Credit cards
Compare our best credit card deals
- Discover which credit cards you might be eligible for without affecting your credit score
- Compare up to 121 credit cards[1] to find one that suits your needs
[1] Correct as of June 2025.
We compare credit cards from 23 FCA-regulated providers[1], including:
Our best credit cards: editor’s pick
Here are some standout credit cards from our panel of providers (last updated 18 July 2025). Of course, the right card for you will depend on your situation, so always compare options and check the T&Cs.
To see which cards you could qualify for, click the blue ‘Check eligibility’ button.
Balance transfer: MBNA balance transfer credit card
| 0% balance transfer period | Up to 34 months |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 2.99% |
| Representative APR** | 24.9% |
| Representative example |
Assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable) |
| Good to know |
Transfers must be made in first 60 days to get offer Also 0% for up to 9 months on money transfers made in first 60 days (4% transfer fee) New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply |
0% purchase: Barclaycard Platinum purchase credit card
| 0% purchase period | Up to 24 months |
|---|---|
| Representative APR** | 24.9% |
| Representative example |
Assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable) |
| Good to know |
Also 0% for up to 21 months on balance transfers made in first 60 days (2.95% transfer fee) New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply |
Travel card: Barclaycard Rewards credit card
| Foreign transaction fee | None |
|---|---|
| Foreign cash withdrawal fee*** | None |
| Representative APR** |
28.9% |
| Representative example |
Assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 28.9% (variable), representative 28.9% APR (variable) |
| Good to know |
Apply by 4 August 2025 and earn 0.5% cashback on eligible purchases until 30 November 2025; 0.25% thereafter New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply |
Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Any 0% interest period will only apply if you make at least the minimum monthly repayments. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.
**Representative APR: the estimated cost of borrowing – calculated as an annual percentage rate – after any 0% period ends. If there’s no 0% period, you’ll be charged interest unless you clear your balance in full each month.
***However, the ATM may charge a fee for taking cash on any card.
How we choose which cards to feature
How we choose balance transfer credit cards
- Longest 0% balance transfer period
- Standout offers such as cashback or vouchers
- Cards where you get the full 0% length if accepted (not 'up to' a certain number of months)
- Lowest balance transfer fee (if applicable)
- Lowest representative APR
- Longest 0% purchase period (if applicable)
- Other terms and conditions
How we choose 0% purchase cards
- Longest 0% purchase period
- Whether the 0% borrowing is offered ‘up to’ a certain period based on applicants’ credit history or is available to everyone accepted for a card
- Any cashback or other perks
- Lowest representative APR
- Duration of 0% balance transfer period (if applicable)
- Balance transfer fee (if applicable)
- Other terms and conditions
How we choose travel credit cards
- Foreign transaction fee/interest (lowest/0% is best)
- Foreign cash withdrawal fee/interest
- Highest value of cashback and rewards features
- 0% purchase length
- Lowest representative APR
Over 90,000 customers rated us on average 4.9 out of 5
As of July 8th 2025, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 93,668 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.9 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’. Learn more about our rating
What is a credit card?
A credit card is a popular way to pay for almost anything, from your everyday spend to the supermarket shop and big one-off purchases. You can borrow up to a certain limit and then repay what you owe in full each month or spread it out over a longer period.
While you may be charged interest, a credit card can also help you boost your credit score, earn rewards such as cashback and offer protection if you run into problems with faulty goods or service.
Types of credit card you can apply for
There are several types of credit cards to suit different situations – from covering life’s little emergencies to making big purchases or managing debt.
The best credit card type for you depends on your circumstances and what you want to use it for. Here are some of the options.
0% balance transfer cards
Use a 0% balance transfer card to move expensive debt from an existing card (or cards) to one charging 0% interest for a fixed number of months. This helps you to cut your interest costs. You’ll usually pay a fee, often 2-4% of your transfer.
0% purchase cards
With a 0% purchase card, you won’t be charged interest on new spending for a fixed period. Just be sure to meet at least the minimum payments each month.
0% on balance transfer and purchase cards
Want the best of both worlds? A 0% on balance transfer and purchase card saves you interest on new spending and balance transfers. This can be handy if you’ve got debt to shift and big buys coming up. Look out for different lengths for each 0% period though, as one may end before the other.
Reward credit cards
A reward card gives you cashback, loyalty points, air miles or other financial perks whenever you use your card. Be sure to check for an annual fee or minimum spend.
Credit-building cards (credit cards for bad credit)
A credit card for bad credit is designed for those with a poor or limited credit history. It can help you build your credit score over time if used responsibly. But be aware these cards usually come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits.
Travel credit cards
A good travel credit card offers low or 0% foreign exchange fees, and usually gives you great exchange rates when used abroad. You might also get extra perks such as airport security fast track.
Money transfer credit cards
Use a money transfer credit card to transfer money into your bank account at 0% or low interest, to pay off an expensive overdraft or withdraw cash to cover other expenses when a credit card isn’t accepted. A fee of up to 5% of the amount transferred is usually payable.
Cashback credit cards
A cashback credit card gives back a percentage of the amount you spend. It’s an incentive to use it, so you’re effectively being paid to spend. But keep an eye on interest – this could rack up quickly if you’re not careful.
Found a credit card that seems like a good fit? Make sure you understand how any promotional offers work, so you aren’t hit with penalties or high charges.
For example, if there’s a 0% introductory offer on balance transfers:
- What happens to the rate once the offer ends?
- What about missed or late payments?
- Is there an initial fee and if so, can you afford it?
Take time to fully understand any terms and conditions, so you can make the best use of the benefits available without paying a penalty.
Bear in mind...Applying for lots of different credit cards at the same time can damage your credit score. This could make it harder for you to borrow money in the future. |
Do current high interest rates affect what kind of new credit card I should choose?
In June 2025, the Bank of England (BoE) base rate was held at 4.25%. It’s the lowest level since June 2023, although rates are still high compared to the past five to 10 years.
The base rate – also known as the bank rate – influences the interest rates that lenders charge to you as a customer. A high interest rate can make it more expensive to get credit.
Here are cards that help you avoid paying interest (if used well):
- 0% purchase credit card – useful for bigger buys where you want to spread the cost rather than pay it all upfront. If you keep up with the minimum monthly payments, you won’t be charged interest. Be sure to clear the full balance before the 0% deal ends
- 0% balance transfer credit card – useful if you’re paying high interest rates on other credit card balances. You’ll usually pay a fee to shift or consolidate your debts but then benefit from 0% interest for a set time if you keep up with repayments. Aim to clear the balance or move what’s left to a new 0% card at the end of the promotional period.
- 0% money transfer card – helpful for paying off short-term debt, such as an overdraft. Repay on time to hold onto the 0% rate and clear what you owe within the 0% window.
Quick tipIf you do bag a 0% credit card deal, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully. You should also have a clear plan for how you’ll pay it back before taking on a new credit card. |
What do you want from a credit card?
Do you need to buy something essential but don’t have savings to cover it?
A purchase card lets you spread the cost of big purchases over several months without paying interest, as long as your credit limit is high enough.
But you’ll need to:
- Pay at least the minimum amount each month to keep the 0% and avoid penalties
- Clear your debt before the 0% deal ends or get stung with high interest rates.
Do you want to cut debt costs?
Move debt from existing cards onto a 0% balance transfer card and pay no interest for a set period.
Keep in mind, though:
- You could be charged a balance transfer fee – typically 2-4% of the amount you move over.
- Always repay at least the minimum monthly payment
- Make it a priority to pay off the balance before the 0% period ends.
Do you have a low credit score and want to boost it?
If your credit score’s low, or you’ve got no credit history at all, a credit builder card could help you get on track.
- Use it for small purchases and clear the balance in full each month to avoid interest
- Showing you can borrow responsibly helps build your credit score
- Expect lower credit limits and higher rates compared to regular cards.
Do you (or can you) pay off your card in full each month? Then get paid to spend
Always pay your credit card bill in full every month, or can do so? You could consider a card that pays you a bonus for spending.
This could be a:
- Cashback credit card that pays you back a percentage of what you spend
- Rewards credit card where you could earn airline points, shopping vouchers and more.
However, these card perks can quickly become redundant. If you don’t clear your balance in full each month, the interest charges could easily wipe out your gains.
Use our credit card repayment calculator to estimate how quickly you could pay off your credit card debt and save on interest.
How to choose the best credit card for you
Finding the best credit card for you is all about matching it to your financial needs.
Here is a simple rundown of what you need to think about:
1. Decide why you need the card
Start by asking yourself: ‘what do I want this card to do for me?’ For example, it could be to:
- Pay off existing debt
- Make a big purchase
- Earn rewards
- Boost your credit score.
2. Compare card features
Be sure to double-check the following:
- Interest rates (APR) – lower rates could mean cheaper borrowing
- Introductory offers – think 0% deals or bonus rewards
- Fees – watch out for annual fees, balance transfer fees, or foreign transaction fees
- Credit limits – especially if you’re looking at credit builder cards.
3. Check your eligibility
Before you apply:
- Make the most of free credit checks to see how you could boost your credit score, or to spot any potential errors that need correcting
- Use an eligibility checker to find out how likely it is you’ll be accepted for a credit card, without affecting your credit score.
Learn more about how to decide which credit card is best for you.
How to apply for a credit card
Start by using our eligibility checker to see which cards you’re likely to be accepted for. This way, you can avoid wasted applications and harming your credit score. You’ll need to give us:
Your personal details
UK address history
Annual salary and other income
Once you’ve shared your info:
- Decide which credit card most suits your needs, then click the apply button
- You’ll be taken to the provider’s website to confirm your details and complete its application process
- You’ll usually need to give your bank account number and sort code.
See our guide on how to apply for a credit card for more information.
Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.
Can I get a credit card with a bad credit score?
Yes, it can be possible to find a credit card for bad credit, although the best deals are usually offered to those with healthier credit histories. If you’ve a poor credit history, you’ll likely find deals come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits.
Used responsibly, this type of card could help you to boost your credit score and become eligible for a better interest rate in the future.
What is representative APR?
The representative APR is an advertised rate that at least 51% of successful credit applicants must be given.
APR – or annual percentage rate – is what your borrowing will cost you each year. It’s calculated by taking into account the rate of interest, plus other standard charges such as an annual fee.
The APR helps you compare the true cost of credit cards from different providers. For example:
Card A
Purchase rate (variable): 22.2%
Annual fee: £250
Credit limit: £1,200
Representative APR (variable): 96.7%
Card B
Purchase rate (variable): 22.9%
Annual fee: £0
Credit limit: £1,200
Representative APR (variable): 22.9%
While the purchase rate for Card A is slightly lower, the impact the annual fee makes on overall costs can be seen in the representative APR.
Credit card pros and cons
Pros
Can offer cheap borrowing
Some cards let you buy goods and services and pay no interest for a set time. Others allow you to switch credit card debt (for a fee) and pay no interest on the transferred balance for a fixed period.
Can help prove your creditworthiness
Paying on time and staying within your credit limit shows you’re sensible with money. Lenders can see your behaviour and, if kept up over time, could reward it with lower APRs and better deals.
Can give you extra rewards on your spend
Rewards cards can give you cashback or other perks every time you use it. These could really pay off if you’re a regular spender and clear your credit card bill in full every month.
Could give you extra protection on what you buy
Thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, you could get a refund if you get into difficulty with goods or services costing between £100 and £30,000.
Cons
Can offer temptation
You can end up in serious debt if you overspend on credit cards. Use them carefully and don’t buy more than you can afford to pay back.
Can lead to penalties or loss of a 0% rate if handled poorly
If you pay your card late or miss payments, you may get hit with a fee. Plus, you could lose any promotional offers such as 0% interest on purchases.
There might also be damage to your credit score, making it more difficult for you to get credit in the future.
Could end up paying a lot and it could take years to clear the debt
Only making the minimum payment each month could leave you stuck with that debt (and interest) for years or even decades. This could make the overall cost of your purchases much more expensive.
Depending on the card you use, you may also have to pay for transactions such as withdrawing cash or using your card abroad.
Section 75 protection isn’t guaranteed
While it could be a helpful safety net, a refund isn’t a sure thing. Whether you’re covered can depend on the individual circumstances e.g. a third-party payment or agent being involved.
For more information on the positives and the pitfalls, read our guide to the pros and cons of credit cards.
What our expert says...
“There are many types of credit cards, some that give rewards to people for spending, some that help you cut the cost of existing credit card debt and others that help you borrow at cheap rates. That means a card suitable for one person may be unsuitable for someone else, so carefully consider what is right for you.
For example, if you cannot pay off your card in full each month then a rewards card may not be worthwhile as the interest cost can be more than the gain, such as the cashback amount. In that scenario, as you'll likely be charged interest, consider if a balance transfer card could help you cut the cost of that debt.
Whatever you choose, always stick to the key do's and don'ts of each type of card such as never breaching your credit limit and always making at least the minimum monthly payment on time.”
- Guy Anker, Personal finance and insurance expert
Why compare credit cards with Compare the Market?
Check your eligibility without impacting your credit score
Filter by type of card you’re comparing
Frequently asked questions
How do lenders decide whether to offer a credit card?
Lenders will look at several factors when deciding whether to offer you a card. These include:
Your income – you’ll need to give details of your annual salary and any other earnings.
Your credit score – a hard credit check is carried out to find out how well (or otherwise) you look after debt today, and how successful (or otherwise) you’ve been at doing it in the past.
The amount of debt you have – it can be a red flag if you’re already juggling a lot of debt. Lenders want to be sure you can manage a new card without overstretching your finances.
Why might I be rejected for a credit card?
You may be rejected for a credit card because you have a poor credit score. Lenders will look at this number as part of their assessment of the likelihood you’ll repay what you owe.
If you’ve been rejected for a credit card:
- Wait at least three – but ideally six – months before you apply again. Making multiple credit applications in a short space of time can hurt your score
- When you apply for a credit card, use our eligibility checker. It’ll show you which cards you’re likely to be accepted for, without having an impact on your credit score.
Why should I pay off more than the minimum each month?
If you repay more than the minimum payment each month, you’ll pay less interest.
The minimum payment is the lowest amount you need to pay to avoid potential penalties. It’s usually calculated as a percentage of your balance, plus any applicable interest or fees, and will fall as your balance reduces.
Can I get a joint credit card?
You can’t get a joint credit card, but you can add an additional cardholder to your account.
An additional cardholder:
- Will need to be over 18
- Could be your partner, family member or friend
- May need to be either a close family member or someone living at the same address, depending on the lender.
They’ll get their own card, but you’ll be fully responsible for any debt on that card and all the admin involved. It’s important that you trust your additional cardholder not to run up big debts.
What happens when a car hire company or hotel asks for my card up front?
A car hire company may ask for your card up front for what’s called ‘pre-authorisation’. This is to make sure they can collect the money owed to them if you don’t pay up.
The company puts a hold on some of your credit. While that’s in place, you won’t be able to spend that money elsewhere. For example:
- Your credit limit is £1,000
- A car hire company puts a pre-authorisation of £500 on your card
- You’ll only be able to spend £500 more on your card.
Do credit card interest rates change?
Most credit cards have a variable interest rate, which means the rate can go up or down at any time.
Be aware that:
- Providers have the right to change their interest rates when they want
- Changes to the Bank of England base rate can also affect the interest rate on your credit card.
Can I withdraw a credit card application?
Yes, you have a 14-day cooling off period from when you receive your card to tell the provider you’ve changed your mind.
There’ll be no penalty fee for withdrawing your application, but you’ll need to pay off any outstanding balance on the card within 30 days.
What happens if I miss a repayment on my credit card?
If you miss a repayment on your credit card:
- You’ll usually have to pay a penalty
- You might also lose any introductory benefits, such as 0% interest
- Your credit score may also be damaged.
How can I get more credit?
There are two ways to get more credit on your card:
- You may automatically be offered a higher credit limit once you’ve proved yourself to be a responsible borrower by always repaying on time, or
-
You can contact your provider to ask for an increase, which you may or may not get.
If you ask for an increase, it will leave a mark on your credit file - an automatic uplift by your lender won’t.
Can I pay off my credit card early?
Yes, you can pay off your credit card early. Unlike with many loans and mortgage debts, you normally won’t be charged any fees or penalties.
How do I cancel a credit card?
- Pay off any remaining balance on your card
- Contact your credit card provider and let them know you want to close the account
- Once you get your final statement, check it to make sure the last payments are shown and the balance is fully cleared
- Check your credit report to make sure the card has been cancelled but bear in mind that it could take several weeks for the change to be updated
- Once the card is cancelled, cut through the number and name, and throw it away.
Does Compare the Market compare all the credit cards on the market?
Our credit card comparison service doesn’t include every single credit card available in the UK. This is because:
- Some credit card providers have exclusives available through their own high-street branches or websites, or on other price comparison sites
- Some credit cards are only available to those in clubs or membership organisations.
But we do have many options from major banks and credit card providers for you to compare in your credit card search.
