Compare credit cards
Fly further with the best credit cards for earning air miles
17 results found, based on your search criteria
British Airways Premium Plus Credit Card
Rewards
BA Avios
Fees
Annual fee: £250
Representative APR (variable)
101.10% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
BA Miles Programme:
Collect 40,000 bonus Avios when the cardholder spends £3,000 on the card in the first three months. Offer ends 2 November 2021.
1.5 Avios for every £1.00 of qualifying spend on the card.
3 Avios for every £1.00 the cardholder spends directly with British Airways and BA Holidays.
Automatically enrolled as an Executive Club member on account opening.
If a cardholder makes £10,000 of qualifying spend in an anniversary year, they will receive a free ticket for a companion, for the same flight and cabin, when the miles are redeemed for a BA flight. Valid for 24 months.
Amex Offers
Exclusive discounts and offers from American Express.
There is an annual fee of £250 on this card.
Representative Example:
Representative 101.1% APR variable. Based on £250 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.5% p.a. (variable).
HSBC Premier World Elite Credit Card
Rewards
Premier Rewards
Fees
Annual fee: £195 Only available to existing current account holders
Representative APR (variable)
59.30% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You cannot check whether you can get this card before applying
40,000 reward points - spend £2,000 in the first 90 days of card membership.
40,000 reward points - spend £12,000 or more on your Card within the first 12 months of card membership.
Rewards Points Programme
2 point for every £1 of eligible spend in sterling currency.
4 points for every £1 of eligible spend in non-sterling.
Points can be redeemed for vouchers to spend in certain retailers.
HSBC Premier Privileges
HSBC is partnered with retailers and brands offering discounts/privileges on hotels, travel, restaurants, shopping and leisure activities.
There is an annual fee of £195 on this card.
Representative Example:
Representative 59.3% APR variable. Based on £195 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 18.9% p.a. (variable).
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card
Rewards
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Fees
Annual fee: £160
Representative APR (variable)
63.90% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
15,000 bonus points on first card purchase made within 90 days of opening.
You can transfer your existing balance to your new card for 6 months with a 3% fee.
Money transfers available: Transfer money from your credit card to your current account interest free for 6 month with a 5% fee.
Virgin Atlantic Points Programme:
1.5 points for every £1 spent
3 points for every £1 spent direct with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays.
15,000 bonus points on first card purchase made within 90 days of opening.
Points can be spent on flights.
Virgin Atlantic Points Programme:
1.5 points for every £1 spent
3 points for every £1 spent direct with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays.
15,000 bonus points on first card purchase made within 90 days of opening.
Points can be spent on:
-Flights.
-Upgrades/Companion tickets
-Chauffeur service
-Wellness Spas (Gatwick and Heathrow)
-Hotel Partners
-EuroStar
-Virgin group experiences
There is an annual fee of £160 on this card.
Representative Example:
Representative 63.9% APR variable. Based on £160 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 22.9% p.a. (variable).
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Rewards
Membership rewards
Fees
Annual fee: £140
Representative APR (variable)
59.90% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
20,000 bonus points for new customers when they spend £3,000 or more in the first three months from account opening.
Membership Rewards customer loyalty programme:
Cardholders earn 1 point for every £1 purchase.
2 points for every £1 spent directly with airlines or in a foreign currency.
3 points for every £1 spent at American Express Travel, the Card member exclusive online travel agency.
Spend £15,000 or more during any Card membership year and the card holder will earn an additional 10,000 bonus points when they renew their card.
Points will give access to a range of rewards such as shopping rewards, travel rewards and entertainment rewards.
Amex Offers
Exclusive discounts and offers from American Express.
Annual Fee
No fee in the first year. From year two onwards the annual fee will be charged.
There is an annual fee of £140 on this card.
Representative Example:
Representative 59.9% APR variable. Based on £140 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.5% p.a. (variable).
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
Rewards
Fees
Annual fee: £75
Representative APR (variable)
41.60% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
20,000 Introductory bonus points subject to minimum £3,000 spend during the first three months.
A points scheme is available.
Earn 2 points for every full £1 spent on the card.
Earn 6 points for every £1 of eligible purchases charged to the Card at participating Marriott hotels.
Amex Offers
Exclusive discounts and offers from American Express.
Automatic Silver Status
Receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status.
Elite Night Credits
Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year.
Free Night Award
Receive 1 free night after you spend £25,000 in an anniversary year.
There is an annual fee of £75 on this card.
Representative Example:
Representative 41.6% APR variable. Based on £75 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.5% p.a. (variable).
Nectar Credit Card
Rewards
Fees
Annual fee: £25
Representative APR (variable)
29.80% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
Collect 20,000 Nectar bonus points when you spend £2,000 within the first three months of Card membership.
Nectar Points:
2 points awarded for every full £1 spent on the Card
Minimum of 3 points awarded for every full £1 spent with Nectar Partners
Amex Offers
Exclusive discounts and offers from American Express.
Annual Fee
No fee in the first year. From year two onwards the annual fee will be charged.
There is an annual fee of £25 on this card.
Representative Example:
Representative 29.8% APR variable. Based on £25 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.5% p.a. (variable).
American Express Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Membership rewards
Fees
No annual or monthly fees apply
Representative APR (variable)
24.50% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You cannot check whether you can get this card before applying
10,000 bonus points for new customers when they spend £2,000 or more in the first three months from account opening.
Membership Rewards customer loyalty programme:
Earn one Membership Rewards point for every full pound spent on purchases.
The types of Rewards available are subject to change. Those available to the customer will be shown online at membershiprewards.co.uk.
Points will give access to a range of rewards including:
Shopping rewards - gift cards and vouchers.
Travel rewards - access to frequent flyer and hotel reward programmes.
Amex Offers
Exclusive discounts and offers from American Express.
Representative Example:
Representative 24.5% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.5% p.a. (variable).
British Airways Credit Card
Rewards
BA Avios
Fees
No annual or monthly fees apply
Representative APR (variable)
24.50% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
BA Avios Programme:
10,000 Bonus Avios awarded if the cardholder spends £1,000 within three months of account opening. Offer ends 2 November 2021.
1 Avios for every £1.00 of qualifying spend on the card.
Automatically enrolled as an Executive Club member, if not already, on account opening.
If a cardholder makes £20,000 of qualifying spend in an anniversary year, they will receive a free ticket for a companion, on the same flight, when the miles are redeemed for a BA flight.
Amex Offers
Exclusive discounts and offers from American Express.
Representative Example:
Representative 24.5% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.5% p.a. (variable).
IHG Rewards Club Credit Card
Rewards
IHG Rewards
Fees
No annual or monthly fees apply
Representative APR (variable)
22.90% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
10,000 bonus points when the cardholder spends £200 in the first 3 months of opening the account.
You can transfer your existing balance to your new card for 12 months with a 3% fee.
IHG Rewards Club Points:
- 2 IHG Rewards Club points for every £1 spent at any IHG family of hotels.
- 2 IHG Rewards Club points for every £1 spent abroad.
- 1 IHG Rewards Club point for every £1 spent on purchases elsewhere.
Guaranteed IHG Rewards club "Gold Elite" status with the life of this card.
Representative Example:
Representative 22.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 22.9% p.a. (variable).
Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card
Rewards
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Fees
No annual or monthly fees apply
Representative APR (variable)
22.90% APR
Pre-Apply eligibility
You can check whether you can get this card before applying
You can transfer your existing balance to your new card for 6 months with a 3% fee.
Money transfers available: Transfer money from your credit card to your current account interest free for 6 month with a 5% fee.
Virgin Atlantic Points Programme:
0.75 points for every £1 spent
1.5 points for every £1 spent direct with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays.
Points can be spent on flights.
Virgin Atlantic Points Programme:
0.75 points for every £1 spent
1.5 points for every £1 spent direct with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays.
Points can be spent on:
-Flights.
-Upgrades/Companion tickets
-Chauffeur service
-Wellness Spas (Gatwick and Heathrow)
-Hotel Partners
-EuroStar
-Virgin group experiences
Representative Example:
Representative 22.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 22.9% p.a. (variable).
- Credit cards guide
- Focus on airline credit cards
- Popular credit card FAQs
- About our credit cards comparison
A credit card is something that almost everyone can benefit from.
Used effectively, there are plenty of advantages to credit cards, such as interest-free borrowing over several years, free and discounted flights, cashback, rewards and additional purchase protection.
Used effectively, there are plenty of advantages to credit cards, such as interest-free borrowing over several years, free and discounted flights, cashback, rewards and additional purchase protection.
In this guide
Eligibility
Balance transfer cards
Purchases cards
0% Balance transfer & purchases cards
Cashback cards
Credit builder
Balance transfer cards
Purchases cards
0% Balance transfer & purchases cards
Cashback cards
Credit builder
How to choose the right credit card
Almost every credit card on the market has been designed to meet a specific need. With a bit of research, choosing the right one for you should be straightforward. The first step is to consider what type of card is likely to suit your needs. Then, you can check your eligibility before you apply.
Eligibility
When you apply for a credit card, you’ll be asked for information about your circumstances. This will be used alongside data on your credit file to determine whether you'll be issued with a card - and if so, what your credit limit will be.
What impacts eligibility:
What impacts eligibility:
- You previously defaulted, as this may indicate you cannot deal with credit responsibly
- You previously missed payments, as this may indicate you cannot deal with credit responsibly
- You’ve moved repeatedly or are there gaps in your address history. Providers may worry you'll disappear with their money
- You’re borrowing more, as this may indicate you can't keep up with your payments
- You total debt is a high percentage of your income - the higher it is, the harder it will be to pay off
- You’ve made a flurry of new applications, as this may suggest you are under sudden financial stress
Fortunately, most providers have ‘eligibility checkers’ that indicate your likelihood of getting a card before you apply. This minimises the risk of you applying for a card you won’t get and leaving a search on your credit record.
Unless you’ve a high income, or years of blemish-free credit history, we recommend only applying for cards where you can check your eligibility first.
Unless you’ve a high income, or years of blemish-free credit history, we recommend only applying for cards where you can check your eligibility first.
Credit card types
0% Balance transfers
If you’re struggling to pay off debt on your credit card, you may be paying hefty interest charges each month.
But you can avoid paying any interest at all for up to 26 months. That’s if you shift your balance to a so-called 0% balance transfer card with a different provider.
If you need longer to pay off the card, there are options, but you’ll pay a fee.
But you can avoid paying any interest at all for up to 26 months. That’s if you shift your balance to a so-called 0% balance transfer card with a different provider.
If you need longer to pay off the card, there are options, but you’ll pay a fee.
0% Purchases
A 0% purchase card, as its name suggests, gives you an introductory period where any spending on the card will be interest-free for up to 26 months.
This type of card may be suitable if, say, you need to make one big purchase - or a number of smaller purchases that you cannot afford to pay off straight away.
If the goods are worth over £100, the card provider will be jointly liable if things go wrong, such as the retailer going bust (under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act). So you have added protection on purchases too.
This type of card may be suitable if, say, you need to make one big purchase - or a number of smaller purchases that you cannot afford to pay off straight away.
If the goods are worth over £100, the card provider will be jointly liable if things go wrong, such as the retailer going bust (under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act). So you have added protection on purchases too.
0% balance transfer and purchases cards (allrounder credit cards).
It’s typically considered wise to cut up your balance transfer cards once you’ve shifted any debt across – that way, you’ll hopefully avoid accumulating further debt.
But if you still need to spend on a credit card and you’re unlikely to be able to wipe out that debt immediately, there is another option – balance transfer and purchase cards. Key benefits:
But if you still need to spend on a credit card and you’re unlikely to be able to wipe out that debt immediately, there is another option – balance transfer and purchase cards. Key benefits:
- The longest 0% periods are available from Balance Transfer and Purchase cards, so they may be cheaper
- You only need to apply for one card, minimising the number of searches on your credit file
- Your credit history may appear more stable as you will have fewer cards
Cashback, Rewards and airline credit cards
You will not typically be charged any interest for at least a month after you make a purchase by using a credit card.
You also receive greater protection on goods and services valued over £100 under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. So, if you order something and the retailer goes bust, for example, you can claim your money back from the credit card provider.
But credit cards have plenty of other benefits.
For example:
You also receive greater protection on goods and services valued over £100 under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. So, if you order something and the retailer goes bust, for example, you can claim your money back from the credit card provider.
But credit cards have plenty of other benefits.
For example:
- Discounts in your favourite store
- Free flights and companion vouchers
- Cashback on your spending
As a general rule, the better the incentive, the higher the Representative APR will be. So you should ONLY consider a cashback or airline card if you will pay off the balance in full each month.
Credit builder credit cards
If you’re applying for your first credit card, or have a chequered credit history, you’ll probably find you have limited options.
You may have to consider a specialist card designed to stop you getting into serious debt – and build your credit score. Known as credit-builder credit cards, they can be a good option for people who don’t qualify for standard deals.
When building a good credit history, you need to be disciplined and demonstrate you can manage your access to credit responsibly.
For example:
You may have to consider a specialist card designed to stop you getting into serious debt – and build your credit score. Known as credit-builder credit cards, they can be a good option for people who don’t qualify for standard deals.
When building a good credit history, you need to be disciplined and demonstrate you can manage your access to credit responsibly.
For example:
- Set up the direct debit immediately, to ensure you never miss a payment
- Draw up a budget and never spend more than you can afford to pay off in a given month
- Do not use more than 80% of the available credit in any given month
- Pay off the card in full each month
The pros and cons of minimum payments
How do minimum repayments work?
The minimum credit card repayment is the lowest amount you can repay on your credit card each month and avoid breaching the terms of your credit agreement. If you fail to repay the minimum amount, you may face additional fees and charges.
Since 2011, the legal minimum that a credit card provider can ask you to repay each month is:
For the majority of credit cards, the overall cost of the APR and the minimum repayment will usually equate to between 2 - 4% of the card balance each month. That’s outside of any 0% period where you will only have to pay either the statutory minimum or the percentage set by your lender.
Most cards will also have a minimum cash repayment (typically between £5 - £25). You pay whatever is higher – the minimum cash repayment or percentage repayment.
Since 2011, the legal minimum that a credit card provider can ask you to repay each month is:
- The interest owed for the month
- Any fees and charges; plus 1% of the outstanding balance
For the majority of credit cards, the overall cost of the APR and the minimum repayment will usually equate to between 2 - 4% of the card balance each month. That’s outside of any 0% period where you will only have to pay either the statutory minimum or the percentage set by your lender.
Most cards will also have a minimum cash repayment (typically between £5 - £25). You pay whatever is higher – the minimum cash repayment or percentage repayment.
Dangers of minimum repayments It’s wise to wipe out debt quickly and as cheaply as possible. By making minimum repayments, the amount you repay each month will fall as your balance reduces – and it’ll take longer to clear.
You should avoid repeatedly making minimum repayments. They are an option for when you’re short of money. But only, ideally, for a limited time.
The more you repay, the quicker you’ll pay your debt off and avoid paying over the odds.
Instead of paying the minimum repayment, consider a slightly higher fixed monthly payment. You will repay the debt much faster, without noticing the impact in your pocket.
You should avoid repeatedly making minimum repayments. They are an option for when you’re short of money. But only, ideally, for a limited time.
The more you repay, the quicker you’ll pay your debt off and avoid paying over the odds.
Instead of paying the minimum repayment, consider a slightly higher fixed monthly payment. You will repay the debt much faster, without noticing the impact in your pocket.
Impact on your capacity to get future credit
If you are applying for new credit - such as cards, loans or mortgages - lenders will perform a credit check.
This is done using one of the credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax and CallCredit. From this, they will see your full credit history and whether you have missed payments or made minimum repayments.
If you have, for example, regularly made the minimum repayments, this may indicate poor financial management and that you cannot afford to repay your debts.
This is done using one of the credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax and CallCredit. From this, they will see your full credit history and whether you have missed payments or made minimum repayments.
If you have, for example, regularly made the minimum repayments, this may indicate poor financial management and that you cannot afford to repay your debts.
Dangers of minimum repayments on 0% purchase cards
When used as recommended, 0% purchase cards are the cheapest loans on the market – that’s if you pay them off by the end of the interest-free period.
The key is having a plan to wipe out the debt before the introductory purchase period has finished.
If you step outside the interest-free period, you may suddenly face hefty interest charges that will be added to your repayments – plus 1% of any outstanding balance. This could amount to an eye-watering three times more than the previous month’s minimum repayment.
Ideally, work out how much you need to repay your debt within the 0% period and make fixed monthly repayments.
The key is having a plan to wipe out the debt before the introductory purchase period has finished.
If you step outside the interest-free period, you may suddenly face hefty interest charges that will be added to your repayments – plus 1% of any outstanding balance. This could amount to an eye-watering three times more than the previous month’s minimum repayment.
Ideally, work out how much you need to repay your debt within the 0% period and make fixed monthly repayments.
Dangers of minimum payments on balance transfer cards
The longest balance transfer cards come with upfront fees that can be as much as 3% of the amount you are transferring.
If there is an upfront fee, you won’t repay any of the transferred balance in the first three months.
Similarly to 0% purchase cards, paying the minimum repayment will see maximum monthly costs rise and it’ll take longer to wipe out your debt. Try to repay your debt like a loan, at a fixed amount over the introductory period.
If there is an upfront fee, you won’t repay any of the transferred balance in the first three months.
Similarly to 0% purchase cards, paying the minimum repayment will see maximum monthly costs rise and it’ll take longer to wipe out your debt. Try to repay your debt like a loan, at a fixed amount over the introductory period.
What if you cannot make the minimum credit card payments?
If you are unable to meet your minimum repayment, speak to the lender immediately. You may find that your provider offers useful guidance or even allows for a so-called ‘payment holiday’.
Some simple budgeting may help you find spare cash to pay off debts. But if you’re still struggling, you may wish to speak with your bank, or possibly a debt charity, such as Step Change (www.stepchange.org; 0800 1381111) or Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk).
Some simple budgeting may help you find spare cash to pay off debts. But if you’re still struggling, you may wish to speak with your bank, or possibly a debt charity, such as Step Change (www.stepchange.org; 0800 1381111) or Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk).
You can earn air miles, rewards and points when you spend on an airline credit card. These can be put towards more than flights – they may, for example, be used for lounge access, priority boarding, free upgrades, discounts off hotels, and car hire.
In this guide
What is an airline or airmiles credit card?
Who are airline and airmiles credit cards for?
Introductory offers and Companion tickets
Making the most of your airline card
Who are airline and airmiles credit cards for?
Introductory offers and Companion tickets
Making the most of your airline card
What is an Airline credit card?
Airline credit cards offer rewards when you spend, typically in the form of air miles or points that can be used to pay for flights, hotels, car hire and other spending. If you’re a frequent traveller, airline credit cards will offer some of the best incentives with points to redeem against future trips. Used right, it may be possible to get an equivalent cashback rate of over 20%!
Who are airline credit cards for
Airline credit cards are aimed at frequent flyers, big spenders and anyone likely to make the most of the various rewards – such as hotel discounts. You’ll need an excellent credit history to apply for one of these cards.
However, beware that the majority come with high APRs, and these cards may have hefty annual fees of as much as £150. This could wipe out any potential reward benefits if you fail to use the card carefully.
If your credit history and affordability isn’t good enough for an airline credit card you could, for example, use a Tesco Clubcard. Spending on this will build up points that can be exchanged for Avios to be used for travel.
There may be other cards that will offer you better value if you aren’t a big spender, or frequent traveller. For example, cashback credit cards may be a good option as you can spend the rewards on whatever you wish.
Ensure to arrange a direct debit to pay off your credit card balance each month. This will minimise the chance of missed payments.
However, beware that the majority come with high APRs, and these cards may have hefty annual fees of as much as £150. This could wipe out any potential reward benefits if you fail to use the card carefully.
If your credit history and affordability isn’t good enough for an airline credit card you could, for example, use a Tesco Clubcard. Spending on this will build up points that can be exchanged for Avios to be used for travel.
There may be other cards that will offer you better value if you aren’t a big spender, or frequent traveller. For example, cashback credit cards may be a good option as you can spend the rewards on whatever you wish.
Ensure to arrange a direct debit to pay off your credit card balance each month. This will minimise the chance of missed payments.
Introductory offers & companion tickets
Some airline credit cards offer attractive bonuses for signing up, provided you spend a particular amount within the first three months. They may also offer free companion tickets as an introductory offer. Or you may receive a companion ticket once a year, or when you meet an annual spending amount.
American Express, British Airways and Virgin, for example, all offer companion tickets provided you spend a certain amount on the card annually. In theory, a companion ticket significantly boosts the card’s value. However, while you will only pay taxes and charges for your companion, you may find there are restrictions on flights. So check the terms and conditions carefully.
American Express, British Airways and Virgin, for example, all offer companion tickets provided you spend a certain amount on the card annually. In theory, a companion ticket significantly boosts the card’s value. However, while you will only pay taxes and charges for your companion, you may find there are restrictions on flights. So check the terms and conditions carefully.
How do you get the most air miles?
Use your card for everyday spending to maximise your points, and every time you buy flights from the particular airline. The real value in companion tickets is that they double the total value of the points you already have. See the example at the bottom of this guide.
You can spend your Avios or other airmiles scheme points on more than just flights
Almost all of the points you collect on your airline credit card can be spent on other perks. Perhaps you don’t wish to claim a companion ticket – and would be more suited to spending points on wine, parking, car hire and other benefits. However, if you would like to swap your air miles for something else, it’s important that you check with the chosen airline what perks they have to offer.
Which airlines have reward schemes?
A variety of major airlines offer reward schemes to their customers. You don’t have to use their credit cards, as you can claim points when you book flights via the airline, but these cards will potentially boost any rewards you get and can offer big bonuses. Check the detail to see what rewards and air miles are on offer. Here are some popular options:
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad
- Virgin
- United Airlines
Example
The more you spend, the more points you get - and, provided you spend over the companion ticket threshold, you'll receive that benefit too.The example below assumes both customers apply for the British Airways Premium Plus card. At the time of application, they are given 25,000 Avios points - that's provided they spend £3,000 on the cards in the first 3 months.
Super savvy business travelling customer: Personal Annual spend: £12,000 | 4 British airways business class flights to Mumbai per year (£5000) | 4 stays in Hyatt @ £75 21 nights (£1575)
Total spend: £18,575
- Introductory welcome bonus: 25,000
- Existing avios from previous business: 40,000
- Avios from personal spending £12,000: 18,000
- Avios from business spending £5k on BA: 15,000
- Avios from business BA flights to mumbai: 55,000
- Avios from business spending @ Hyatt: 2300
- Avios from business hotel@ Hyatt: 3150
Total avios points: 158,000, worth around £3,800
This is enough for a first class flight to the east coast of America rtn, First one way and business the other to Cape Town, the Caribbean or South America that would otherwise cost 2 people no less than £5,000, but using a companion ticket would cost around £1200 in taxes and charges + annual fee of £195.Net benefit of total spend:
£3,800 / £18575 (20% equivalent cashback)
Net benefit on personal spend:
£3800 / £12,000 (32% equivalent cashback)
£3,800 / £18575 (20% equivalent cashback)
Net benefit on personal spend:
£3800 / £12,000 (32% equivalent cashback)
Yes. Direct Debits dramatically reduce the risk of you failing to make payments and stop your balances accumulating. you can set your Direct Debit as a fixed monthly amount, for example, or to wipe out any outstanding balance.
Yes. Credit card rules include making the “minimum repayment” amount each month. Failing to do so could result in any special introductory offer being removed, additional fees being charged or your balance moved onto a different, more expensive card. Failing to make a payment will also leave a mark on your credit file that will make it harder to get credit - and if you do, mean you will pay more for the borrowing.
The minimum repayment is the sum of any interest and charges accrued during the previous month, plus the higher of 1% of your outstanding balance or a figure determined by the provider (usually, a little more than 1%). Most providers will also have a monetary minimum repayment and if so, the minimum repayment will be the higher of the two.
The big issue with minimum repayments is that as the balance reduces, so does your monthly repayment, extending the time that you are in debt and therefore the amount of interest you will pay to your card issuer. This isn’t to say that minimum repayments aren’t useful - they can be if used sparingly to get you over a spending hump, such as Christmas. However, repeatedly making minimum repayments will leave a mark on your credit file and may also be seen negatively by lenders if you wish to borrow again.
This depends on your circumstances, but ideally you should always avoid paying interest and pay off as much of the balance as you can afford.
Beyond making the minimum repayment, it's always sensible to pay off the most expensive (card with the highest rate) first.
Card providers will use the information on your credit file, information that they already hold about you and the information on your form to determine whether they will lend to you. There are a number of key factors, so getting these in order is worthwhile before you apply:
Ensure you're on the electoral roll
If you have a lot of open credit cards, close a few of them
Try to avoid having too much debt as a percentage of either your salary or your available debt
Be consistent and honest on any applications (providers can check and estimate details)
If you have a good credit history, It may be as simple as the card issuer will not allow you to have more than one card on their files.
If you're in a position where you cannot afford to pay the minimum repayments, then you may wish to speak your provider about how to manage this. You could also contact a debt charity for help, such as Turn2us (Turn2us.org.uk), StepChange (stepchange.org) or Citizens Advice Bureau (citizensadvice.org.uk).
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, the annualised amount of Interest you will be charged as a percentage, rather than just a monthly fee. Ordinarily, an APR will only include the interest charges, but not any other fees and charges.
To level the playing field and allow you to easily compare products, the Representative APR includes those charges and the representative example will use an assumed borrowing figure of £1,200.
Not necessarily. Typically, only around 51% of accepted applicants receive the advertised offer. This means that, in theory, 49% of people could get a shorter introductory period and/or a different Representative APR (usually higher).
Whether you get the headline offer will depend on how the lender views you, using a combination of the information you provide and on your credit file.
As soon as you get any form of credit, a credit file will be opened on you by the credit reference agencies - Experian, TransUnion (formally Call Credit) and Equifax. In theory, all agencies should hold the same data on your file, but data doesn’t always flow through correctly, so the information they hold about you may be slightly different.
The CRAs interpret this data using their own algorithms and can present that back to you as a “credit score”. However, this score is merely their evaluation of the information and is not something that is used directly by lenders.
Knowing where you sit on the credit score spectrum is useful. It can help you to understand how you’re likely to be viewed by most lenders. Typically, the higher your credit score the more likely you are to get the headline offer, if you are accepted when you apply for a particular product.
Not necessarily. Each time you apply for a credit card will leave a mark on your credit file, but the occasional application is unlikely (subject to a few caveats) to make much of an impact.
However, if you apply for a number of credit products in quick succession, this may be seen as a sign of debt stress and that may raise red flags with lenders.
To avoid this, where possible always use an eligibility checker before making your application.
Yes - but provided you meet the lenders minimum income requirements - only indirectly. All lenders consider how affordable the debt or potential debt will be for you. To do this, they typically use third party data to calculate your living costs - including the costs of your existing debt - to work out your disposable income. The more disposable income you have the bigger the credit limit you are likely to get.
If you have an average credit score with a few blemishes on it, but significant disposable income, you may be accepted for products with a reasonable credit limit. However, you're less likely to get the headline rate than someone in a similar position with an unblemished credit file.
There isn’t a definitive answer. This depends on your particular circumstances and each lender has its own rules.
However, if you think about this from a lender's perspective, you will likely make the right decision.
For example, let's say you've had a card for many years and slowly accumulated a balance, which you then transfer. Financial stability and account age is perceived as a positive, so leaving that card account open may be a good thing to do.
However, if you have 10 credit card accounts that haven’t been open for long, but cumulatively add up to a large credit limit, then closing a few of these is likely to be helpful as when you apply for future credit. The new lender will be able to see how many credit accounts you have, how many are in regular use and your cumulative credit limit.
If a lender judges that the cost of your existing credit card debt exceeds a certain percentage of your disposable income, they may reject you.
If you are sure you will pay off your credit card in full each month then a reward, cashback or airline card will probably provide the best value. Be careful though, as the cards offering the best rewards may also charge the highest rate, so if you don’t pay them off any rewards will be quickly eroded. If you want to make purchases beyond your monthly budget, a purchases card with an introductory 0% interest period will give you up to 2 years to pay off the debt without paying any additional charges. If you've already built up a debt on a credit card, a balance transfer card with an introductory 0% period will allow you to cut the cost of your borrowing. However, the longest 0% deals have an upfront fee. If you have built up a balance, it is usually best to cut up the card after transferring to avoid any temptation to rack up more debt. If you have an overdraft or another expensive debt, a money transfer card will allow you to move money from your credit card to your current account to pay this off. It's a card that transfers money into your bank account. You typically borrow at 0% for a period, but pay a fee.
If you are accepted and the card issuer is confident there is no risk of fraud, some providers will provide a virtual card, so you can start spending immediately.
Otherwise, applications normally take a few days to a week. That's assuming that the lender doesn't require any further documentation from you.
All credit cards provide you with at least a month of interest-free credit, allowing you to delay payments until you get paid or leave money in savings for this period.
Credit cards provide you with "Section 75" protection under the Consumer Credit Act. This means that the card provider will be jointly liable for any issues you have with products and services purchased with your card. So you may be able to claim back from your card provider or ask them to negotiate with the supplier on your behalf for any breach of contract of misrepresentation.
Assuming you don't go over your credit limit, repay your card balance each month and build up a steady credit history, having a credit card should enhance your credit score. This may give you access to cheaper credit in the future, and make it easier when applying for mortgages.
We have a credit cards data feed from the data specialists defaqto. They provide us with over 100 daily updated data items that we use to compile or Credit Card listings on Everything Financial.
Defaqto have a team dedicated to ensuring the information that they provide to us and others is accurate. However, it is your responsibility to check the details of any products and services on the Provider’s site before you apply
Getting data from defaqto, running servers and employing a team to run the website costs money. So, like almost all other comparison sites we list the best “affiliated” links first for each credit card type and then the unaffiliated links after this.
Within the credit cards section you can either filter and sort all the results or evaluate the best card for you according to each card type. To allow you to make an informed choice we have included additional information about each credit card below the listing that includes:
Dropdown info
- Monthly or annual fees
Main credit cards page
The main credit cards page provides you with every credit card that we get in our feed from Defaqto. The results set is initially ordered by the Defaqto star ratings (descending) and then by the Rep. APR ascending.
The main listing information contains:
Provider | Product | Introductory offer BT or Purchases offer | Fees | Eligibility Check | Defaqto star rating
The main listing information contains:
Provider | Product | Introductory offer BT or Purchases offer | Fees | Eligibility Check | Defaqto star rating
Airline cards
The best 'value' airline cards are best suited to be big spenders who repay their cards in full each month and are usually the ones with the highest fees, so almost counter intuitively we have ordered the airline cards by their annual fees descending and then by the Representative APR (also descending).
Balance transfer cards
The balance transfer listings page is initially ordered by the lowest cost of clearing a balance of £3,000 with a fixed monthly repayment of £110. The listings information is The results can be further sorted and filtered to:
- Display the results ordered by the longest balance transfer period
- Cards without a balance transfer fee (the best option if you can repay the debt within that introductory period).
- Balance transfer cards for those with impaired credit
Cashback cards
As there are only 21 cashback cards on the market, we have not provided any additional filters and have ordered the listings according to the highest standard cashback.
Credit building / poor credit, credit cards
There are 38 different credit cards that are have been designed for consumers who have blemishes on their credit files, but only 13 different providers, each with multiple brands. To make comparison easier we have grouped all the cards by each provider and included the card Issuer in the listings, so you can see who you are really applying to for each card, the credit limits available and whether you can check your eligibility before you apply.
Purchases cards
To best evaluate the value of purchases cards, there are a few factors that may be worth consideration:
- The introductory purchases period: how long you before you will have to pay any interest on the balance accumulated during the introductory period
- The Rep. APR: The rate of interest that will be charged on any remaining balance after the introductory period has finished
- Rewards: Additional perks from spending on the card
Reward cards
Reward cards come in various shapes and sizes (metaphorically these days), fortunately if you remember the 'mint card' of old with its curved edge that repeatedly got stuck in ATMs.
Some of you will know that you are looking for Airline cards or cashback cards, but if you don't being able to compare all the different reward cards in one place may be useful.
The listings on rewards cards therefore include:
Some of you will know that you are looking for Airline cards or cashback cards, but if you don't being able to compare all the different reward cards in one place may be useful.
The listings on rewards cards therefore include:
- What 'type' of rewards are associated with each card
- Fees: Are there annual or monthly fees you have to pay for having the card
- Can you check your eligibility before you apply
- Defaqto expert rating
How have you calculated the cost of borrowing on balance/money transfers To provide an indicative understanding of which card may be best for you, we have provided the following calculation:
Balance: £3000 + (any upfront fee) Monthly repayment: £110 (less interest accrued in the previous month)
This calculation assumes that you will not do any other spending on the card. To help yourself avoid the temptation of spending on your new card, you may want to consider taking the scissors to it straight away!
If you are unsure which card is going to be best for you, a quick way to estimate this is to divide the total balance by the amount you can afford to repay each month, if it is more than less than 24 months, a fee free card will probably be cheapest and if it is more than 34 months, then you will almost certainly be best off with the longest possibe balance transfer with a fee.
We aim to include all the credit cards in the defaqto data feed, but will not include any that are missing key regulatorily required information such as the Representative APR.
When analysing the data to compile our listings we could see that there were only a small number of providers offering a number of very bad credit / credit builder products. To make comparison easier for you, we determined that consolidating the into one listing per provider would be easier.
Defaqto have a set of criteria that they use to determine how good or otherwise different credit cards are, by rating all the different features and costs. A 1 star product, isn’t necessarily a bad product, merely a limited product.
You can see all every credit card's defaqto rating on the main credit card page and can filter the results to more easily see features of interest to you.
However, when deciding which is the best card for a particular purpose, an aggregate score of all the card's features is not as relevant. We have therefore changed the information displayed to allow you to compare that type of credit card more easily.
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The Senior Management team is comprised of respected Industry experts who both understand financial services, but are also committed to helping you choose the best value products in the market for you. Go to the top