uk credit cards options and features

In the UK, there are numerous credit card options available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some credit cards offer cashback rewards, while others provide points or miles that can be redeemed for travel or other perks.

Many UK credit cards have 0% interest rates for a promotional period, typically ranging from 6 to 24 months. This can be a great option for those who need to make a large purchase or consolidate debt.

Some credit cards also offer purchase protection, which can refund or replace items that are lost, stolen, or damaged within a certain timeframe. This feature can provide peace of mind for those who frequently shop online or make large purchases.

The interest rates on UK credit cards can vary significantly, with some cards charging as high as 25.9% APR, while others offer rates as low as 12.9% APR.

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A credit card is a tool to help manage finances by borrowing money up to a set credit limit that's paid back in full or spread over monthly instalments.

The amount to be paid back is determined by the interest rate and any special offers, which often include interest-free periods when you first take out the card.

Credit cards come in different categories, such as balance and money transfer options for managing existing debts or short-term cash-flow issues.

Some cards are designed for big-ticket purchases, offering low rate or 0% interest periods, while others provide cashback, rewards, and other perks.

The interest rate and annual fees are crucial factors to consider when choosing a credit card.

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To find the right credit card for you, it's worth shopping around and comparing deals. You can use an eligibility checker to see which credit cards you're likely to be accepted for, without affecting your credit score.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a credit card, including fees, interest rates, and rewards. To make the process easier, you can use a credit card comparison tool that allows you to see deals side-by-side.

Some credit cards offer great cashback and reward deals, but only if you can pay off the card in full each month. It's also worth noting that credit cards can be used to reduce or pay off other debts, such as personal loans or store cards.

Here are some key things to look out for when choosing a credit card:

By considering these factors and using a credit card comparison tool, you can find the right credit card for your needs and budget.

To find the right credit card for you, it's essential to shop around and compare different options. There are lots of different credit cards available, so don't settle for the first one you see.

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Before you start applying, make a checklist of what to look at. Consider the interest rate, fees, credit limit, and any rewards or benefits that come with the card. You can also sort your results by the feature that interests you most, such as card type, total fees, or cashback offered.

You can use online tools to help you find the best credit card for your needs. For example, Money to the Masses has partnered with Creditec to provide a tailored list of the best credit cards based on your individual circumstances. This can save you time and effort in finding the right card.

When comparing credit cards, look for ones that offer 0% interest if you pay the balance in full each month. This can be a great way to save money and pay off debts sooner. The TSB Student Credit Card, for example, offers this feature.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing a credit card:

By considering these factors, you can find a credit card that fits your needs and helps you manage your finances effectively.

If you're looking to spread the cost of a large purchase, a 0% purchase credit card can be a great option. These cards offer an interest-free period, which can be a huge money-saver.

The Barclaycard Platinum Purchase Credit Card offers the longest 0% purchase period, with up to 21 months interest-free. You can also get up to five months of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade for free.

To qualify for a 0% purchase credit card, you'll typically need a good credit score. The NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card, for example, requires a minimum annual income of £10,000.

Some 0% purchase credit cards come with additional perks, such as cashback rewards or purchase protection. The TSB Student Credit Card, for instance, offers 0% interest if you pay the balance in full each month.

It's essential to make the minimum monthly payments to keep your 0% rate, and you'll need to pay off the balance before the interest-free period ends. This can be a challenge, but it's worth it to avoid interest charges.

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Here are some key features to consider when choosing a 0% purchase credit card:

Remember to always read the terms and conditions carefully before applying for a credit card, and make sure you understand the interest-free period, fees, and repayment terms.

To get a credit card, you'll need to be at least 18 years old and live in the UK. You'll also need to be able to prove your earnings.

Being on the electoral roll provides credit card companies proof of your address, so registering to vote is a good idea. This can give you a better chance of being accepted for new credit cards.

Opening a bank account can also improve your chances of acceptance. A current account can help demonstrate to providers that you're responsible financially.

Paying bills on time is another key factor. If you pay your bills consistently on time for six months, credit card providers will see you as a lower risk.

To apply for a credit card online, you'll need to provide some basic information, including your name and address, employment and income, date of birth, and nationality.

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Secured credit cards in the UK are a great way to start building credit with a low initial limit and no annual fee, as seen in the Vanquis Credit Card.

There are various types of credit cards available in the UK, catering to different financial goals and habits. For example, if you're looking to earn cashback, you might consider cards like the American Express Platinum.

To help you get started, here are some key types of credit cards:

These credit cards can be a great tool for managing your finances and building your credit, but it's essential to remember to spend within your means and pay off your balance each month to avoid costly interest charges.

Travel credit cards can be a great option for those who frequently travel abroad, as they often don't charge foreign transaction fees, which can save you money.

For example, the Barclaycard credit card mentioned in the article doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for those who spend abroad and in the UK. It also offers 0% cash withdrawal fee.

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If you're heading abroad and planning on booking hotels or withdrawing cash while you're overseas, a travel credit card could save you money. They can help to reduce the costs of using your usual credit card in another country.

One of the best travel credit cards available is the Barclaycard credit card, which offers 0.25% cashback on everyday spending, excluding balance transfers, money transfers, and cash withdrawals. You can also get up to 5 months of free Apple subscriptions when you take out a new card.

Here are some key benefits of the Barclaycard credit card:

It's worth noting that travel credit cards often come with higher interest rates and annual fees, so it's essential to consider whether the rewards are worth it when paying off the balance in full each month.

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If you're running a business, you'll want a credit card that rewards your spending and helps you manage your finances. The Barclaycard Select Cashback Business Credit Card is a great option for businesses with a turnover of at least £10,000 per year.

It offers uncapped 1% cashback on eligible business spending, which can really add up over time. The card also comes with free access to accounting software FreshBooks, making it a great choice for businesses looking to streamline their finances.

The Barclaycard Select Cashback Business Credit Card has a representative APR of 27.50% variable and an annual fee of £0, making it a relatively affordable option. You'll also need to apply for a credit facility, which will be subject to your financial circumstances and borrowing history (minimum of £1,000).

Here are some key facts about the Barclaycard Select Cashback Business Credit Card:

If you're starting out with limited or no credit history, secured credit cards are a great way to begin. A popular choice is the Vanquis Credit Card, which comes with a low initial limit and no annual fee.

Secured credit cards in the UK are often recommended for beginners because they offer a low-risk way to establish credit. The Vanquis Credit Card is a great option for those with limited credit history.

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To find the best credit card for your needs, consider your personal financial goals and habits. Whether you’re looking to earn cashback, build credit, or take advantage of travel perks, there’s a card out there for you.

Always try to spend within your means and pay off your balance each month to avoid costly interest charges. This will help you manage your finances and build your credit responsibly.

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Barclay Rewards offers a range of benefits for cardholders, including uncapped 1% cashback on eligible business spending, as seen in the Barclaycard Select Cashback Business Credit Card. This card is best for businesses with a turnover of at least £10,000 per year.

The Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card also offers 0.25% cashback on all everyday spending, making it a great option for those who want to earn cashback on their purchases. This card has no foreign transaction fees, which is a big plus for international travelers.

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One of the best things about the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card is its attractive extras, including up to 5 months of free Apple subscriptions and protection on purchases over £100. The representative interest rate on purchases is 27.9% APR (variable), based on a credit limit of £1,200.

For those who prefer earning cashback, the Barclaycard Rewards Card is a strong choice, especially with no annual or foreign transaction fees. This card is also great for frequent travelers who want to earn cashback on international purchases.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card:

The Barclay Platinum 30 Month balance transfer card is a great option for those looking to consolidate debt or move existing credit card balances to a lower interest rate. It offers 0% interest on balance transfers for a whopping 30 months.

You'll need to make any transfers within the first 60 days to take advantage of this offer, and be aware that a transfer fee of 3.45% per transfer will apply. This fee is lower than many other balance transfer cards out there.

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The card also comes with some nice perks, including up to 5 months of free Apple subscriptions and 24/7 Fraud Protection. You'll also get a free additional cardholder and discounts on selected events and presale tickets.

There's no annual fee, but you will be charged fees when using this card overseas. The interest rate is 24.9% APR (variable) representative, based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200.

To be eligible for this card, you'll need to be at least 21 years old and have had a permanent UK address for the last two years. You'll also need a good credit history and a personal income of at least £20,000 a year.

Here are the key benefits of the Barclay Platinum 30 Month balance transfer card at a glance:

The Amex Platinum Cashback credit card is a great option for those who want to earn cashback without paying an annual fee. This card is one of the few American Express cards without a fee, making it a decent choice for everyday use.

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The representative APR is 30.9% (variable), which is higher than some other cards on the market. However, the cashback rewards make up for it.

You can earn 5% cashback on your purchases within the first three months, up to a maximum of £100. After that, the cashback rate drops to 0.5% on purchases up to £10,000, and rises to 1% on purchases over £10,000.

In addition to cashback, American Express cardholders also get access to travel accident insurance, Global Assist support, and American Express travel offers.

To apply for this card, you'll need to be a UK resident over the age of 18. You can also check your eligibility in advance without impacting your credit score.

Here's a breakdown of the cashback rates:

You can earn rewards and cashback with certain credit cards. For example, the Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card offers 5% cashback on your purchases (up to a maximum of £100) within your first three months of signing up, and 0.5% cashback on purchases up to £10,000 within the year.

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Some credit cards also offer long interest-free periods. The Barclaycard Platinum Purchase Credit Card, for instance, offers up to 21 months of interest-free purchases, while the NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card offers 21 months of interest-free purchases and balance transfers.

Credit cards can also help you build your credit rating, especially if you make timely payments. In fact, the key to making the most of your credit card is to utilise the main feature of that card efficiently, such as earning cashback or building up rewards points.

Here are some of the key features and benefits of credit cards:

To understand how credit cards work, it's essential to know that you'll be given a credit limit when you get a card, which is the maximum amount of money you can borrow.

This credit limit is determined by your credit score, which the card provider checks during your application. Your credit score plays a significant role in determining the credit limit you're offered.

You'll also be charged an interest rate on what you borrow, but you're only charged interest on an outstanding balance. This means you can avoid being charged interest by paying off your credit card at the end of each month.

There are several convenient options for paying off your credit card, including setting up a direct debit, transferring money via online banking, paying over the phone, visiting your branch, and paying by cheque.

Paying by direct debit is the most convenient way and reduces the risk of missing a payment. Most banks allow you to set up a payment that will clear the balance in full, pay off a set amount, or just pay the minimum amount.

The minimum amount you must pay back each month is set by your credit card provider and must be at least 1% of your outstanding balance and any fees or charges, usually between 3 and 5% of your balance.

Some credit cards offer a 0% interest rate for the first few months, which means you can spread a large purchase or purchases over several months without paying any interest.

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Using a credit card can be a great way to earn rewards, build credit, and even spread the cost of purchases. However, it's essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards.

One of the significant advantages of credit cards is that they offer protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which means you're protected if the goods or services are faulty, not delivered as promised, or if the trader or retailer goes bust.

Credit cards can also help improve your credit score, which can lead to better loan and mortgage options in the future. Sensible use of credit can make a significant difference in your financial stability.

On the other hand, credit cards can be a source of debt if not used responsibly. High interest rates can lead to a significant amount of money being spent on interest charges.

Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of credit cards:

It's essential to use credit cards responsibly and make the most of their benefits. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages, you can make informed decisions about your financial choices.

The NatWest Purchase card is a great option for everyday use, especially if you're looking to keep your repayments down to a manageable level. It has one of the lowest interest rates of any cards on the list, with a representative 12.9% APR (variable) on purchases.

You can use this card for travel without worrying about foreign transaction fees, although you will need to pay a 3% handling fee (minimum £3) for withdrawing cash. ATM operators in some countries may also charge their own fee.

The NatWest card is a Mastercard, which means it uses the Mastercard exchange rate to convert currency when you spend overseas. This can be a big advantage if you travel frequently.

One thing to keep in mind is that interest on cash withdrawals starts to accrue right away, so try to avoid using the card for cash advances if possible.

If you need to make a large purchase, you can take advantage of the optional instalment plan, which allows you to spread the cost into more manageable chunks.

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To apply for this card, you'll need to be a UK resident aged 18 or over, and have an annual income of at least £10,000.

Here are the key features of the NatWest Purchase card at a glance:

Currensea Exchange Rate is transparent about its rates, directing users to a handy guide for more information.

You can find out what exchange rate Currensea uses for card payments, ATM withdrawals, and money transfers by checking out their guide.

Currensea's exchange rate is where you'll want to look for specifics on their rates.

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