Eligibility
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Credit cards
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Choose from a wide range of credit cards
From 0% balance transfer to purchase or cashback, compare up to 107 cards1
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See which cards you could be offered without impacting your credit score
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Our best credit cards: editor’s pick
Here are some standout credit cards from our panel of providers. Of course, the right card for you will depend on your situation, so always compare options and check the T&Cs.
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card: 36 months 0%
- 0% balance transfer period
- 36 months (guaranteed if pre-approved)
- Transfer fee
- 3.09%
What you should know
- APR offered is dependent on personal circumstances.
- You can't transfer a balance within the same banking group. If you're unsure check with the provider before applying.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.90% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**
Virgin Money 36 Month Balance Transfer Card: 36 months 0%
- 0% balance transfer period
- 36 months (guaranteed if pre-approved)
- Transfer fee
- 3.10%
What you should know
- Balance transfers and money transfers must be made within the first 60 days to get the promotional offer.
- You cannot transfer a balance from another Nationwide Building Society or Virgin Money credit card or from non-UK financial organisations, or store cards which don’t have VISA or Mastercard logo.
- You can't transfer a balance within the same banking group. If you're unsure check with the provider before applying.
- You’ll need the Virgin Money Credit Card app to manage your credit card digitally.
- You cannot transfer more than 95% of your credit limit for Balance transfers or use more than 95% of your credit limit for Money transfers.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.90% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**
NatWest Longer Balance Transfer card: 36 months 0%
- 0% balance transfer period
- 36 months (guaranteed if pre-approved)
- Transfer fee
- 3.10%
What you should know
- Your 0% interest promotional period may vary depending on NatWest’s credit assessment of you.
- To apply, you must be a UK resident, aged 18+ and earn £10k+ each year.
- Your balance transfer must be at least £100. You can only transfer a balance up to 95% of your available credit limit.
- You can transfer your balance from most credit cards and store cards, except other NatWest Group cards.
- Your 0% offer starts from account opening after which standard variable rates apply.
- Balances must be transferred within 3 months of account opening.
- Unless you have been pre-approved, you might get a different interest rate to those shown here, because this depends on your circumstances.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.90% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**
M&S Purchase Plus Offer Credit Card: up to 26 months 0%
- 0% purchase period
- 26 months
What you should know
- The rate and promotional period we offer will depend on our assessment of your circumstances.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 28.90% (Variable), representative 28.90% APR (Variable)**
Lloyds 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card: up to 25 months 0%
- 0% purchase period
- 25 months
What you should know
- Your standard interest rates will be linked to the Bank of England Base Rate. This means they will change automatically in line with changes to the Base Rate, but any promotional rates and offers you have will not.
- If you need to update or change any information once on the lender's website, this could change their decision to offer this product.
- When the promotional offer ends and for transfers made after the first 90 days, your standard variable rates and fees at that time will apply.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**
MBNA Dual 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card: up to 24 months 0%
- 0% purchase period
- 24 months
What you should know
- Your standard interest rates will be linked to the Bank of England Base Rate. This means they will change automatically in line with changes to the Base Rate, but any promotional rates and offers you have will not.
- When the promotional offer ends and for purchases and balance transfers made after the first 60 days, your standard variable rates and fees at that time will apply.
- If you need to update or change any information once on the lender's website, this could change their decision to offer this product.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**
Lloyds Ultra credit card
- Foreign transaction fee
None
- Foreign cash withdrawal fee***
None
What you should know
Earn 1% cashback on all purchases in the first year, then 0.25% after
New and existing customers who haven’t been declined for a Lloyds credit card in the last 30 days, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 14.94% (variable), representative 14.9% APR (variable)**
Barclaycard Rewards credit card
- Foreign transaction fee
None
- Foreign cash withdrawal fee***
None
What you should know
Earn 0.25% cashback on eligible purchases
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 28.9% (variable), representative 28.9% APR (variable)**
Santander Rewards credit card
- Foreign transaction fee
None
- Foreign cash withdrawal fee***
3%, minimum £3
What you should know
Earn 3% cashback for a year on eligible everyday travel, eating out and takeaways (then 0.25% after), plus 0.25% on other eligible spending
Get up to £40 in Uber vouchers if new to Santander, and you open and use a Rewards credit card. T&Cs apply
New and existing customers, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable)**
Lloyds Platinum: 25 months' 0% on purchases & 23 months' 0% on balance transfers
- 0% purchase period
Up to 25 months
- 0% balance transfer period
Up to 23 months
- Transfer fee
2.99%
What you should know
Transfers must be made in first 90 days to get offer
Register for Everyday Offers and earn up to 15% cashback at selected retailers
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable)
MBNA Purchase: 24 months' 0% on purchases & 24 months' 0% on balance transfers
- 0% purchase period
Up to 24 months
- 0% balance transfer period
Up to 24 months
- Transfer fee
3.49%
What you should know
Transfers must be made in first 60 days to get offer
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable)
Barclaycard Platinum Purchase: 24 months' 0% on purchases & 21 months' 0% on balance transfers
- 0% purchase period
Up to 24 months
- 0% balance transfer period
Up to 21 months
- Transfer fee
3.45%
What you should know
Transfers must be made in first 60 days to get offer
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable)
Virgin Money credit card: 12 months balance transfer & 3 months purchase at 0%
- 0% purchase period
3 months
- 0% balance transfer period
12 months
- Transfer fee
2%
What you should know
Transfers must be made in first 60 days to qualify for 0%
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 29.9% (variable), representative 29.9% APR (variable)
Capital One Classic Complete credit card: 7 months purchase & balance transfer at 0%
- 0% purchase period
Up to 7 months
- 0% balance transfer period
Up to 7 months
- Transfer fee
3%
What you should know
Balance transfers must be made within a set period to qualify for the 0% offer – this will be specified when you apply
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 34.9% (variable), representative 34.9% APR (variable)
Barclaycard Forward credit card: 6 months purchase & balance transfer at 0%
- 0% purchase period
6 months
- 0% balance transfer period
6 months
- Transfer fee
2.9%
What you should know
Transfers must be made in first 60 days to qualify for 0%
Credit limit between £50 and £1,200
3% interest rate reduction if all payments made on time in year 1, 2% reduction in year 2 onwards (no interest if card paid in full)
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 33.9% (variable), representative 33.9% APR (variable)
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 and may not apply to cash withdrawals. 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. If you withdraw cash, interest may still apply even if you clear your balance in full, depending on the terms of the card.
***The ATM may charge a separate fee for taking cash on any card.
Types of credit card you can apply for
The best credit card type for you will totally depend on what you want to use it for. Here are some popular options (all of them will require you to make at least the minimum payments each month):
0% balance transfer cards
A 0% balance transfer card lets you clear debt more quickly by charging 0% interest for a set time – sometimes as long as three years. A fee of 2-4% usually applies.
Our customers ask to transfer a balance of £5,124 on average1.
0% purchase cards
0% purchase cards let you spend interest-free for a set period, sometimes two years or more. This can be great if you need to make a big purchase or cover an unexpected cost like a new boiler.
Our customers ask for a credit limit of £4,316 on average when applying for a 0% purchase credit card1.
0% on balance transfer and purchase cards
Dual or 'combo' cards give you 0% on both balance transfers and purchases.
This can offer the best of both worlds, but the 0% periods often differ for the balance transfer vs new spending – so always check the card works for your needs before applying.
Reward credit cards
Rewards cards let you earn perks such as points or air miles on spending, and can be hugely beneficial if you're smart with how you use them.
They work best if you pay your full balance every month because they charge interest. They sometimes also have annual fees and minimum spends, so do your research to work out the right option for you.
Cashback credit cards
A cashback credit card gives you a percentage or fixed amount of your card spend back as cash. This is usually paid monthly or annually back onto your balance.
Like rewards cards, they do usually charge interest, so clear your bill in full each month to get the maximum gain from your cashback card.
Travel credit cards
Good travel credit cards offer fee-free spending abroad, extremely competitive exchange rates and sometimes fee-free cash withdrawals, too.
Having one is a bit of a no-brainer when you go on holiday as it means you don't need to carry big wads of cash around. Just clear your balance in full to avoid paying interest.
Credit-building cards
Credit cards for bad credit can be a handy stepping stone if you don't qualify for other types of credit cards.
You'll start with a low spending limit and high interest rate, but as long as you pay your balance back on time you should slowly build your credit score and eventually become eligible for better cards.
Money transfer credit cards
A money transfer credit card lets you move money from the card into your bank account, often at 0% or low interest. A 3-4% fee usually applies. This type of card can be useful if you need cash unexpectedly, for example to pay a small business that doesn't accept credit cards.
Our customers want to make a £5,095 money transfer on average1.
Did you know?
More than 36% of our customers applying for a credit card choose a balance transfer card, making them our most popular option1.
How to apply for a credit card
Check your eligibility, choose a card and apply
Use our free eligibility checker to see which cards you’re likely to be accepted for without harming your credit score. You can then compare options and choose the card that suits you.
When you click through, you’ll be taken to the lender’s site to confirm your details and finish applying for the card.
Wait for a decision
If you’ve been pre-approved online using our eligibility checker, you could get an answer in minutes (though lenders sometimes need a little longer).
Receive and activate your card
Your card and pin normally come through the post separately within days – but some lenders let you view your card details and PIN via mobile banking within hours.
You’ll need to activate the card online, at an ATM or over the phone. Then you're free to start using it.
Credit card pros and cons
Pros
Cheap or free borrowing in the short term
Some cards come with 0% interest on spending and/or balance transfers for a set time (fees may apply)
Help build your credit score
Spending on a card and then paying it back on time shows lenders you can manage money, improves your credit score and ultimately gets you better deals
Rewards on spending
Cashback and rewards cards offer perks on purchases (just repay your balance in full each month and make sure you end up net positive)
Extra purchase protection
Thanks to Section 75, you could get a refund if something goes wrong with goods or services costing between £100 and £30,000.
Cons
Temptation
Overspending on credit cards can lead to serious debt. Only borrow what you can comfortably repay
Credit score damage if misused
Late or missed payments may trigger fees, end any promotional rates, and hurt your credit score
Can take years to clear
If you only pay the minimum each month, debt and interest can build up
Can carry extra charges
Some cards charge annual fees, or one-off fees for transactions such as balance transfers.
5 common credit card myths busted
Abigail Foster, chartered accountant and personal finance expert, explains how to use credit cards so you end up with more, not less, money in your pocket.
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Text transcript
Hey, I'm Abi Foster, ACA chartered accountant and finance content creator. And today we're talking about credit cards. I know a lot of people fall into one of two camps when it comes to credit cards. You either love them and you use them for every purchase, or you hate them and you never use them. But the thing to understand about credit cards is they're mainly just a financial tool. Used correctly, they can help you protect your purchases, earn cashback, and even improve your credit score. Used incorrectly, they can leave you in debt for years and years. So today I want to bust some of the myths when it comes to credit cards.
Myth number one, the minimum payment is designed to help you clear your debt faster. False. This is one of the most dangerous ones out there. The minimum payment is exactly what it says it is. It's the minimum payment your credit card provider will allow you to pay each month before they've basically assumed that you've missed the payment. Let's imagine you have £3,000 on a credit card. If you only paid the minimum payment, it could take decades to wipe this with the minimum payment and the interest and late payments that you may be paying.
Myth number two, paying your credit card off early saves you nothing. Absolutely false. The quicker you pay off your balance, the less interest you're likely to pay. So interest is what the credit card providers will charge you if you basically don't repay on time because you're borrowing from them. That is how credit cards work. A credit card is your borrowing from the bank and then repaying that hopefully in full every single month.
Myth number three, section 75 only applies if you pay the full amount on your credit card. False. This is one of my favourite facts when it comes to credit cards because so many people don't realise that this exists. Section 75 is a protection that you get on purchases that you make on your credit card between £100 and £30,000. So, if something goes wrong with the product or service that you've bought through your credit card, your credit card provider is jointly liable with your retailer to get that money back.
Myth number four, being rejected for a credit card doesn't matter. Unfortunately, it does. Being rejected for any debt can impact your credit score. In the UK, we have three credit rating agencies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. And each of them give you a credit score based on your credit profile.
Myth number five, you should never use your credit card for everyday spending. This one does come down to the individual. I personally do use mine for everyday spending, but I keep a seriously tight check on everything I'm spending on a week-to-week basis really because I use my credit card to make sure that I'm building points or I'm getting the cashback.
So, the big takeaway here: credit cards aren't evil but they're not magic either. Used correctly, they can help you with protection from section 75 and rewards and bonuses, but if used incorrectly can land you in tonnes of debt for decades and interest that you're just spiralling out of control.
Learn more about credit cards
Compare types, features and fees to find the right option for you
FAQs
What is a credit card?
A credit card lets you borrow up to a certain limit to cover everyday spending or bigger purchases. You can pay it off over time or in full each month. You’ll usually pay interest unless you clear the balance in full or have a 0% deal.
How do lenders decide whether to offer someone 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 if you have a poor credit history. Lenders will look at this 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 applying again. Making multiple credit applications in a short space of time can hurt your score
Before 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 does it matter how much I repay on my credit card?
How much you repay each month can affect how quickly you clear your balance and how much interest you pay. Paying more than the minimum can help because you’ll usually pay less interest (if your card charges interest), and you can clear your balance faster, even on a 0% interest card.
The minimum payment is the smallest amount you need to pay to avoid penalties. It’s usually worked out as a percentage of your balance or a set amount in pounds – whichever is higher – plus any interest or fees .
You can also pay off your credit card early. Unlike with many loans and mortgages, you normally won’t be charged any fees or penalties for early repayment. Be aware that 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.
Can I get a joint credit card?
No, 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.
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.
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, 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 uplift that your lender has voluntarily given you won’t.
Looking for something else?
Charlie is a senior commercial leader with close to a decade of experience across the UK’s leading personal-finance and comparison platforms. Before joining Compare the Market as Head of Commercial in 2024, he held senior commercial roles at TotallyMoney and MoneySuperMarket Group.
Methodology
1Correct as of June 2026.
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.
What our expert says...
“Different types of credit cards offer different perks and pitfalls. This means a card that's suitable for one person may be unsuitable for someone else, so carefully consider what is right for you.
"For example, if you can afford to pay off your card in full each month then a rewards card could be great for you. A 0% purchase card, on the other hand, might be helpful if you need to buy something big that you can't afford to pay for all in one go.
"Whatever you choose, always stick to the key dos and don'ts of credit cards: never go over your credit limit, always make at least the minimum monthly payment on time, and only spend what you're confident you can repay.”