We provide an independent comparison table of credit card features and rates in the UK. Use the searchable database of credit card to compare interest costs, annual fees, balance transfer offers and rewards.
Cheapest Overall UK Credit Cards By APR
Credit Card | APR% | Purchase Rate | Cash Rate | Annual Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
MBNA Long Term Low Interest Credit Card | 8.90% | 4.9% for 48 months reverting to 8.9% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Halifax Credit Card Mastercard | 10.90% | 10.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card with Low APR Mastercard | 10.90% | 10.90% | 3.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum Low Rate Mastercard | 10.90% | 10.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Bank of Scotland Platinum Low Rate Mastercard | 10.94% | 10.94% | 5% (Min £0) | No annual fee |
AIB (Formerly First Trust Bank (NI)) Student Mastercard | 12.90% | 12.90% | 1.017% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Ulster Bank Credit Card Mastercard | 12.90% | 12.90% | 3% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
The Royal Bank Credit Card | 12.90% | 12.90% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Great Wall International Gold Credit Card | 13.50% | 13.50% | 2% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Visa | 14.70% | 14.71% | 2% (min. £1.5) | No annual fee |
Metro Bank Personal Credit Card Mastercard | 14.90% | 13.97% | 13.97% annually | No annual fee |
AIB (Formerly First Trust Bank (NI)) Visa/Mastercard Option 2 | 16.90% | 16.90% | 1.31% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
The Co-operative Bank Members’ Credit Card Visa | 18.20% | 18.20% | 3.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
The Co-operative Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Visa | 18.20% | 18.20% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Great Wall International Classic Credit Card | 18.50% | 18.50% | 2% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
AIB (formerly First Trust Bank (NI)) Visa/Mastercard Option 1 | 18.90% | 18.90% | 1.45% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Yorkshire Bank Gold Mastercard | 18.90% | 0% for 26 months reverting to 18.9% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
HSBC Student Credit Card Visa | 18.90% | 18.90% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Halifax Online Balance Transfer and Purchase Credit Card Mastercard | 19.90% | 0% for 20 months reverting to 19.95% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Nationwide Member Credit Card All Rounder | 19.90% | 0% for 15 months reverting to 19.9% | 2.5% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Nationwide Member Credit Card Balance Transfer offer Credit Card Visa | 19.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 19.9% | 2.5% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
The Co-operative Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa | 20.60% | 0% for 4 months reverting to 20.6% | 3.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Sainsburys Bank Nectar Credit Card | 20.90% | 0% for 17 months reverting to 20.95% | 3% ( £3 minimum) | No annual fee |
TSB Student Mastercard | 21.90% | 21.95% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Sainsbury’s Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 21.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 21.95% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Clydesdale Bank Business Mastercard | 22.40% | 16.90% | 3% (min. £3) | Year 1 – £0, Year 2 onwards – £28 per annum |
Yorkshire Bank Business Mastercard | 22.40% | 16.90% | 3% (min. £3) | An annual fee will be charged to your Account for each Card issued, but this fee will not be charged for the first 12 months after a Card is issued – £28 |
Danske Bank Mastercard Standard Credit Card | 22.90% | 0% for 5 months reverting to 22.85% | 2.75% (min. £2.75) | No annual fee |
IHG Rewards Club Credit Card Mastercard | 22.90% | 22.90% | 3% (min. £5) | No annual fee |
Bank of Scotland Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard | 22.90% | 0% for 17 months reverting to 22.94% | 5% (Min £0) | No annual fee |
Bank of Scotland Platinum Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Mastercard | 22.90% | 0% for 6 months reverting to 22.94% | 5% (Min £0) | No annual fee |
TSB Platinum Balance Transfer Mastercard | 22.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 22.95% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Santander Everyday Credit Card Mastercard | 22.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 22.9% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Santander Business Cashback Credit Card Mastercard | 23.70% | 18.90% | 3% (min. £3) | £30 per annum (fee paid is per business, not per card) |
Halifax Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 6 months reverting to 23.90% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 23.94% | 0% | No annual fee |
Barclaycard Platinum 15 Month No Fee Balance Transfer Visa | 23.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9% | 2.99% (min. £2.99) | No annual fee |
Virgin Money 26 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Virgin Money 20 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Virgin Money Travel Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 9 months reverting to 23.9% | 3% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Sainsbury’s Bank No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 23.95% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card | 23.90% | 23.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card | 23.90% | 0% for 19 months reverting to 23.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
M&S Bank Transfer Plus Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 18 months reverting to 23.9% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 24 Month Balance Transfer Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 12 months reverting to 23.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 28 Month Balance Transfer Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 23.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 20 Month Balance Transfer Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 6 months reverting to 23.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 20 Month Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 20 months reverting to 23.94% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
HSBC Rewards Credit Card | 23.90% | 0% for 6 months reverting to 23.9% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa | 23.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
HSBC Premier Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 0% for 9 months reverting to 23.9% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard | 23.90% | 23.94% | 0% | No annual fee |
first direct Credit Card Visa | 24.90% | 24.90% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
first direct Gold Card Visa | 24.90% | 0% for 12 months reverting to 24.9% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Ulster Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 24.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Tesco Bank Clubcard 0% Balance Transfer Fee Mastercard | 24.90% | 24.90% | n/a | No annual fee |
The Royal Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card (existing customers) | 24.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
The NatWest Balance Transfer Credit Card (existing customers) | 24.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9% p.a. (variable) | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
The NatWest Longer Balance Transfer Card | 24.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9% p.a. (variable) | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Virgin Money Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card | 26.90% | 0% for 6 months reverting to 26.9% | 2.14% | No annual fee |
Santander All in One Credit Card Mastercard | 27.70% | 0% for 15 months reverting to 21.9% | 3% (min. £3) | £3 per month |
John Lewis and Waitrose Partnership Mastercard credit card | 27.90% | 0% for 6 months reverting to 27.95% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
TSB Classic Mastercard | 28.90% | 0% for 5 months reverting to 28.95% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Vanquis Bank Chrome Card 29.3pc Visa | 29.30% | 29.30% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card Visa | 29.50% | 29.50% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Vanquis Bank Aquis Visa | 29.80% | 29.84% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Virgin Money 16 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 29.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 29.9% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Virgin Money 12 Month All Round Credit Card Mastercard | 29.90% | 0% for 12 months reverting to 29.9% | 5% (min. £0) | No annual fee |
Tesco Bank Foundation Clubcard Credit Card Mastercard | 29.90% | 29.90% | 3.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
HSBC Classic Credit Card Visa | 29.90% | 29.90% | 2.99% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
The American Express ® Rewards Credit Card | 30.70% | 30.70% | 3% ( £3 minimum) | No annual fee |
American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card | 30.70% | 30.70% | 3% ( £3 minimum) | No annual fee |
British Airways American Express ® Credit Card | 30.70% | 30.7% p.a. variable | 3% ( £3 minimum) | No annual fee |
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Credit Card Mastercard | 31.00% | 25.90% | 3% (min. £3) | £24 per annum |
NatWest Reward Credit Card Mastercard | 31.00% | 25.90% | 3% (min. £3) | £24 per annum. Reward Current Account holders: £0 per annum |
Barclaycard Forward Credit Card Visa | 33.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 33.9% | 2.99% (min. £2.99) | No annual fee |
Fluid Credit Card | 34.90% | 34.90% | 3% (min £3) | No annual fee |
Capital One Classic Mastercard | 34.90% | 34.94% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Capital One Balance Transfer Mastercard | 34.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 34.94% (subject to eligibility) | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Aqua Advance | 34.90% | 34.95% | 5% (min. £4) | No annual fee |
Aqua Classic | 34.90% | 34.95% | 3% ( £3 minimum) | No annual fee |
marbles Credit Card | 34.90% | 34.95% | 5% of the transaction (minimum £4) | No annual fee |
Capital One Luma Purchase Mastercard | 35.90% | 0% for 3 months reverting to 35.94% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Capital One Luma Mastercard | 35.90% | 35.94% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
American Express Platinum Cashback Credit Card | 36.30% | 30.70% | 3% ( £3 minimum) | £25 per annum |
Vanquis Bank Visa | 39.90% | 39.94% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Thinkmoney Credit Card | 39.90% | 39.94% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Ocean Finance Credit Card | 39.90% | 39.94% | 3% (min. £3) | No annual fee |
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Black Credit Card Mastercard | 40.70% | 21.90% | 3% (min. £3) | £84 per annum |
NatWest Reward Black Credit Card Mastercard | 40.70% | 21.90% | 3% (min. £3) | £84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum |
Santander World Elite Mastercard | 49.80% | 0% for 18 months reverting to 18.9% | 3% (min. £3) | £15 per month |
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard | 59.30% | 18.90% | 2.99% (min. £3) | £195 per annum |
Virgin Money Virgin Atlantic Reward Plus Credit Card | 69.70% | 0% for 6 months reverting to 26.9% | 2.14% | No annual fee |
American Express ® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card | 75.20% | 30.70% | 3% ( £3 minimum) | Year 1 – £0, Year 2 onwards – £160 per annum |
British Airways American Express ® Premium Plus | 112.50% | 30.7% variable for purchases | 3% ( £3 minimum) | £250 per annum |
Different Types of Credit Card
Reward credit cards are an easy way to earn hundreds of pounds in bonuses, just for your normal spending. But while some offers look valuable, you might be paying through the nose in interest fees. Also, consider whether the rewards offered are worthwhile to you.
What are Rewards Credit Cards?
Rewards credit cards are credit cards that reward you for using them by giving you benefits, gifts and vouchers. For every pound you spend you get a reward that differs depending on the credit card.
How do Rewards Credit Cards work?
Getting paid for spending money sounds too good to be true, but that is exactly what rewards credit cards promise.
Lenders offer points in returns for borrowers spending certain amounts in particular stores on or on specific items. For example, many of us are familiar with the Tesco Club Card. If you use a Tesco credit card you can earn even more points than you would by simply using the standard club card.
Reward credit cards are not limited to the supermarkets and retailers. Many High Street banks also offer cash bank and bonuses for using their cards, as do airlines and hotels.
What is the downside of using a Rewards Credit Card?
However, there is no such things as a free lunch and rewards credit cards come with several conditions.
First, they tend to have high APRs, and the more generous the reward programme the higher the APR. This means reward cards may only be suitable for those who can repay their balance at the end of every month.
Second, reward cards are typically designed to encourage you to spend in one place or to spend more. Borrowers need to be disciplined to avoid overspending or buying items they might not have needed or wanted without the reward incentives. For example, Amazon now offers a reward credit card which promises a £20 voucher on approval to spend at Amazon. Borrowers then receive 75 points per £100 spent at Amazon (150 points for Prime members) and 25 points per £100 spent elsewhere. This is positive for regular shoppers, particularly those making lots of smaller purchases who are not rewarded at present, but it could also encourage overspending online.
Third, you need to be aware of when you will receive your rewards. Some cards may pay out monthly, quarterly or annually.
How to choose the best Rewards Credit Card?
Good Money Guide has reviewed a range of reward cards on the market and listed our top ten. However, some of the major supermarket rewards cards have not made it onto the list. If you are a regular shopper at a store not listed here, it may be worth looking at their credit card ahead of some of these. The same is true if you have a bank account which offers a rewards credit card; it could make sense to investigate your bank’s reward card instead of ones from other lenders.
Additionally, if you are a regular traveller, it is worth looking at the rewards credit cards offered by hotels and airlines. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy reward card (Amex) offers 2 Bonvoy points for every £1 spent and 6 points for every £1 spent at Marriott, which can be exchanged for money off overnight stays. However, with an APR of 38.8% and annual fee of £75, this is probably for loyal guests only.
Similarly, the BA Premium card pays out 1.5 Avios points for every £1 spent in general, and three Avios for every £1 spent with BA. And borrowers can collect a 25,000 bonus if they spend £3000 in first three months. But with an eyewatering 74.7% APR, this is most likely only suitable for BA’s most frequent flyers.
Top ten Rewards Credit cards reviewed
Credit Card | Rewards |
---|---|
NatWest Reward Credit Card Mastercard | You’ll get 1% back at supermarkets, 1-15% back at selected retailers and 0.25% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. |
NatWest Reward Black Credit Card Mastercard | You’ll get 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% at their petrol stations. Earn 1-15% back at selected retailers and 0.5% back everywhere else. No foreign transaction fees. As a Reward Black customer, your calls will be prioritised. |
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Black Credit Card Mastercard | You’ll earn 1% in Rewards in supermarkets and 0.5% everywhere else. Personalised monthly spend offers from some of our selected retailers. Once your balance has grown to at least £5, we’ll give you a choice of what do with them. You can bank them, trade them or donate them to one of our chosen charities. |
Santander All in One Credit Card Mastercard | You won’t be charged foreign transaction fees on purchases and cash withdrawals made abroad in the local currency. Up to 3 additional cardholders. You can earn 0.5% cashback on all purchases. |
marbles Credit Card | You could get a credit limit increase after three months. Choose a monthly repayment date that suits you and change it up to twice a year. |
British Airways American Express ® Credit Card | Welcome Offer Collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £1,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership. Terms Apply. Collect even more Avios with American Express • Collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases • Collect up to 90,000 bonus Avios a year when you invite friends to join American Express • Plus 1,000 Avios when you add the first Supplementary Card to your Account Travel with a Companion Voucher Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £12,000 each membership year on the Card, which you can use to either take a companion with you on the same flight and cabin or, if travelling solo, a 50% discount on the Avios price you pay for your flight. Vouchers are redeemable when you book a British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus Reward Flight in Euro Traveller, World Traveller and economy class cabins only. Reward flights and Companion Voucher bookings are subject to availability and taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. |
Santander Everyday Credit Card Mastercard | Up to 3 additional cardholders. |
AIB (formerly First Trust Bank (NI)) Visa/Mastercard Option 1 | Spend at least £5,000 (excluding cash advances and refunds) in a minimum of 12 transactions over a period of 12 months and we’ll credit your account with £25, plus an additional £1 for every further £200 spent, Maximum Cashback Loyalty Reward is £250 per annum |
Clydesdale Bank Business Mastercard | Receive discounts at participating retailers with the Mastercard Business Savings scheme. Access to SmartData, an online accounting information system to help control business expenses. |
The Royal Bank Credit Card | No foreign transaction fees. |
Nationwide Member Credit Card All Rounder | No fees for purchases abroad. |
Nationwide Member Credit Card Balance Transfer offer Credit Card Visa | No fees for purchases abroad. |
American Express ® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card | New Cardmembers earn 20,000 Membership Rewards® Points when you spend £3,000 in the first 3 months of Card membership. T&Cs Apply. UK 18+, subject to status.Access to tickets for must-see music, theatre and film events, often before they go on sale to the general public with American Express Experiences. Travel accident insurance on public transport when tickets are charged on the card. Global Assist support 24/7 when you travel outside of the UK. Eligible for American Express Connect where cardmembers can choose offers from selected retailers to obtain discounts or cashback. Cardmembers are eligible for two £5 vouchers per month (£10 total), when they spend at Deliveroo on their Gold Card.4 complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge visits every year to use at over 1,300 airports globally. |
British Airways American Express ® Premium Plus | New Cardmember Welcome Offer Collect 25,000 bonus Avios when you spend £3,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership. Terms apply. American Express takes your Avios earning power to new heights • Get an exclusive earn-rate of 3 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways and BA Holidays • Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spend on Purchases • Collect up to 90,000 bonus Avios a year when you invite friends to join American Express • Plus 3,000 Avios when you add the first Supplementary Card to your Account Travel with a Companion Voucher Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £10,000 each membership year on the Card, which you can use to either take a companion with you in the same flight and cabin or, if travelling solo, a 50% discount on the Avios price you pay for your flight. Vouchers are redeemable when you book a British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus Reward Flight in any cabin. British Airways American Express Premium Plus Cardmembers will have access to additional Reward flight seats within Club World (business) when booking with a Companion Voucher, subject to availability. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. |
American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card | New cardmember offer: Get 5% cashback on your purchases (up to £100) for the first three months of Cardmembership. Terms apply. Spend £0 to £10,000 and receive 0.5% cashback on all purchases. Spend over £10,000 and receive 1% cashback on purchases.Earn £20 per friend/family member that successfully applies for an American Express card (Excl. Basic card) through the Referral Programme, up to a maximum of £150 per year. The cashback rebate is not payable in respect of any month in which the minimum payment is not received by the due date.Refund Protection – provides refunds to cardmembers in the event of any retailer, online or offline, refusing to refund the value of any goods taken back within 90 days of them being purchased, maximum £200, max £750 per annum. Global Assist – 24/7 help available when travelling outside the UK. Access to tickets for must-see music, theatre and film events, often before they go on sale to the general public with American Express Experiences. Eligible for American Express Connect where cardmembers can choose offers from selected retailers to obtain discounts or cashback. |
American Express Platinum Cashback Credit Card | New cardmember offer: Get 5% cashback on your purchases (up to £125) for the first three months of Cardmembership. Terms apply. Spend £0 to £10,000 and receive 0.75% cashback on all purchases. Spend over £10,000 and receive 1.25% cashback on purchases.Earn £30 per friend/family member that successfully applies for an American Express card (Excl. Basic card) and uses Referral Programme (maximum £150 per annum). The cashback rebate is not payable in respect of any month in which the minimum payment is not received by the due date.Refund Protection (90 days to return, receive max £200 per item, max £750 per annum). Global Assist – 24/7 help available when travelling outside the UK. Access to tickets for must-see music, theatre and film events, often before they go on sale to the general public with American Express Experiences. Eligible for American Express Connect where cardmembers can choose offers from selected retailers to obtain discounts or cashback. |
Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Visa | Membership to LoungeKey, access to over 700 airport lounges worldwide. Charged at £20 per person per visit |
The NatWest Longer Balance Transfer Card | Longer 0% interest period. |
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card | Introductory 0% purchase offer only applies to purchases made within 60 days of opening. 3 additional cards. Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers. |
Tesco Bank Foundation Clubcard Credit Card Mastercard | Free Tesco Bank CreditView giving 3 years’ unlimited access to credit score and report via TransUnion, credit alerts and CreditView report updated every 28 days to monitor changes 5 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants, entertainment or Avios points. |
Virgin Money Virgin Atlantic Reward Plus Credit Card | Earn up to 30,000 bonus points when you apply for a Virgin Atlantic Reward+ credit card and meet qualifying spend. You’ll earn 15,000 points with your first card purchase. Spend £3,000 within 90 days of opening your account for an extra 15,000 points, That’s a round trip to destinations including New York, Florida, or the Caribbean in the bag! Virgin Points cost is based on the standard season price for one return flight in economy. Taxes, fees, and surcharges are payable separately. This offer is now boarding and closes 2 October 2023 Annual fee and terms apply. Minimum spend applies for maximum bonus Virgin Points. Credit subject to status, UK residents only, 18+. 1.5 points for every £1 spent on everyday purchases. Restrictions apply*. 3 points for every £1 spent direct with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. Restrictions apply*. |
MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card | Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers. 3 Additional cards. |
M&S Bank Transfer Plus Mastercard | Earn rewards points every time you shop and they’ll be converted into M&S vouchers for you to spend. We’ll give you 1 rewards point per £1 spent in M&S and 1 rewards point for every £5 spent elsewhere. 100 rewards points = £1 in M&S vouchers. 55 days’ interest-free credit when you pay your balance in full and on time each month. You can add an additional cardholder over the age of 18 to your account. |
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Mastercard | Earn rewards points every time you shop and they’ll be converted into M&S vouchers for you to spend. We’ll give you 1 rewards point per £1 spent in M&S and 1 rewards point for every £5 spent elsewhere. 100 rewards points = £1 in M&S vouchers. 55 days’ interest-free credit when you pay your balance in full and on time each month. You can add an additional cardholder over the age of 18 to your account. |
Great Wall International Gold Credit Card | Earn points for every eligible £1 you spend. Points can be exchanged for a choice of gifts by calling the Bank of China (UK) |
Sainsbury’s Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | Earn 750 bonus Nectar points each time £35 or more spent on Sainsbury’s shopping, up to ten times in your first 2 months, up to a total of 7,500 points, offer available for new customers. Earn 3 Nectar points per £1 spent on Sainsbury’s shopping and fuel. Earn 1 Nectar point for every £5 spent elsewhere |
Great Wall International Classic Credit Card | Earn 10 points for every eligible £1 you spend. Points can be exchanged for a choice of gifts by calling the Bank of China (UK) |
Sainsburys Bank Nectar Credit Card | Earn 10,000 Nectar points if you spend £400 at Sainsburys, Argos or Tu Clothing during first 2 months of opening. Earn up to 3 nectar points per £1 spent at Sainsburys and Argos. Earn 1 Nectar point for every £5 spent elsewhere. |
John Lewis and Waitrose Partnership Mastercard credit card | Earn 5 points for every £4 spent on eligible purchases at John Lewis and Waitrose and 1 point for every £4 spent elsewhere. 1 point = 1p (min 500pts) Earn 3.75% in points towards gift vouchers on eligible spend at John Lewis and Waitrose in the first 90 days from account opening. |
HSBC Rewards Credit Card | Earn 1 point for every £5 spent on purchases. Bonus 2,500 reward points on anniversary if £10,000 spent in previous year. 1 point = 1p (no min). 2,500 bonus reward points after first transaction. |
The American Express ® Rewards Credit Card | Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every £1 spent thereafter. Earn up to 90,000 bonus points per year through refer a friend, 4,000 points awarded for every friend approved. 1 point = 0.45p (min 1000 points) to shop, other rewards have differing conversions, Earn 10,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points when you spend £2,000 in first 3 months of cardmembership, Refund Protection – provides refunds to cardmembers in the event of any retailer, online or offline, refusing to refund the value of any goods taken back within 90 days of them being purchased, maximum £200, max £750 per annum. Global Assist – 24/7 help available when travelling outside the UK. Access to tickets for must-see music, theatre and film events, often before they go on sale to the general public with American Express Experiences. Eligible for American Express Connect where cardmembers can choose offers from selected retailers to obtain discounts or cashback. |
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa | Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away. |
HSBC Classic Credit Card Visa | Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away |
Sainsbury’s Bank No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card Mastercard | Collect up to 3 points per £2 in Sainsbury’s, Argos, Habitat & Tu clothing when you pay with a Sainsbury’s Bank Credit Card & swipe or scan your Nectar card. And you’ll get 1 point per £5 elsewhere |
Tesco Bank Clubcard 0% Balance Transfer Fee Mastercard | Collect points almost everywhere you spend using your card, plus your usual points in Tesco. |
Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card Visa | Chrome from Vanquis Bank offers protection on goods and services you pay for costing more than £100 and up to £30,000. This safety net is offered via Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. The protection applies for the entire cost even if you only use your plastic to pay for part of the purchase – such as the deposit – as long as the full purchase amount is still within these two values. |
Yorkshire Bank Business Mastercard | Automatically receive special discounts at a range of participating retailers with the Mastercard Business Savings™ scheme. Terms and conditions apply. Full details of the programme and the participants are available at Mastercard Business Savings. |
HSBC Premier Credit Card Mastercard | A selection of rewards from a range of partners. Earn 1 point for every £1 spent within the UK and earn 2 points for every £1 spent outside the UK. Points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers and frequent flyer miles 1 point = 1p (no min). Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Premier Privileges. Complimentary Global Wi-Fi at over 1m hotspots. 10% discount on selected hotels booked through Agoda and Expedia. 12 months Expedia+ Gold membership. Membership to LoungeKey, access to over 750 airport lounges worldwide. Charged at £20 per person per visit. |
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card with Low APR Mastercard | 5 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants, entertainment or Avios points. No cash advance fee and no handling fee on Tesco Travel Money. |
Barclaycard Platinum 15 Month No Fee Balance Transfer Visa | 4 additional cards available, Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive presale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices. Save 10% on food and drink at all UK 02 Academy venues. Earn up to 15% cashback on selected retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards. Up to 5 months free trial of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News + and Apple Arcade. |
Barclaycard Forward Credit Card Visa | 4 additional cards available, 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. Save 10% on food and drink at all UK 02 Academy venues. 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. |
Virgin Money 16 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 3 additonal cards available and enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. |
Virgin Money 26 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 3 additonal cards available and enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. |
Virgin Money 12 Month All Round Credit Card Mastercard | 3 additonal cards available and enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. |
Virgin Money 20 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 3 additonal cards available and enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. |
Virgin Money Travel Credit Card Mastercard | 3 additonal cards available and enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. |
Ocean Finance Credit Card | 3 Additonal cards available |
MBNA Long Term Low Interest Credit Card | 3 additonal cards |
Aqua Advance | 3 additional cards available |
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard | 2 points for every £1 spend in the UK. 4 points for every £1 spend outside the UK. 40,000 Anniversary Points Boost – qualifying spend £12K in 12 months from account opening. Points can be redeemed for airline frequent flyer miles, retail vouchers from selected stores and luxury wines and champagnes or can be used to make donations made to the charity of the customer’s choice. Membership to LoungeKey, complimentary access to over 750 airport lounges worldwide. Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Premier Privileges. Complimentary Global Wi-Fi at over 57m hotspots. 12 months Expedia+ Gold membership. 10% discount on selected hotels booked through Agoda and Expedia. |
The Co-operative Bank Members’ Credit Card Visa | 1p earned for every £2 spent in The Co-operative Food and Department stores (excluding in-store concessions) and 1p earned for every £3.33 spent anywhere else. Cashback will be added to your share of the Group profits and this will be paid to you twice a year. |
IHG Rewards Club Credit Card Mastercard | 1 IHG Rewards Club point for every £1 spent in the UK. 2 IHG Rewards Club points for every £1 spent at any IHG location in the UK. 2 IHG Rewards Club points for every £1 spent abroad. |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum Low Rate Mastercard | 1 Additional card available |
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Credit Card Mastercard | 1% Rewards for your spend at the supermarket. 1-15% in Rewards when you shop at MyRewards retailers. 0.25% in Rewards for all your other spending, including at supermarket petrol stations. If you already have a Reward current account, you’ll get the card’s annual fee refunded |
Santander Business Cashback Credit Card Mastercard | 1% cashback on all business spend with no cap. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. No foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad that are paid in local currency. Additional cards at no extra cost. |
Virgin Money Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card | 0.75 points for every £1 spent on everyday purchases. Restrictions apply*. 1.5 points for every £1 spent direct with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. Restrictions apply*. |
Santander World Elite Mastercard | 0.5% on £1 to £3000 of monthly spend. Maximum of £15 cashback paid per month. Access to over 1000 airport lounges. 24/7 Mastercard concierge. Access to over 1 million Wi-fi hotspots, 40% discount on Santander travel insurance |
Astute credit card holders know they can shop around for a new card and transfer the balance from their old one, benefiting from a lower interest rate or even an interest-free period. Balance transfer credit cards are also a great way to consolidate debt from several cards to one.
Use our guide to the top ten best balance transfer credit cards to find the right card and save the most money on interest payments.
What is a balance transfer credit card?
A balance transfer credit card allows you to reduce the amount of interest you pay on credit card debt by transferring your credit card debt from another card to a credit card with a balance transfer deal.
Failing to pay off the balance on a credit card can prove a crippling expense. Fortunately balance transfer cards exist which allow borrowers to transfer all their credit and store card debt to a new card, and no longer pay any interest for an agreed period.
Put simply, borrowers can transfer their existing credit and store card debt on which they are paying interest to a new card which moves them to zero interest for an agreed period.
And since, the balance transfer card provider charges no interest on the money which has been moved over, borrowers can better manage their credit card debt.
How do balance transfer credit cards work?
Typically, balance transfers do not charge a fee for short borrowing periods. The fees tend to increase if you want a longer repayment period. For example, the Santander balance transfer card with an 18-month repayment rate charges no fee. In contrast, the HSBC balance transfer card with a 29-month repayment period, charges a 2.75% fee.
The trick is to decide how quickly you can realistically repay the debt and find a card offering the closet repayment period. You should also shop around. As you can see from the comparison table below, the rates and rewards vary, and often quite significantly.
How do you transfer a balance to a different credit card?
Transferring is relatively straightforward and can usually be done online. However, it is not possible to transfer to a new card offered by the same company with which you already hold cards. This might mean it is trickier it may be to find a balance transfer card provider if you hold a lot of cards. Borrowers will also need to meet eligibility criteria. The worse your credit score, the tougher it will be to get accepted, and lenders may charge higher fees or make the borrowing conditions more stringent.
What are the benefits of using a balance transfer card?
The benefits to moving to a balance transfer card are clear; you no longer have to pay interest which means you can repay your debt more quickly and efficiently. Second, credit card companies may also incentivise borrowers to transfer by offering them rewards and other perks. What are the downsides of transferring a balance to a different credit card?
The major drawback of a balance transfer card lies in the high APR. If you fail to pay off the balance within the agreed time parameters, you may end up paying much higher interest than you might on an ordinary credit card. Similarly, if you do not pay off at least the minimum each month, the lender may drop the 0% rate. You must also understand the transfer fees.
Top ten balance transfer credit cards reviewed
We have selected some of the most attractive balance transfer cards on the market (based on a credit limit of £1,200) showing a range of repayment periods. None of the providers in this table charge an annual fee.
Balance Transfer Credit Card | Balance Transfer Offer |
---|---|
TSB Platinum Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% on balance transfers you make in the first 90 days then reverting to 22.95% |
Yorkshire Bank Gold Mastercard | 0% for 12 months reverting to 18.9% |
IHG Rewards Club Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 12 months reverting to 22.9% |
Santander Everyday Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 12 months reverting to 22.9% |
MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card | 0% for 12 months reverting to 23.94% |
Virgin Money 12 Month All Round Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 12 months reverting to 29.9% |
The Royal Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card (existing customers) | 0% for 14 months reverting to 24.9% |
The NatWest Balance Transfer Credit Card (existing customers) | 0% for 14 months reverting to 24.9% |
Nationwide Member Credit Card All Rounder | 0% for 15 months reverting to 19.9% |
Santander All in One Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 15 months reverting to 21.9% |
Barclaycard Platinum 15 Month No Fee Balance Transfer Visa | 0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9% |
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Mastercard | 0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9% |
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa | 0% for 16 months reverting to 23.9% |
Virgin Money 16 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 16 months reverting to 29.9% |
Sainsburys Bank Nectar Credit Card | 0% for 17 months reverting to 20.95% |
Bank of Scotland Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% for 17 months reverting to 22.94% |
Santander World Elite Mastercard | 0% for 18 months reverting to 18.9% |
Nationwide Member Credit Card Balance Transfer offer Credit Card Visa | 0% for 18 months reverting to 19.9% |
HSBC Premier Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 18 months reverting to 23.9% |
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card | 0% for 19 months reverting to 23.94% |
Halifax Online Balance Transfer and Purchase Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 20 months reverting to 19.95% |
Virgin Money 20 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 20 months reverting to 23.9% |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 20 Month Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% for 20 months reverting to 23.94% |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 20 Month Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% for 20 months reverting to 23.94% |
first direct Credit Card Visa | 0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9% |
Bank of Scotland Platinum Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% for 22 months reverting to 22.94% |
The NatWest Longer Balance Transfer Card | 0% for 23 months reverting to 24.9% |
The Co-operative Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa | 0% for 24 months reverting to 20.6% |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 24 Month Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% for 24 months reverting to 23.94% |
Halifax Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 25 months reverting to 23.9% |
Virgin Money 26 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 27 months reverting to 23.9% |
M&S Bank Transfer Plus Mastercard | 0% for 28 months reverting to 23.9% |
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 28 Month Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% for 28 months reverting to 23.94% |
Sainsbury’s Bank No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 28 months reverting to 23.95% |
Sainsbury’s Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 29 months reverting to 21.95% |
Danske Bank Mastercard Standard Credit Card | 0% for 5 months reverting to 22.85% |
TSB Classic Mastercard | 0% for 5 months reverting to 28.95% |
HSBC Rewards Credit Card | 0% for 6 months reverting to 23.9% |
Virgin Money Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card | 0% for 6 months reverting to 26.9% |
Virgin Money Virgin Atlantic Reward Plus Credit Card | 0% for 6 months reverting to 26.9% |
John Lewis and Waitrose Partnership Mastercard credit card | 0% for 6 months reverting to 27.95% |
Capital One Balance Transfer Mastercard | 0% for 6 months reverting to 34.94% |
Virgin Money Travel Credit Card Mastercard | 0% for 9 months reverting to 23.9% |
Tesco Bank Clubcard 0% Balance Transfer Fee Mastercard | 0% for up to 22 months (2.75% fee) reverting to 24.9% |
Ulster Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 0% interest for 14 months reverting to 24.9% |
Fluid Credit Card | 0% per annum for 9 months from account opening for balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening or as we let you know at the time reverting to 34.9% |
MBNA Long Term Low Interest Credit Card | 4.9% for 48 months reverting to 8.9% |
Halifax Credit Card Mastercard | 5% (0% fee if transfer is done within the first 90 days) |
The Co-operative Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Visa | 8.9% for 36 months reverting to 18.2% |
AIB (Formerly First Trust Bank (NI)) Student Mastercard | Up to 56 days intrest free If you pay your balance in full and on time each month, you will not pay any interest on purchases, cash advances or balance transfers. Then reverts to 12.9% |
AIB (formerly First Trust Bank (NI)) Visa/Mastercard Option 1 | Up to 56 days intrest free If you pay your balance in full and on time each month, you will not pay any interest on purchases, cash advances or balance transfers. Then reverts to 18.9% |
AIB (Formerly First Trust Bank (NI)) Visa/Mastercard Option 2 | Up to 51 days interest free, If you pay your balance in full and on time each month, you will not pay any interest on purchases, cash advances or balance transfers. Then reverts to 16.9% |
When you have a poor credit score, perhaps because of bankruptcy or some form of previous default, you can begin to rebuild your score using these cards. For those with credit problems here are our top ten bad credit credit cards.
Use our guide to the top ten best bad credit credit cards to find the right card which will likey enable you to spend on credit if you have bad credit.
What is a bad credit credit card?
A bad credit credit card is a credit card for people with a poor credit history who struggle to get credit. These cards have tougher eligibility criteria than a standard credit card, but they help people improve their credit score if they make payments on time, while being able to borrow short term.
A bad credit score usually arises because people have not borrowed at all or have patchy borrowing histories, which means lenders cannot be certain how reliable the borrower will be in making repayments. Alternatively, a borrower failed to make payments or has a country court judgement (CCJ) against them.
To find out more about your financial history try the free service CreditWise. It offers tips on how to improve your score and lets you keep an eye on your history. It also offers a way to check eligibility criteria without applying directly. This avoids any rejections negatively impacting on your existing credit score.
It is important that bad credit credit cards are not used to try and get out of debt. If you fail to make a repayment, they have high-interest rates which makes debt far harder to manage and can make your credit score much worse.
How do bad credit cards work?
Poor credit histories need not be permanent. Borrowers cause a bad credit credit card to reverse their histories by proving they can borrow responsibly.
Borrowers need to meet eligibility criteria when they apply, and these will vary across providers. Applications are typically made online. It can be a good idea to use an eligibility criteria checker before applying officially, since a rejection from a lender can bring down an already low credit score. Lenders will look for evidence or failed payments, CCJs, numerous existing cards and whether you are a registered UK voter.
A bad credit credit card is given to those with poor credit histories to demonstrate they can repay debt in time and in full. The lender sets strict borrowing limits and imposes a high APR as recompense for lending to those who have poor histories. So long as the lender repays their debt and sticks to the rules, they will improve their credit score over time. This allows them to borrow more easily on favourable terms in future.
How does a bad credit credit card differ from a credit building credit card?
There is not a great deal of difference between a bad credit credit card and a credit builder card. As the names imply, bad credit credit cards help repair a poor score based on a questionable lending record. Credit building cards help those without a credit history to demonstrate they are responsible borrowers. Both types of card have similar eligibility criteria and impose high APRs.
What are the benefits of using a bad credit credit card?
Without a decent credit history, it is difficult for lenders to take on a borrower. Bad credit credit cards can improve credit history and make it easier to borrow money in the future, on more favourable terms. They are useful for short-term borrowing where borrowers are not able to access loans.
What are the downsides of bad credit credit card?
Bad credit credit cards can be disastrous if the borrower cannot keep up with repayments. Not only will they add to their debt through high APR, but they will undermine their credit score yet further. Bad credit credit cards typically offer lower borrowing limits than other credit cards.
Bad credit credit cards should never be used for taking out cash nor should they be used to clear debt; they are expensive and serve to improve credit scores only if you are able to honour the lender’s terms.
Five ways to improve your credit score:
- Repay your debts in full and on time
- Close unused accounts
- Do not apply for too many credit cards
- Build a credit history
- Register to vote
If you use your credit card simply for purchases and are not concerned about balance transfers and other perks, you need to look at any interest-free purchase promotional period, followed by an ongoing generous low APR.
You’ll be familiar with the cashback concept, where you earn rewards in the form of money or credit on your account when you spend. You must shop around as the “earn rate” varies, while some cards affiliated to a brand reward more for spending with that brand.
You’ll be familiar with the cashback concept, where you earn rewards in the form of money or credit on your account when you spend. You must shop around as the “earn rate” varies, while some cards affiliated to a brand reward more for spending with that brand.Further, there may be beneficial earn rates for an introductory period, while rewards might increase once you’ve crossed over a spending threshold.
If you need to build your credit rating, a credit card is a powerful weapon. The best options will boost your rating while exposing you to the minimum risk in terms of credit limits. However, the flip side is these cards attract a higher representative APR.
If you need to build your credit rating, a credit card is a powerful weapon. The best options will boost your rating while exposing you to the minimum risk in terms of credit limits. However, the flip side is these cards attract a higher representative APR.
Bag yourself free travel simply by spending on your credit card. But select your card carefully as only some offer air miles, and some are more generous than others.
Bag yourself free travel simply by spending on your credit card. But select your card carefully as only some offer air miles, and some are more generous than others.
- American Express Gold or Platinum cards both offer bonus points at sign-up, and then generous points per £1 spend which can be transferred to travel if booked through AMEX travel. The card fee is waived in year one, so go elsewhere or be prepared to fork out in year two (£450 for the Platinum card!).
- British Airways American Express Premium Card offers generous points and a companion voucher when you spend £10,000 in a year, meaning you get to take a friend! Some people are turned off by the £175 fee and would prefer a Visa or Mastercard option.
- Virgin Atlantic Credit Card rewards 5,000 Flying Club miles after the first purchase, then 0.75 miles per £1 spent. No annual fee but the companion voucher is not as generous as BA.
Using a credit card to pay off your expensive bank overdraft (or another loan) makes total sense when you can do so interest-free. Therefore, look for a card that has the longest 0% money transfer period and pay off as much as you can from the card quickly.
Don’t get hit by high fees when using your credit card abroad. Look for a credit card that offers no fees on foreign transactions and preferably some rewards as well.
Everyday credit cards offer you the most flexibility for everyday use while having a reasonable interest rate, a balance transfer option and an initial interest-free period on purchases.