Credit Card Guides

All you need to know about choosing and managing credit cards

Our useful guides cover a range of topics from how to choose a new credit card, the different types of credit card and which might suit you best, to how credit cards work and understanding your credit limit. We also have information about what your credit score means and how this could affect which credit cards you can get. Plus, we’ve plenty of helpful guides on managing credit cards when you’ve got bad credit.

News & Guides

How to transfer a credit card balance Transferring a credit card balance can be a great way to cut interest repayments and clear your credit card debt faster. Our guide explains more
Advantages and disadvantages of credit cards Credit cards can be a smart way to manage your money, spread costs, or earn perks - but they can also lead to fees and debt if you’re not careful. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons to help you decide whether a credit card is right for you.
What is a balance transfer credit card? Balance transfer cards can help you take control of your credit card debt by moving it to a lower interest rate. Here's how they work and what to look out for.
How does credit card interest work? Credit card interest is charged if you don’t clear your balance each month. But how costly might it be and do rates differ depending on the type of spending? Our guide explains
How to cancel a credit card If you’re no longer using a credit card, you might think it’s sensible to cancel it. But how do you go about it and is it a good idea?
What are 'pre-approved' credit cards? Our guide explains how to apply for a credit card without fear of being turned down and seeing your credit rating damaged – even if you have bad credit
Credit cards for pensioners Credit cards can be a useful tool to help manage your finances, but can you still get one when you retire? Our guide looks at what might be available and whether pensioners are likely to receive a good deal.
What is chargeback and how do I use it? When you spend on your debit or credit card, you are protected through something called chargeback. Our guide explains how it works.
What are virtual credit cards? Heard about virtual credit cards but not really sure what they are or how they work? Read our guide and we'll walk you everything you need to know.
Multiple credit cards Credit cards can be handy to manage your finances, but is it a good idea to have more than one and will it damage your credit rating?
What types of credit cards are available in the UK? Struggling to decide on the best type of credit card for you? Our guide covers the types of credit card available and their differences so you can compare
What is APR What is the difference between a representative and personal annual percentage rate? Read our guide to find out more about these often-confused rates
Credit cards for the self-employed and sole-traders When applying for a credit card, you will have to provide details of your salary. This might be a bit trickier to do when you’re self-employed and your earnings fluctuate, but shouldn’t stop a successful application
What is Samsung Pay and how can I use it? Samsung Pay is a feature of Samsung Wallet, which allows you to make contactless payments through Samsung devices
Premium credit cards Premium credit cards come with a host of luxurious benefits but charge a costly fee. Read on to find out if this could be the right credit card for you
How long does it take to get a credit card? The time it takes to apply for a credit card, get approved and then receive it depends on a few factors, as our guide explains.
Credit card fees and charges explained Credit cards are a useful way of managing your finances, but there can be charges and fees to watch out for. Our guide explains the different charges and how they work, so you won’t fall foul of them
Protecting yourself from credit card fraud Credit cards can be handy for managing our finances, but in the wrong hands there can be dire consequences. Find out how to keep your plastic safe and secure
What are the best credit cards for graduates? Finished studying and looking for a credit card? Our guide explains the options to help you make the right choice
What is Google Pay and how can I use it? Google Pay is an online payment system that lets people make payments both in-person and via apps and websites
Credit cards vs debit cards – which is safer? Credit and debit cards can both be useful money management tools. Our handy guide explains the key differences between them and what to be careful of
How to make contactless payments Contactless payments are an increasingly popular way to pay. Here we cover how ‘tap and go’ works on credit and debit cards, the limits on spending, and what happens if your card is stolen.
Credit card statements A credit card statement should tell you everything you need to know about how you’ve used your card, including what you’ve spent, how much you owe, the interest rates and when you need to pay it off
Credit card consolidation Using a balance transfer credit card is a popular way to consolidate debt and can make it easier and cheaper to pay off. Our guide explains how it works
Should I get a credit card or a loan? Both a loan or a credit card can be an option if you need some additional funds. The correct choice for you will depend on your circumstances and goals, as our guide explains.
What is a Continuous Payment Authority (CPA)? Continuous payment authorities are used to pay bills and subscriptions, but how are they different from standing orders and direct debits, and how can you cancel them? Our guide explains more…
Credit card numbers explained You probably think you should know what all the numbers mean on a credit card, but why would you if you’ve never had one before? Our guide breaks it down for you.
Is it possible to buy a car with a credit card? There are a few things to understand if you’re looking to buy a car with your credit card, as our guide explains...
How to activate a credit card If you’ve had your credit card application accepted, the next step is to activate it. Our guide explains all you need to know
Can I get a credit card? Looking to get a credit card for the first time? Or in the market for a new card to go alongside an existing one? Our guide will explain how to get a credit card to suit your needs and how to improve your chances of being approved.
What is the minimum payment on a credit card? Everything you need to know about minimum payments on credit cards
How to pay off credit card debt more quickly Struggling with debt on your credit cards? Our guide explains your options and the steps you can take to avoid high interest payments and clear your balance faster pay it off more quickly
Cash advance credit cards Our guide to how a cash advance works, what counts as a cash advance and what it might cost you
Joint credit cards How do joint credit cards work in the UK, is it worth getting one, and who is responsible for paying off the balance? Find out more...
How to use a credit card to improve your credit score Looking to boost your credit score but not sure where to start? This guide explains how finding the right credit card can help increase your credit rating
How Section 75 protects your credit card purchases Paying for goods and services with a credit card offers you extra financial protection if something goes wrong. Under Section 75 of consumer credit law in many cases you’ll be able to claim your money back. Our guide explains what you need to know.
High limit credit cards Having a high limit credit card might sound appealing because it gives you more flexibility with your finances. But how can you get one in the UK and how do they work?
Using Buy Now Pay Later with a bad credit score Buy Now Pay Later allows you to make a purchase but pay for it at a later date. But can you use a payment plan like this if you’ve got a poor credit rating? We take a look...
Credit card refunds — how do they work? Getting a refund on your credit card shouldn’t be difficult. Here's what you need to know about credit card refunds
What is Apple Pay and how can I use it? Apple Pay can be a convenient payment option – giving you the option to pay with your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, both in store and online. Our guide covers how it works and what to consider.
How does cashback work on a credit card? Cashback is a way of being rewarded every time you spend on your credit card. But how do cashback credit cards work and are they right for you?
What is a credit limit and how are they calculated? Knowing your credit limit can save you from expensive mistakes when it comes to credit card spending
Why was I declined for a credit card? If you've been turned down for credit there are steps you can take to find out why and measures you can put in place to help your chances of being approved in the future.
Buy now pay later The popular payment option allows you to make purchases faster and then pay them off over time. But is it a smart or risky way of shopping? Our guide explains how it works.
How to apply for a credit card Applying for a credit card can seem complicated if you’ve never gone through a credit card application before. Here we cover how to get a credit card from choosing a provider to putting yourself in position to get the best deal.
Overpaying a credit card There’s no need to overpay on your credit card. But there’s no cause for concern if it happens by mistake, as our guide explains.
Can you get a credit card if you're unemployed? If you’re out of work and not earning you might think that you won’t be able to get a credit card. But that’s not always the case, as our guide explains
Should I get a credit card? Credit cards offer convenience, rewards, the opportunity to repair your credit file and even the chance to reduce debt. But it's essential to understand the ins and outs before applying.
What type of credit card is best for me? Credit cards offer convenience, rewards, the opportunity to repair your credit file and even the chance to reduce debt. But it's essential to understand the ins and outs before applying.
What credit cards are the easiest to get? Finding a credit card with poor credit can be tough, but some cards are easier to get than others. Our guide explains more.
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Credit Card Myths There are lots of misconceptions about credit cards. Our guide can help debunk the myths
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