new credit card<\/a>.<\/p>Features found in the worst credit cards<\/h3>
Read the fine print to find the things to watch out for. Here are some red flags:<\/p>
1. Cards with high rates of interest<\/h4>
Credit cards are frequently used as a form of borrowing, and paying interest on repayments is normal in such cases. However, some credit card providers’ interest rates are much higher than others. Those with good credit scores might have a broader range of cards to choose from but it pays to shop around, regardless of your credit score.<\/p>
2. Credit cards that don’t offer any rewards<\/h4>
Many people use credit cards not because they are looking to borrow money but to earn rewards when spending. For example, certain providers reward their users with cashback or points that can be redeemed as vouchers. Other standard rewards include airport lounge access and travel insurance.<\/p>
3. Cards with a high annual fee<\/h4>
Certain credit cards charge their users an annual fee, ranging anywhere from \u00a350 to \u00a3600. Typically, these are the cards that offer the types of rewards mentioned above and the fee is often waived for the first year. You should check to ensure the rewards you’re interested in are worth more than the annual fee you are due to pay.<\/p>
4. Cards frequently not accepted<\/h4>
Certain credit card schemes are less broadly accepted than others. There is nothing worse than when you’re at the till about to purchase something, only to be told the retailer doesn’t take your card. Indeed, smaller stores might not support certain credit cards due to the high processing fees they would incur as a merchant.<\/p>
5. Cards charging excessive fees when used abroad<\/h4>
Currency conversion fees are not uncommon when using your card overseas, and this is true of debit as well as credit cards. However, certain credit card providers charge eye-watering fees when it comes to transacting abroad. If you are likely to want to use your credit card whilst on holiday, then check what fees your provider would charge first.<\/p>
How to find the best credit cards<\/h3>
Once you have decided what you want out of your credit card, whether that’s rewards or balance transfers, you can start comparing to find the card that best meets your needs.<\/p>
Use our comparison guide<\/a> to start comparing what’s already available on the market or use our table below to find out which UK credit card providers offer the best service, according to their customers.<\/p>Top credit card providers for customer satisfaction 2026<\/h3>