Last updated: 24 August, 2020

A credit card is a way of borrowing money. You use credit cards just like you’d use your normal debit card to buying the things you want. But, when you’re spending with a credit card, you’re actually borrowing the money from a credit card provider.

Typically, credit cards are meant for borrowing small amounts of money, usually £1,000 to £5,000. If you’re looking to borrow more, it’s generally considered to be cheaper to get a loan.

With credit cards, you have more flexibility because instead of getting lump sum of cash, you’re given a set amount of credit, and you can borrow as much as you need to within that amount.

You can then choose to pay off the balance of your credit card straight away, or in monthly instalments. If you do take the instalment route, you’ll likely have to pay interest on what you owe.

How to find the best credit cards

When you’re looking for the best credit cards, UK wide, it can be tempting to look for cheap credit cards. But it’s better to think about how you intend to use your credit card, because each type of credit card comes with different benefits depending on how you use it.

Some credit cards are good for making a big purchase. Others can help you reduce your debts and interest payments. And some credit cards give you cashback or reward points on your spending. Here’s some more information about credit cards.

To help you find the best credit cards for your needs which have the lowest credit card rates, look at the comparison table above. The table shows you all the different types of credit cards, from different providers. It also shows you their interest rates, so you can compare cards to make an informed decision.

Try our free credit card eligibility checker

Before you start to compare credit card deals, it’s important to find out which ones you’re actually likely to be accepted for.

Our free credit card eligibility checker helps you find out which credit card offers you’re eligible for, and it won’t affect your credit score. It’s a risk-free way of finding the best credit card deal for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about our eligibility checker so you can find the best credit card deals for you. Our credit card eligibility checker won’t leave a mark on your credit record, because it uses a ‘soft search’ credit check.

What types of credit cards are there?

There are lots of different types of credit cards to choose from in our credit card comparison table. But which type is right for you?

Purchase cards

A 0% Purchase credit card is one that gives you an interest-free period for a set amount of time when you first take it out. That means you won’t be charged interest on your credit card spending for that period. The period can be from a month up to more than two years, depending on the provider and what credit card offers you can find.

By getting a new credit card with a 0% purchase offer on it, you’ll be able to use it for a big purchase like a holiday or furniture. But don’t forget you’ll need to pay it off before the interest-free period ends, or you’ll be charged interest on the remaining balance.

Balance transfer credit cards

A 0% balance transfer credit card lets you move your debt from an older credit card, or even several credit cards, to a new credit card. It’s a useful way to avoid paying interest on your debt. But you should be aware that some providers often charge a fee to transfer your balance, so finding the best credit card deals is vital.

Some balance transfer credit cards offer both balance transfers and purchases. This can be helpful for tracking how much you owe, so you can make sure you repay it in time. Just remember that the best credit card for you will give you a long enough 0% period for both balance transfers and purchases.

Money transfer credit cards

Money transfer credit cards are a way of moving cash from a credit card to your current or savings account. When you’re searching for the best credit cards, UK wide, see if you can find one with a 0% introductory period.

0% money transfer cards are ideal for clearing an overdraft. They’re also a good way to get a cash loan on which you don’t pay interest for a set period. Don’t forget to keep track of when the interest-free period on your new credit card ends. When it does you’ll start paying the lender’s standard variable rate and that tends to be high.

Cashback and rewards credit cards

When you’re looking for the top credit cards you could benefit from, you might like to think about a cashback credit card. These let you earn money back on your credit card spending.

Or, you could look at reward credit cards. With these you earn points when you spend, and these can be used for things like air miles, shopping vouchers or hotel vouchers.

When you compare credit card offers, remember that these are one of the best credit cards for people who have a good credit history. They’re also good for people who pay off their credit card balance monthly. That’s because you don’t pay interest, plus you can take advantage of the cashback offers or rewards points.

Credit-building credit cards

If you’ve got bad credit, or no credit history at all, you’re more likely to get accepted for a credit-building credit card than any other type of credit card. You’ll find that credit card rates are often a bit higher with these, and you’ll usually get a lower credit limit. But, if you’re careful with how you use your credit-building credit card and make repayments on time, you’ll improve your credit score.

What are the benefits of choosing a credit card?

There are lots of reasons why you might want to get a credit card, aside from the obvious one which is that they let you spend more money than you have.

Improving your credit score

Having a credit card is one of the best ways to increase your credit score. It can help if you don’t have much credit history at all or if you want to improve a poor credit score. As long as you use your credit card responsibly (paying it off on time and not missing payments), your good behaviour will be recorded on your credit file. This’ll improve your credit score and help you when it’s time to get a car or mortgage.

Protecting yourself against fraud

Credit card offers are great, but actually all credit cards act as a useful firewall, protecting you from fraudulent charges. If you do notice any unauthorised charges on your credit card, you’ll just need to report them to your lender and usually you won’t have to pay them. That’s not always the case with debit cards, or if someone gets hold of your bank account details.

Rewards

If you use your credit card responsibly, you’ll be able to rack up air miles, cash back or loyalty points to spend with retailers or hotel groups.

Extras

Some of the best credit cards come with extra benefits, like travel insurance or airport lounge access. When you do a credit cards comparison, bear these in mind. Although they don’t sound like much, they can add up to a big saving over time.

What are the disadvantages of choosing a credit card?

Borrowing money short-term on a credit card is great if you can do it responsibly, helping you to spread the costs of a larger purchase.

But, if you don’t borrow responsibly and make your repayments on time, you could end up with serious debt.

What you should think about when you compare credit cards?

There’s lots to take into account when you do your credit cards comparison.

This includes:

Fees : These are the cost of having the credit card. They’re important to look at if you’re trying to find the cheapest credit card. There might be an annual fee (which could cost hundreds of pounds), late payment fees, or over limit fees. So read the small print!

Interest rates : Your credit card rates are how much interest you pay for borrowing through your credit card. Credit cards aren’t secured against any property. So, even with the best credit card offers, interest rates are usually higher than with other forms of borrowing.

Interest-free period : Lots of the best credit cards have an interest-free period at the beginning. During that time you’re not charged interest on your spending. As long as you pay the minimum balance on time every month, you won’t pay interest. The interest-free period can be from a month to around two years, depending on what credit card deals you can find.

Rewards: Some of the top credit cards offer extra rewards. This could be cash back, air miles, or loyalty points. The more you spend on your credit card, the more you get.

The best credit cards have low interest rates, long interest-free periods and low fees. But it’s important that you don’t just find cheap credit cards without thinking about anything else. Finding the best credit card for you means looking at why you’re borrowing money and how you plan to use it.

How to get the most out of your credit card

Credit cards are useful tool when used responsibly and strategically. Here are somethings to keep in mind when using your credit card

Don't miss monthly payments: Missing payments is one of the worst offenses when using a credit card. You're often charged a penalty, and it hurts your credit score.

Avoid withdrawing cash: Withdrawing money from your credit card often comes with fees. You'll also be charged interest on top of that. It's best to avoid cash advances unless it's urgent.

Payoff your balance in full: Unless you've got interest free credit card, it's usually best to to pay off your balance in in full every month. It saves you from being charged interest, and you don't accumulate debt. It also goes a long way in improving your credit score.

Avoid too many applications: Applying for credit too often can hurt your credit score. That's because each time you apply, it leaves a mark on your credit file. It'll make lenders think you're desperate for credit and thus they'll be less likely accept you.

Be careful when overseas: Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees when you use your credit card abroad. Make sure you have a credit card that doesn't charge you these fees when you travel.

Be smart about rewards cards: Rewards cards can be tempting at first glance, but can prove expensive. Pick rewards that you actually use regularly and that they outweigh the annual fees that rewards cards usually charge.