Find out which credit cards could be available if you compare today.
Find out about some of the biggest credit card issuers in the UK that Compare the Market has on its panel, then see the full list of all the providers we work with below that.
Remember: you can use our free credit card eligibility checker to see which cards you're likely to be accepted for before you apply without affecting your credit card rating.
Barclaycard offers a range of Avios and rewards cards, as well as balance transfer, purchase and credit builder cards. Some cards offer perks for festivals and live events including discounts on tickets or surprise upgrades.
Santander’s range of cards includes one with no fee on balance transfers for the first 12 months. Its premium card offers perks including access to a range of airport lounges around the globe. Santander Boosts give you cashback, vouchers, entries to prize draws and other personalised offers.
Tesco Bank card options include a balance transfer card, a low APR card and a foundation card for first-time cardholders and people wanting to build their credit score. Earn points on your spending and get Clubcard vouchers you can spend in Tesco or with Tesco Reward Partners for days out and eating out.
Virgin Money has a mix of standard and specialist cards. You'll need a smartphone with a recent operating system to manage the card.
American Express
Aqua
Asos
Barclaycard
Capital One
Fluid
HSBC
Lloyds Bank
M&S Bank
Marbles
MBNA
NatWest
Post Office
Santander
Tesco Bank
Vanquis
Virgin Money
Yonder
Zable
Zopa
Correct as of June 2026.
The different types of credit card include:
0% credit cards don’t charge interest on balance transfers or new purchases for a set period – and some cards offer 0% on both.
You can also opt for low APR cards that have a consistently low interest rate for the lifetime of the card.
Rewards cards give you treats and perks – such as air miles, vouchers or cashback – when you spend.
As they tend to have high interest rates, they work best if you clear your balance in full each month. And if the card charges a fee, always check the rewards you’ll get are worthwhile for you.
If your credit score isn’t great or you don’t have a credit history and need to build one up, credit-building cards could help.
They often have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than other cards, but if you make regular repayments on time each month you can build your credit score and take out other card types in the future.
Specialist travel credit cards offer excellent exchange rates and fee-free spending overseas.
But withdrawing cash from an ATM will usually incur interest from day one, much like with other credit cards, so be careful how you use them.
When you compare cards with Compare the Market, we let you filter by card type so you only see the options that are relevant to you. We show you the key features of each card and how likely you are to be accepted.
The best provider for you depends on:
Your needs
How you want to use your card
What’s available to you.
Rather than choosing a credit card based on the provider, it's often better to look at what you want from the card overall. However, there are a couple of exceptions to the rule:
rewards cards may only offer perks and rewards for specific brands, so this should be a factor in your decision on who to apply to
some card types, for example balance transfer cards, are often only available to new customers and don't allow applications from people with cards from the same banking group.
Of course, a credit card isn't for life. Different credit cards may suit you at different times for different needs. With so much competition, there are plenty of credit card companies to choose from.
If you have a savings or current account, it can make sense to go for a credit card issued by the same bank or building society.
There can be a couple of upsides to doing this:
If you bank online or via a mobile app, you’ll be able to manage your accounts and credit card in one place
Some providers offer special rates or rewards for their current account customers.
But it’s always worth comparing to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere.
It may depend on whether you use these shops regularly enough and would find the rewards useful.
Some are linked to air miles schemes, such as Avios or Virgin’s Flying Club
Others are affiliated with certain stores, such as Marks & Spencer or John Lewis and Waitrose.
You can also get supermarket-associated cards with the likes of Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco. You’re usually rewarded with points that you can convert into vouchers or cashback on your shopping.
There's no single credit card company that's best for everyone. There are advantages and disadvantages to most. For example, a provider that specialises in credit builder cards won't be right for a high spender looking for rewards.
The bigger banks often have years of experience and large numbers of customers, while some newer, smaller banks may have innovative ideas and better apps to help you manage your card.
Essentially, the best credit card provider for you is the one best suited for your needs.
