Anúncios
When someone searches for the best credit cards UK, they are looking for much more than just a card. In fact, it seeks benefits that most do not offer, access to exclusive places, among other advantages.
However, there is no single Best Credit Cards UK. There is the best for what each one needs. For example, maybe you prefer to travel or want to earn cashback on purchases.
That is why understanding the alternatives well is necessary. The UK has a variety of options, but if you don’t pay attention to the details, you have a high chance of choosing the wrong one.
Therefore, this guide to the best credit cards UK will show you the differences, tell you a little about the history of the institutions and show you which ones really deserve a space in your wallet.
09 Best Credit Cards in the UK
Now let’s get down to business. See the detailed analysis of each of the top alternatives in England.
Anúncios
1. Tesco Foundation – Tesco Bank (Best Credit Cards UK)
Tesco Bank was born in 1997 as a joint venture between supermarket giant Tesco and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Today it is a subsidiary controlled by the Tesco group, showing how retail and the financial sector can go hand in hand.
First of all, for those who are starting their credit journey or want to recover their score, this card is the best.
The Tesco Foundation has an initial limit of between £200 and £1,500. It does not charge an annual fee and has an interest rate that is around 29.9% p.a.
The card also accumulates Clubcard points, which can become discounts at Tesco supermarkets.
2. Halifax Clarity – Halifax
Want to travel without worrying about fares? Halifax Clarity is the most suitable in this case.
At first, he does not charge a monthly fee. In addition to having no fee on international purchases and it is still accepted in almost any store.
Be aware of the limit. It depends on your score, so it’s worth checking if you have a good credit score before applying.
In addition, withdrawals abroad can reach £500 per day.
3. Santander All In One – Santander UK
Santander’s All In One combines cashback via the Santander Boosts program, 0% on purchases and balance transfers for up to 15 months.
However, it charges £3 per month (that’s £36 per year). However, it also eliminates tariffs on purchases abroad.
The representative APR is 29.8%, requiring caution with delays. But for those who use the card strategically, this fixed cost can pay for itself in rewards and promotions.
4. American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday – American Express (Best Credit Cards UK)
If cashback is what you’re after, you should consider Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday.
The reason is that for the first three months, it returns 5% (up to £100). After that, the return varies between 0.5% and 1%.
It is important to note that there is no annual fee, but the fees are high:
- 30.4% a.a. for purchases;
- 37.7% for withdrawals;
- 2.99% in international purchases.
Therefore, it is clear that it is a card that rewards those who pay the bill in full and are never late.
In addition to this card, you can take advantage of the American Exoress preferred Rewards gold, which has better drinks than the platinum. See the details about it by clicking on the link.
5. Aqua Reward – NewDay
Aqua Reward is for those with a low score. Still, it offers 0.5% cashback (up to £100 per year) and charges nothing on purchases abroad.
The initial limit ranges from £250 to £1,200, and can increase after four months of good use.
The interest rate is salty (APR of 39.9%), but those who organize their finances don’t have to worry so much about it.
6. Vanquis Classic – Vanquis Banking Group (Best Credit Cards UK)
Another card aimed at credit-builders.
The Vanquis Classic starts with limits from £500 to £1,500, but can go up to £3,000 depending on usage.
It does not charge an annual fee, and the APR is around 30.9%. Attention! There are fees of 3% on withdrawals (minimum £3) and 2.99% on purchases abroad.
The advantage is that the company’s reputation on Trustpilot is very solid: 4.1/5, with 82% excellent reviews, showing how much the company cares about service.
7. Asda Money Cashback – Jaja Finance/Asda
Se é cliente fiel da rede de supermercados Asda, este cartão pode te ajudar muito.
A princípio, o Asda Money Cashback devolve 1% nas compras na rede (incluindo combustível) e 0,2% em outros lugares.
O limite pode chegar a £5.000, e o APR varia de 27,9% a 33,9%. Não há anuidade, mas há tarifas em saques (3%) e transações internacionais (2,99%).
8. Zopa Credit Card – Zopa Bank
First of all, Zopa Credit Card is a fully digital card, controlled by the app.
In principle, Zopa Credit Card does not charge an annual fee or fees on purchases abroad.
It will still have the Credit Cushion tool. Through it, he can reserve part of the limit as security.
The limit ranges from £250 to £1,200, with an APR of 34.9%. Ideal for those who like technology and want to track expenses in real time.
9. NatWest Reward – NatWest
Closing the list, NatWest Reward gives 1% back in supermarkets and 0.25% in other purchases.
In addition, it charges £24/year, but this amount is returned if you have a Reward checking account.
The representative APR is 26.8%, with interest of 21.9% on purchases and 3% on withdrawals. The international tariff is 2.75%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the typical interest-free period on British cards?
Most cards in the UK offer up to 56 interest-free days on purchases, as long as the invoice is paid in full.
It is important to remember that if you only pay the minimum or are late with the invoice, interest is applied from the date of purchase. It’s a powerful benefit, but it requires discipline.
2. What is a credit limit and how can it increase? (Best Credit Cards UK)
The limit is the maximum amount that the bank allows you to spend.
At first, credit-builder cards offer low limits, such as £250 or £500.
However, by demonstrating good payment behavior, issuers can gradually increase this limit.
3. Which cards charge fees abroad?
Some cards, such as Halifax Clarity and Aqua Reward, are excellent for travel because they don’t charge fees on international purchases.
Others, such as Amex Cashback Everyday and Asda Money, add around 2.99% to every transaction made outside the UK.
4. Difference between cashback/reward cards and credit-builder?
Cashback cards return a percentage of the amount spent, working as a permanent discount.
Credit builders, on the other hand, aim to help build or recover credit history, even if it implies higher interest rates and lower limits in the beginning.
5. What happens if I delay payment or exceed the limit?
Fines and interest. On many cards, such as Halifax Clarity or NatWest Reward, late payment means a £12 fine, as well as the loss of benefits such as cashback.
Conclusion (Best Credit Cards UK)
Choosing among the best credit cards UK is not just about comparing rates and limits, it’s about understanding your own consumer profile.
The traveler can do better with Halifax Clarity. The grocery shopper might enjoy the Asda Money cashback the most. At the end of the day, the right card is the one that accompanies your routine and not the other way around.