Compare Credit Cards UK
Find the best credit card deals for 2026 — compare balance transfers, cashback, 0% purchases and more.
Comparing credit cards in the UK is the simplest way to find a deal that matches how you actually spend. Whether you want to clear existing debt with a 0% balance transfer, earn cashback on everyday purchases, or build your credit score from scratch, the right card can save you hundreds of pounds a year. The UK credit card market includes over 100 products from major banks, building societies and specialist lenders. Below, we break down the main categories so you can compare features, introductory offers and ongoing rates side by side — completely free and with no obligation to apply.
Choose the right credit card for you
Best Credit Cards 2026
Our top picks across every category — the best overall cards available right now.
Read more →Balance Transfer Cards
Move existing debt to a 0% interest card and pay it off faster.
Read more →0% Purchase Cards
Spread the cost of large purchases interest-free for up to 24 months.
Read more →Cashback Credit Cards
Earn money back on your everyday spending — from groceries to fuel.
Read more →Credit Builder Cards
Designed for poor or limited credit histories — build your score responsibly.
Read more →Minimum Payment Calculator
See how long it takes to clear your credit card balance if you only make the minimum payment each month. Most UK card providers set the minimum at 2.5% of the balance or £5, whichever is greater.
Understanding the true cost of minimum payments is one of the most important things any credit card holder can do. According to UK Finance, the average UK household carries £2,592 in credit card debt. At a typical APR of 23.1%, paying only the minimum each month would take over 27 years to clear and cost thousands in interest. This calculator helps you see those numbers clearly, so you can consider whether increasing your monthly payments could save you a significant amount of money.
This calculator uses a 2.5% minimum payment rate (or £5, whichever is higher). Actual terms vary by provider. Source: typical UK credit card terms (FCA).
Watch out for
Credit cards are useful financial tools, but there are pitfalls that catch people out. Here are the key things to be aware of before you apply.
Hidden Fees
Some cards carry annual fees of £25-£195+. Balance transfer fees (1.5%-3.5%), cash advance fees (around 3%) and late payment charges (£12) can also add up quickly. Always check the full fee schedule before applying.
Introductory Rate Traps
A 0% introductory period sounds attractive, but when it ends, the standard APR (typically 21.9%-24.9%) kicks in immediately. If you have not cleared your balance by then, you could face significant interest charges. Always note the end date.
Minimum Payment Danger
Paying only the minimum (usually 2.5% of the balance) can mean decades of debt. A £3,000 balance at 22% APR would take over 27 years to clear at minimum payments, costing thousands in interest. Consider paying as much as you can each month.
Credit Score Impact
Each credit card application creates a hard search on your credit file. Multiple applications in a short period can lower your score and trigger rejections. Use soft-search eligibility checkers first and space formal applications at least three months apart.
Section 75 Protection
Many people do not realise that purchases between £100 and £30,000 made on a credit card are protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If the goods are faulty or the seller goes bust, your card provider is jointly liable. This applies even if you only paid a deposit on the card.
Cash Advance Costs
Withdrawing cash on a credit card is expensive. You will typically pay a fee of around 3% (minimum £3) and interest is charged from the day of withdrawal with no interest-free period. Avoid using credit cards for cash withdrawals wherever possible.
How Credit Card Interest Works
This chart illustrates the impact of different monthly payment amounts on a £1,000 balance at 22% APR. The difference between paying the minimum and paying £100 per month is striking — both in the total cost and the time to clear the debt.
According to the FCA, millions of UK consumers carry persistent credit card debt, where they pay more in interest and charges than they repay of the balance. Understanding how interest compounds is the first step towards avoiding this trap.
Figures are approximate and assume interest is compounded monthly. Minimum payment calculated as 2.5% of balance or £5. Source: FCA, Bank of England base rate data.
Compare cards from leading UK providers
Compare credit cards in three steps
Credit cards in numbers
Average Credit Card Debt
The average UK household carries £2,592 in credit card debt, according to UK Finance data for 2025.
Average APR
The typical variable APR across all UK credit cards is around 23.1%, though introductory rates can be as low as 0%.
Active Card Holders
Over 32.8 million adults in the UK hold at least one credit card, representing around 60% of the adult population.
Longest 0% BT Period
The longest 0% balance transfer period currently available in the UK market, though transfer fees typically apply.
Sources: UK Finance, Bank of England, FCA (2025/2026 data)
Credit card FAQs
Start by deciding what you need the card for — balance transfers, purchases, cashback or building credit. Then compare the key features like APR, introductory offers, fees and rewards across different providers. Use a free comparison service like SaveCompare to see your options side by side.
No. Simply comparing credit cards does not affect your credit score. A mark only appears on your credit file when you formally apply for a card. Many providers now offer eligibility checkers that use a soft search, which is invisible to other lenders.
The average credit card APR in the UK is around 23-25% in 2026. A competitive standard APR would be below 20%. However, many cards offer 0% introductory rates on purchases or balance transfers for a set period, making the headline APR less important if you plan to clear the balance within the promotional window.
There is no single correct number. Many people have two or three cards for different purposes — for example, one for everyday cashback and another for a 0% balance transfer. What matters most is managing them responsibly, making at least minimum payments on time, and keeping your overall credit utilisation below 30%.
Yes. Credit builder cards are designed for people with poor or limited credit histories. They typically have lower credit limits and higher APRs, but using one responsibly — spending a small amount each month and repaying in full — can help improve your credit score over time. See our credit builder cards comparison for options.
When you formally apply for a credit card, the provider runs a hard search on your credit file. This is visible to other lenders and can temporarily lower your score by a few points. The impact fades over around 12 months. To avoid unnecessary marks, use soft-search eligibility checkers first — these show your likelihood of acceptance without affecting your score. The FCA requires lenders to be transparent about whether a search is hard or soft.
Yes, there is no legal limit on how many credit cards you can hold in the UK. Many people use two or three cards for different purposes — for example, a cashback card for everyday spending and a 0% balance transfer card for clearing existing debt. The key is managing them responsibly: making all payments on time and keeping your total credit utilisation below 30% across all cards. Having multiple well-managed accounts can actually strengthen your credit profile over time.
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your credit card provider jointly liable with the retailer for purchases between £100 and £30,000. If the goods are faulty, not as described, or the company goes bust, you can claim a refund from your card provider. This applies even if you only paid a deposit on the credit card — making it a powerful consumer protection that debit cards do not offer.
The interest rate is the basic cost of borrowing, while APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus any compulsory fees, giving you a more complete picture of the total cost. In the UK, credit card providers are required by the FCA to display the representative APR, which is the rate that at least 51% of successful applicants will receive. Your personal APR may differ depending on your credit score and financial circumstances.
Not necessarily. Closing an old credit card reduces your total available credit, which can increase your credit utilisation ratio and potentially lower your score. An older account also contributes to the length of your credit history, which is a positive factor. However, if a card has an annual fee and you are not using it, closing it may make financial sense. Consider keeping fee-free cards open even if unused, and ensure the account stays active with an occasional small purchase.