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Top Credit Cards in the UK

30 Jan 2025


Do you know the best UK credit cards to help you send money flawlessly? Thanks to technological innovations, individuals can make transactions, pay bills, shop, send remittances, and get cash using credit cards. With their wide range of facilities, credit card usage is increasing rapidly. More than 32.6% of people use credit cards for routine payments. Credit cards are becoming popular due to their countless benefits. In the UK, almost 33.8 million people use credit cards to make payments, and this number is gradually increasing.

A credit card is a finance management tool that helps an individual borrow money from the bank. Credit cards have become popular since they reduce the need to keep or manage cash. Moreover, the charm of getting exciting rewards and discounts has made it even more appealing daily. Using a credit card lets you earn cashback reward points and maintain a credit score. There are several types and modes of credit cards. So, read the article below to find out the list of UK credit cards so that you can enjoy more benefits with your transactions:

How Credit Cards Work in the UK?

Credit cards are widely used in the UK. They help individuals to borrow money from credit card service providers within a predefined limit. You also have to pay taxes while returning the borrowed money. Each credit card has different functionalities and payback criteria. Credit cards offer various types and modes, such as purchase and balance credit cards, with basic and premium modes. Premium credit cards offer more rewards, discounts, and bonuses.

Top 10 Credit Cards in the UK

Here is the list of the top 10 credit cards in the UK that can help you manage your finances while enjoying the best rewards:

Amex Cashback Everyday

One of the UK's most popular and beneficial credit cards is Amex Cashback Everyday. It is one of American Express's most widely used credit cards and offers numerous benefits, especially to new customers.

Benefits

  • The new customers using Amex cashback daily are that it offers 5% cashback if you purchase for more than £125.
  • No annual fee credit card
  • Access credit limit up to £1,200
  • £20 cash back on inviting family or friends for credit card ownership
  • Welcome cashback
  • Payback is not restricted; you can pay it in as many months or in full at once.
  • Travel benefits
  • Ease in getting the insurance

Eligibility

  • You must be above 18.
  • It is necessary for individuals applying for a credit card to have permanent residency in the UK.
  • You must have a good credit history.

Limitations

  • Although it is one of the best credit cards in the UK, you cannot make global money transfer through it.
  • It may have limited access to the services.

Natwest Credit Card

If you want a credit card with global access, the Natwest credit card is your best choice. It allows you to make foreign transactions without any fee. However, you may need to pay some taxes during cash returns. It also provides services in the UK and facilitates global transactions at highly affordable and competitive exchange rates. 

Read more to learn about UK tax implications.

Benefits

  • NatWest credit card is one of the best UK credit cards.
  • Fee foreign transactions
  • Low interest rate
  • No monthly or yearly fee
  • You can access money up to £1200

Eligibility

  • You must be 18+
  • Must have an annual income of at least £10K
  • You should be a UK resident

Limitations

You must pay an additional fee for exceeding the limit or payback duration.

Barclaycard

Barclaycard offers the best credit card service in the UK. They offer different types of credit cards, such as balance transfer, Amazon rewards, purchase cashback cards, travel-focused cards, and Avios credit cards. These variations allow you to choose according to your needs. The platinum monthly balance transfer credit card is the best credit card for first-timers.

Benefits

  • It offers a low interest rate for balance transfer
  • Cost-effective solution to your financial problems
  • Flexible payback solution
  • Supports strong credit score history
  • Offers numerous budget management tools
  • Easy to use and secure

Eligibility

An individual should be a UK resident

Limitations

A transfer fee applies to Barclaycard, but it varies from person to person and depends upon the card type. The transfer fee for a balance card is 3.5%, which means that 3.5% charges will be applied to each balance transfer.

Halifax Flexicard Mastercard

Halifax is another of the best credit card companies in the UK. It provides premium credit cards with numerous benefits. It offers highly flexible payback options for credit card loans. The duration for return payment is 12 months.

Benefits

  • 0.25% cashback for spending up to £4,000
  • Free card without an annual fee
  • Best for daily users
  • Quick and secure transactions

Eligibility

Individuals applying for credit cards should be UK residents above 18 years.

Limitations

Limitations depend upon the type of credit card used and your purchasing details.

Santander All-in-One Credit Card

Santander All-in-One credit card stands among the top 10 best credit cards in the UK. Although it takes a small annual fee, it offers premium services, benefits, and rewards. It's an all-purpose credit card that allows you to access numerous things.

Benefits

  • No interest on any purchase for up to 15%
  • 0.5% cash back on all purchases
  • There are no charges or taxes on any kind of balance transfer
  • You can send money online for free to foreign countries.
  • Zero currency exchange fee
  • Allows you to make purchases in foreign countries with no additional charges
  • The credit limit for a year is £1,200

Eligibility

  • Santander All-in-One credit card has a strict eligibility criteria:
  • Individuals should be natives of the UK having residency
  • Your annual income should be £10,500 or more.
  • You must have a clear banking history with no bankruptcy history
  • You can't apply for another one if you already have an all-in-one credit card.

Limitations

Santander All-in-One is the best credit card but has a limitation: you must pay a monthly fee of £3.

Capital One Bank

Capital One Bank is a US Bank with branches in the UK. You must choose Capital One Bank to improve your credit score because it offers numerous ways.

Benefits

  • Highly accessible
  • Friendly customer service
  • Highly secure
  • No unnecessary charges
  • Traveling offers
  • Coupons and discounts for dining and shopping
  • Cash back rewards
  • Special student rewards
  • Highly supports small business
  • No annual fee is applied to platinum or master card

Eligibility

Must  be a UK resident

Limitations

Limitations depend on the type of card you choose. Typically, having a higher interest rate.

Virgin Money Balance Transfer Card

Balance credit cards facilitate money transactions from different cards to the main card, the Virgin Money balance card. They provide numerous tools that make them stand among the UK's best credit cards. Your transaction limit for using a Virgin Money balance card depends upon your credit score and income.

Benefits

  • 0% interest rate for balance transfer
  • Low transfer fees
  • It helps you gather credit from all the cards to other cards so you can use it wherever required.

Eligibility

  • You must be a UK resident
  • You must have an income of up to £7,000

Limitations

No rewards program and higher APR

HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card

The HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card is a top choice for individuals seeking a card with flexible transactions and purchases. It can be used for multiple purposes and makes accessing services easy.

Benefits

  • Offers 0% interest on all types of purchasing with a limit of 20 months
  • Ideal for large costs.
  • Balance transfer with a 0% interest rate for 17 months (though a balance transfer fee may apply)
  • comes with no annual or monthly fees
  • Exclusive discounts and offers make it the best credit card
  • Give access to various travel, shopping, and dining deals.

Eligibility

Applicants must have an annual income of £6,800

Limitations

It can become costly if balances are not paid off in time.

Tesco Clubcard Credit Car

Tesco Bank belongs to one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains. It is a deal card for those who shop a lot for Tesco. It helps you access all the things you need without worrying about money. Frequent buyers of Tesco can earn many rewards and benefits.

Benefits

  • Highly beneficial for Tescoo buyers
  • It is the best option for both spending and balance transfers, making it a good credit card in the UK.
  • Provides a 0% interest rate for up to 29 months, one of the most extended durations.
  • Helps in building credit score
  • Offers discounts on groceries, fuel, or travel through the Tesco Clubcard scheme

Eligibility

  • Must be a UK resident (consider your living history of the previous 3 years)
  • Your total income value is considered

Limitations

  • A balance transfer fee of 2.95% applies.
  • The APR after the introductory period is a 24.9% variable, which may make this card expensive for carrying balances long-term.

Nationwide Select Credit Card

Nationwide Select Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers and day-to-day purchases. It is the best credit card because it offers no-interest periods during which you can make free withdrawals and transactions.

Benefits

  • No annual fee
  • No interest rate period for up to 12 months
  • Cashback on selected services
  • Fee-free global transaction
  • Highly compatible

Eligibility

  • Only available to Nationwide current account holders.
  • You must have a good credit score history

Limitations

Limitations may depend upon your financial assessment

Benefits of Using a Credit Card in the UK

  • Credit cards help you earn rewards, discounts, and cashback
  • Improve credit score
  • Facilitate interest-free purchases
  • Secures your money

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card

If you are living in the UK, you must consider the following things so you can select the best free credit cards in the UK:

Interest Rates and Fees

Always check and compare the fees before choosing any credit card. Numerous financial companies offer different fees and interest rates, so check and compare properly. Many credit cards have no monthly or annual fee, so consider buying them.

Rewards and Perks

Check the credit card's rewards and perks. Consider your requirements for choosing a card. Some cards offer traveling and dining discounts, cashback, and credit rewards.

Introductory Offers

Almost all credit cards support introductory offers. Tesco Club Credit Card provides the maximum introductory offers for up to 29 months, making it one of the best credit cards in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a credit card, check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Most credit card providers have set a minimum annual income as a basic criterion.

Global Transaction

If you frequently make foreign transactions, consider applying for credit cards that support free global transactions. You can also use ACE Money Transfer to make foreign transactions. 

Read more to learn about global transfers made simple by ACE

Most Common Types of Credit Cards in the UK

Credit cards have several variations specified to tailor unique needs and criteria, from simple basic to premium versions. You can choose anyone, considering your eligibility and needs. The following are the most common types of credit cards widely used in the UK.

Balance Credit Cards

Balance credit cards are used to collect money from all credit cards. Some cards, such as the Virgin Money Balance Credit Card, require a specific fee for a balance transfer.

Purchase Credit Cards

Frequent buyers purchase credit cards. These cards, like the Barclaycard Platinum Purchase Credit Card, usually have no annual fee and may have 0% interest.

Reward Credit Cards

You must get a reward credit card such as the Tesco Clubcard Credit Card to earn good credit points, rewards, cash back, discounts, and perks.

Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards are the best credit cards in the UK for those who love traveling and want to enjoy discounts and rewards on travel.

Student Credit Cards

These cards are specifically for UK students. Although they have low credit limits, they offer great benefits and allowances, such as the NatWest Student Credit Card.

Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards are for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers so they can manage finances easily. You can link these credit cards with main accounts and enjoy benefits such as travel allowances and other perks—for instance, the American Express Business Platinum Card. This makes them the best credit cards.

Due to technological empowerment, loaning and burrowing have gained a new face in the form of credit cards. Credit cards are financial tools that help you borrow money from the bank for a specified duration, and you have to return it with taxes. Numerous types of credit cards serve different purposes, such as NatWest Student Credit Card, Virgin Money Balance, Barclaycard Platinum, and Tesco Clubcard. 

Boost Your Spending Power: Best UK Credit Cards

In the UK, numerous banks provide premium and best visa cards the UK. However, you must choose the best credit card to meet your needs and requirements. Although each card serves a specific purpose, you can also have all-in-one credit cards such as Santander All-in-One. Moreover, you can also get credit for transferring balance and spending money, such as with a Tesco Clubcard. Also, you can apply for credit cards to improve your credit score, such as Capital One Cards. These cards are considered as sound credit cards.

The UK's top 10 best credit cards include American Express, Natwest Credit Card, Barclaycard, Halifax Flexicard Mastercard, Santander All-in-One credit card, Capital One Bank, Virgin Money balance transfer card, and Tesco Clubcard Credit Card. These are the best credit card companies. UK credits are like financial friends supporting you with a low bank balance. So, choose your credit card wisely after researching correctly. Consider your need to make an online money transfer, balance transfers, or daily purchases. Communicate with the bank's customer service so you can check your eligibility.

FAQs

What are the benefits of credit cards?

Credit cards have numerous benefits, such as rewards and cashback, credit building, loans or mortgages, and travel benefits. Moreover, it helps you meet financial emergencies.

Does everyone can access credit cards?

Not everyone can access credit cards because they come with restrictions and strict eligibility criteria. To access credit cards in the UK, you must be a resident above 18, have a specified income, and have a good credit score.

What is cashback?

Cashback is a reward that gives you a percentage of the amount you used to buy services. For example, if you pay $10 to buy groceries, you'll get back $2 as your reward.

Do credit cards support global money transfers?

Only a few credit cards, such as Barclaycard Platinum or Virgin Money Balance Transfer Card, support global transactions, but you may have to pay considerable taxes for money transactions.

Is it costly to get a credit card?

Although there is no apparent fee for getting a credit card, maintaining a credit card can be expensive because you need to pay an annual fee and interest rate.


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