip cards and contactless payments.

How does Visa make money?

Visa’s profits primarily come from the entities that use its services, such as banks and shops. Some of its sources of revenue include the following:

  • Card issuer fees. Visa charges financial institutions service fees for the use of its payment systems.
  • Bank settlement fees. Credit card issuers pay this fee at the time of settlement of payments.
  • Overseas fees. Visa charges issuers a fee for processing payments made in a foreign currency. These charges are often passed onto credit card customers in the form of a foreign currency or international transaction fee.

Frequently asked questions

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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