Shopping around is always important, especially when it comes to credit cards. We help you compare deals from leading providers across the market so you can be confident to pick the best deal for your needs.
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 24.9% (variable)
Great for
0% interest on purchases for 24 months from the date you open your account
0% interest on balance transfers for 21 months from the date you open your account (2.95% fee applies). Transfers must be made within 60 days to benefit from the 0% offer
Earn up to 15% cashback automatically when you spend at a range of participating retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards. Available to all Barclaycard Visa credit card customers. T&Cs apply
But be aware that
You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances
You must transfer a balance within the first 60 days to get the promotional offer
Rewards
Earn 0.25% cashback on all purchases with no cap and no foreign transaction fees both for 36 months from account opening. Winner of Credit Card Provider of the Year at the Moneyfacts Awards 2025. T&Cs apply
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.94% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 12.9% (variable)
Great for
Earn 0.25% cashback on eligible purchases within first 36 months of account opening
No Foreign Exchange fees for the first 36 months of account opening. After the promotional period, foreign exchange fees will be charged at 2.95%
But be aware that
You cannot transfer a balance from another credit card issued by MBNA
Your standard interest rates will be linked to the Bank of England Base Rate. This means they will change automatically in line with changes to the Base Rate, but any promotional rates and offers you have will not
If you need to update or change any information once on the lender's website, this could change their decision to offer this product
Travel
Priority Pass membership. Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Airport Security Fast Track, Skip the queues and upgrade your experience through airport security at participating airports, provided by DragonPass, T&C’s Apply
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.94% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 55% (variable)
Great for
Earn 0.5% cashback on purchases totalling up to and including £15000 in each anniversary year from account opening. Earn 1% cashback on purchases totalling over £15000 in each anniversary year from account opening
Priority Pass membership offering access to over 1,300 airport lounges, worldwide. Airport Security Fast Track, skip the queues through airport security at participating airports, provided by DragonPass
Access to Mastercard Priceless exclusive experiences and offers
But be aware that
0% Foreign Exchange Fee for the first 60 months, after this period the fee will be 2.95%
What is a credit card?
A credit card lets you borrow money to purchase goods and services, with the understanding that you’ll repay the card issuer at a later date.
If you don’t pay the balance in full within the set period, interest is usually added to the amount you owe.
However, some cards offer a 0% interest period for new customers during the first few months to encourage sign-ups.
As well as using them for everyday spending, credit cards have other benefits. They can be used to consolidate debts, earn rewards and cashback and even boost your credit rating, which can help with future borrowing.
How to apply for a credit card?
Decide which type of credit card you want: Looking for a credit card to build your credit rating? Or perhaps you want to spread the cost of a big-ticket purchase with a purchase credit card? Either way, you’re likely to be asked what you’ll use the credit card for when you apply
Provide any information asked for: Lenders will ask for some of your personal details, including your salary so you can prove you’ll be able to repay what you owe.
See your eligibility: When you compare credit cards with us, you’ll be shown your chances of being accepted for the card so you can apply with confidence.
Choose the card: You’ll need to pick which lender and card you want – different lenders offer different deals and interest rates, depending on your financial circumstances.
You’ll receive your card: Once you’re accepted for the credit card, you should receive your card quickly
How do credit cards work?
Apply for a credit card: You’ll be asked for personal details, such as your name and address, when you apply. You should also expect questions about your financial situation, such as your employment status and salary.
Get your credit card: Once you’ve been approved for a credit card, you’ll receive it shortly. You will have a credit limit, which is the maximum amount of money you can borrow. According to MoneySuperMarket data, the average credit limit for people searching through us is £2000* .
Make credit card repayments: You’ll receive your bill every month and it’ll show you the balance you owe. It’s important to make payments on time and, if possible, you should aim to pay off your card in full.
Will interest rate cuts make borrowing cheaper?
As of May 2025 the Bank of England base rate is 4.25%, following a cut on 8th May that brought the Bank Rate to its lowest level since May 2023.
A lower base rate can encourage lenders to reduce the interest rates they charge on credit cards, making borrowing more affordable. You may therefore see credit card interest rates start to come down in the coming months, particularly if rate cuts are announced.
That said, it is still worth noting that interest rates, and therefore borrowing costs, are still high compared to recent times, with the base rate being as low as 0.1% just 4 years ago.
If you're looking to borrow and keep your costs down, it could be worthwhile looking at cards that come with interest free periods, such as 0% balance transfer cards or 0% purchase cards.
What are the different types of credit cards I can apply for?
Switch an existing card balance to a lower rate or 0% interest balance transfer card to clear your debts more quickly. The best cards offer 0% interest for more than two and a half years. There will usually be a balance transfer fee.
You’ll start with a low credit limit. But with careful use you can build up your credit score – and credit limit - over time. Improving this can help with other credit applications in the future, such as for a loan or mortgage.
Earn loyalty points or Air Miles with purchases you make using the card. Can suit those who spend a lot on their card but always clear the balance in full each month, as interest rates can be high.
Allows you to consolidate other debts and pay a lower interest rate. Typically they are used to transfer cash to a current account so you can pay off an overdraft. Transfer fees usually apply.
Offers a low or 0% interest period on what you buy for an extended offer period. This time period will vary depending on the deal, but it could be up to two years – great if you need to make a big purchase.
Gives you a percentage back in on certain purchases made on the card. Suits spenders who know they can clear their card balance every month as interest rates can be high. There may be an annual fee but cashback can be generous.
A combined card for those who have an existing card balance to switch to a lower or 0% rate, but who also need to spend on the card. The best deals offer 0% interest on transfers and new spending for a time.
These are ideal for taking abroad because the fees and charges for overseas use are much lower than those on standard credit cards. You should also get competitive exchange rates.
There are a number of reasons to take out a credit card
When will I clear my credit card balance?
Use our calculator to find out when your balance will be cleared, and also see how much you could save with a 0% balance transfer card.
Credit Card Calculator
See how much it will cost to pay off your credit card, and how long will it take
£
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This rate of interest determines how much it costs for you to borrow on the credit card.
You should be able to find it on your statement, usually in a summary box on the back. Unless you have changed
cards recently, it's likely to be between about 14.9% and 29.9%.
If you can't find it, get in touch with your card provider - they will be able to tell you simply and quickly.
£0£1000
£
Enter the size of the payment you typically make each month.
If you aren't sure, look back at your last three statements to see how much you paid on those.
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You'll need to repay more each month to pay off the card within the next 20 years
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Save money with a balance transfer credit card
Switching to a 0% balance transfer card could save you
£200. Play with the filters below to match your circumstance and find out how much you can
save.
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* If you do not pay off your balance within the promotional period, you will then be charged interest. For
calculation purposes, we've used the interest rate you entered above.
Want rewards, cashback and free experiences? We've got you....
Earn up to £20* every time you buy
We’ll reward you every time you make a purchase. Exchange your earnings for a gift card for Amazon.co.uk*, Sainsbury’s & more
Free experiences
A years worth of free experiences across the UK. From London Zoo and Go Ape, to Hussle Swimming and English Heritage, there’s an adventure for everybody. Worth £180*.
Cashback
Whether you're buying clothing, homewares or takeaways, earn up to 10%*cashback from brands like Just Eat, eBay & Argos.
Refer a Friend
You and your friends each get up to £20 when they join the Club and make a qualifying purchase. Win-Win!
How do I avoid paying interest on my credit card?
You only pay interest on a credit card if you don’t clear your balance in full each month. By paying off your statement balance in full and on time every month, you’ll never pay interest - helping you manage your money effectively and even improving your credit score.
If you’re unsure whether you can pay off your balance in full each month, consider an interest free credit card.
These cards offer an introductory 0% interest period, lasting up to 24* months.
However, once this period ends, any remaining balance will start accruing interest - so it’s important to plan repayments accordingly.
With so many types of credit card to choose from it can be tricky to decide which might be best for you. Luckily, there are few simple rules you can follow to make sure you pick the right card for your needs:
Consolidate any debt efficiently
With a balance transfer credit card you can consolidate debts: for a small fee, you transfer all your existing debt onto the new card, which will come with a hefty period of low or even zero interest.
Build or repair your credit score
If you have a poor credit rating for whatever reason, there are cards that can strengthen your score. With MoneySuperMarket, you can compare credit cards for bad credit, where you could still get a card even with bad credit.
Seek low interest for everyday spending
Credit cards can be handy for day-to-day spending or spreading out the cost of a larger item - or maybe a big purchase like a holiday. Many cards give you 0% interest on any purchase made within three months or so, saving you the usual cost of borrowing – provided you stick to making your repayments on time.
Consider if you want rewards
There are many types of credit card that offer rewards on your spending. Frequent flyers can benefit from airline credit cards which give you travel-related rewards. Savvy shoppers can also take advantage of cashback which rewards you when you buy.
What are the pros and cons of credit cards?
Advantages
A 0% purchase credit card is useful for funding big-ticket purchases and affords you time to pay them off without accruing interest
Used responsibly, a credit card can be a good way of improving your credit score
Some cards come with potentially money-saving sweeteners, such as travel perks or cashback
Section 75 applies to credit cards and covers you if a purchase you make is faulty or doesn’t arrive
Disadvantages
Credit cards are so convenient and easy to use, it can be tempting to overspend and rack up debt
Some card providers charge high fees for missing payments. While others levy annual fees to qualify for rewards
Credit cards usually have variable rates, which means your repayments could rise and make it more costly to service your debt
Can I get a credit card with bad credit?
There are certain credit cards for bad credit which are specifically designed to boost the scores of people who’ve struggled with debt in the past, or people who don’t have much credit history at all (either because they’re young, or because they’ve just moved to the UK).
How they work: You’re offered a low credit limit and a high APR, but if you make regular small purchases and pay the balance off in full every month, your credit score will begin to improve after a few months – allowing you to qualify for better credit cards or other borrowing products.
Representative 34.9% APR
Your credit score plays a part in the deal you get
When you apply for a credit card, the bank of building society will use your credit rating to decide whether to accept you, and what rates to offer you. Find out where you stand with our free Credit Score tool
Used responsibly, a credit card can be a useful money management tool. But with such a range of credit cards designed for different circumstances, it’s important to be clear about what you want yours to do for you. That’s why it’s a good idea to shop around and compare before applying. What’s more, when interest rates are high, as is the case right now, comparing can help you find an affordable new credit card that really works for you.
Kara GammellPersonal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket
Trusted Service Awards Winners
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
How to compare credit cards with MoneySupermarket
Comparing credit cards couldn’t be easier with MoneySuperMarket. Our eligibility checker tool will show you the cards you’re most likely to be approved for – and we'll protect your credit using a soft search.
Tell us about yourself
We'll ask you a handful of simple questions about you and your financial circumstances, and what you need from a credit card
We browse the market
We'll sift through dozens of offers from across the market, and show you the cards we think will suit you best
Pick the card you want
You'll be shown a range of cards, which you'll be able to sort according to APR, features and your chances of being approved
When you take out a credit card from a selected provider, you’ll be eligible for SuperSaveClub rewards. At the moment, not all providers are part of our rewards programme. When you search for a credit card with us, you’ll be able to see which providers are part of the programme, as the cards that come with a SuperSaveClub reward will be highlighted in your results.
The providers who are currently signed up to SuperSaveClub are:
118 118 Money
American Express
Aqua
BIP
Capital One
Fluid
Halifax
John Lewis Finance
Lloyds
Marbles
MBNA
Natwest Bank
Post Office
Santander
Yonder
Zable
Zopa
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and it represents how much it’ll cost to borrow money on a particular credit card. It’s calculated by taking into account:
Your interest rate
Additional fees and charges.
However, you might see the term ‘representative APR’ on adverts for credit cards – this means that the interest rate quoted only has to be offered to at least 51% of successful applicants, so it may not be the actual rate you get when you apply.
First consider what you want to use the credit card for – cards come with different features that are useful for different purposes.
If you have a large purchase coming up, you might want to spread the cost with a 0% purchase card, if you fly a lot you might want an airmiles card, and if you want to transfer a balance to avoid interest payments, a balance transfer card could be ideal.
By comparing with us you’ll be able to see a list of credit cards, so you can browse at will and choose which one suits you best.
You’ll get a cooling off period of two weeks from when you receive your card, and you’ll have 30 days to pay off your balance. You can cancel by contacting your bank or building society, either by post, phone, online, or in-branch.
However, if you want to cancel your card after the cooling off period, your account balance generally must be zero.
If you miss a repayment on your credit card balance, you likely have to pay a penalty fee. What’s more, if you have any type of promotional offer with your card, such as an interest-free deal, this may be cancelled, and a missed payment may have a negative effect on your credit score.
If you get rejected for a credit card, this will leave a mark on your credit report and could lead to further rejections in the future. It’s a good idea to use MoneySuperMarket’s Eligibility Checker to see how likely you are to be accepted for a card before applying to get it.
Unlike many loans and mortgages, you generally won’t be charged for making early repayments on your credit card – which means it’s a good way to get ahead of your balance.
You can’t get joint credit cards in the same way as bank accounts and mortgages, but you can add additional users to your own credit cards. However, you should remember that it’s still the primary cardholder’s responsibility to pay off the balance.
You can cancel your credit card by contacting your lender, by phone, email, online, post, or in person if they have a local branch.
In most cases your provider will set your credit limit after you’ve been accepted. So you will not be able to ‘apply’ or request a certain spending limit. Your credit limit will be based on your income, financial circumstances and your credit score as well as the individual policy of the card provider. Card issuers will want to be satisfied that the limit is affordable for you. You’ll be told what it is once your application is approved and your account is open.
Whether you're approved or not will depend on your personal circumstances. There's no universal standard applied by lenders. But factors that will influence your eligibility include: Your income, age (you must be over 18 in most cases), your financial history and your credit score.
You can overpay on your credit card and that happens when you pay back more than you owe on your balance. When you do this, you’ve cleared your balance, but you’ve gone a step further and your card issuer now owes you money.
Yes, you can have multiple credit cards but keep in mind that if you’re struggling with one credit card it’s best not to get any more.
Personal loans offer a fixed amount with set repayment terms and predictable monthly payments, making them a reliable alternative for managing expenses and avoiding high interest rates. However, you won't be able to enjoy 0% periods like you can with certain credit cards.
For most people, it won't matter too much whether you choose a Mastercard or Visa, as both are accepted worldwide and there are very few differences between the two. Both Visa and Mastercard come with their own exclusive benefits, but it’s the perks offered by the bank issuing your card – such as cashback, loyalty points or air miles – that are more enticing and therefore should carry more weight in your decision.
How do I earn SuperSaveClub Rewards with a credit card?
What is APR?
How do I know what card to apply for?
Can I withdraw my application?
What happens if I miss a repayment?
What if my application is rejected?
Can I pay off credit card debt early?
Can I get a joint credit card?
How do I cancel my credit card?
What credit limit can I apply for?
Will I be eligible for a credit card?
Can I overpay on my credit card?
Can I have multiple credit cards?
What are the alternatives to credit cards?
Which payment network should I choose?
It’s best to pay off your entire credit card balance every month if you can afford to – this way you won’t pay interest and you can avoid building up debt. If you can’t afford to pay off the full balance, you must pay off at least the minimum monthly payment – ideally more.
Avoid missing credit card payments – credit card providers will often charge a penalty if you miss a payment and you also risk harming your credit score.
Setting up a direct debit could be a good way to ensure you pay off at least the minimum amount of your credit balance each month.
Each time you make an application for a credit card, it leaves a record – known as a ‘hard search’ - on your credit report. Too many applications can make lenders think you are in desperate need for credit and your application may be rejected.
Some credit cards have extra benefits that reward you when you use them a certain way. While some of them can be tempting, it’s better to get a credit card that will give you rewards for the way you spend already.
For example, an airmiles credit card. or one that earns you Avios travel-related points, is only going to be useful if you’re a regular flyer, but if you’re a regular shopper at a particular high street store, there might be a credit card that gives you cashback for shopping there.
If you’re planning to use your credit card overseas, check whether or not you’ll be charged for doing so. Many credit cards charge fees for foreign transactions, so it can be a good idea to look for a card that won’t charge you for using it abroad.
Some credit cards will charge a fee if you use them to take cash out of a cash machine, and on top of that you’ll be charged interest from the moment you receive your money. Avoid using your credit card for cash withdrawals unless it’s an emergency.
Credit card fraud, like any fraud, is serious – you should always take care when using your credit card and be careful where you keep it. Never tell anyone your PIN and regularly check your statements every month – or if your credit card has an app, check that regularly - to make sure there are no surprises.
Pay off as much as you can – in full if possible
Don’t miss payments
Set up a direct debit to pay your credit card balance
Our guides explains the difference between hard and soft credit checks and how best to protect your credit score when applying for a credit card or loan
A credit card minimum payment is exactly what you’d expect: it’s the minimum you must repay to your card provider every month to avoid extra charges. Your monthly minimum payment is worked out based on your credit card’s APR and the amount you have borrowed
Our credit card calculator shows you how much it would cost in interest to pay off your card balance
If you’re applying for a credit card, you might be able to find a better deal if you look through offers from different providers before taking one out. With MoneySuperMarket you’ll be able to search through multiple credit card deals and compare them by a range of factors, including their interest rates and any benefits and rewards they come with.
All you need to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your financial situation, and our Eligibility Checker will show your chances of being accepted for different credit cards. This won’t affect your credit score, so you can run a check without any worries.
Once you know which card you want, you can normally apply by phone, online, or in person if the provider has a high street branch. However, when you do apply, the provider will usually run a hard credit check – which will show up on your credit report – to confirm whether they’ll give you the card. If you’re accepted they’ll tell you your credit limit and interest rate, and soon you’ll be ready to start using your credit card.
MoneySuperMarket gives you lots of clever ways to save a lot, by doing very little.
Take control of your credit score by checking and improving it for free with Credit Score
Never overpay again with Energy Monitor, our energy monitoring service
Earn rewards of up to £130 per year when you make a qualifying purchase with SuperSaveClub
So how do we make our money? In a nutshell, when you use us to buy a product, we get a reward from the company you’re buying from.
But you might have other questions. Do we provide access to all the companies operating in a given market? Do we have commercial relationships or ownership ties that might make us feature one company above another?
We commit to providing you with clear and informative answers on all points such as this, so we have gathered the relevant information on this page.
Annual saving based on 51% of customers transferring £2,332 from a 24.9% (variable) p.a. card, with a 5% monthly repayment (June 2025). BoE and UK Finance.
Representative example: transferring £2,332, 3. 19% balance transfer fee, 0% over 33 months then 24.9% (variable) p.a. Representative 24.9% APR. Credit broker not lender. 18+ UK only. Subject to status. Moneysupermarket data correct as of 8th July 2025
Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Accurate as of 18 July 2025.
Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards through MoneySuperMarket in June 2025, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
Based on 1 visit per month – average ticket value £15.30 (Oct 24)
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards to improve their credit rating through MoneySuperMarket in June 2025, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards to spend abroad through MoneySuperMarket in June 2025, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards to transfer an existing balance through MoneySuperMarket in June 2025, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards to have interest free spending through MoneySuperMarket in June 2025, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
