2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST UK CREDIT CARDS
Finding the Best UK Credit Cards
When searching for the best UK credit cards, it is crucial to consider many different factors. The UK’s best credit card will be relative depending on each customer’s finances and needs.
AdvisoryHQ’s review will include many different factors, but will focus mainly on card limits, rates, rewards, features, and security so that individuals might compare UK credit cards to suit their needs.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best UK Credit Cards
Finding the top UK credit cards on the market is important to many consumers. People want to be sure that they are getting the best deal possible.
To find the card that best fits your needs, make sure to consider each option holistically. Weigh the positives and negatives to find the card with the best balance for you.
AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best UK Credit Cards
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):
- American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card
- Bank of Scotland Low Rate Credit Card
- Barclaycard Freedom Rewards Credit Card
- MBNA intu Credit Card
- Tesco Bank Purchases Credit Card
- Virgin Money All Round Credit Card
Top 6 Best UK Credit Cards | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Credit Card Names | Representative APR | Intro Period | Rewards |
| American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card | 22.9% | 3 months | 0.5% cash back for customer who spend between £0 and £3,000 |
| Bank of Scotland Low Rate Credit Card | 6.4% | 90 days | None |
| Barclaycard Freedom Rewards Credit Card | 21.9% | 60 days | Two points per £1 at supermarkets, gas stations, or Transport for London One point per £1 spent on any other purchases |
| MBNA intu Credit Card | 16.9% | 12 months | intu gifts cards for customers who spend more than £3,000 and £5,000 |
| Tesco Bank Purchases Credit Card | 18.9% | 28 months | 1 Clubcard point for every £4 spent on qualifying purchases at Tesco and 1 Clubcard point for every £8 spent outside of Tesco |
| Virgin Money All Round Credit Card | 18.9% | 25 months | None |
Table: Top 6 Best UK Credit Cards | Above list is sorted alphabetically
What Is a Representative Example?
To compare UK credit cards, it is important to understand how card limits and rates are advertised. Many of the best UK credit card deals are advertised using representative examples. These show the rates and limits that are awarded to the majority of the customers for that particular card.
Limits and rates for many of the UK’s best credit cards are determined on a case by case basis depending on each applicant’s finances. This means some applicants will not qualify for the provided rates. A representative example is intended to show the best UK credit card deals with the rates that most people recieve.
What Is APR and P.A.?
To choose the UK’s best credit card, it is crucial to understand the terminology involved. Some might be confused by the term APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, and P.A., which stands for Per Annum Interest. These terms are easily confused but mean very different things. It is important to understand the difference to find the best UK credit card deals.
APR indicates the total rate that will be charged to a customer on a yearly basis including fees and interest. P.A. is the interest rate that will be charged to the customer each year, including interest that will be charged on interest. It is important to consider this rate because it represents all of the interest that can be charged to the borrower as a percentage of the borrowed amount.
See Also: Top Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit | Ranking & Reviews | Best Fair Credit Credit Cards
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best UK Credit Cards
Here is included a detailed review for each card ranked on our list of best UK credit cards. This list is designed to bring together the most important information to consider when choosing the best UK credit card for you.
American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card Review
The American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card is a good choice to consider when looking for the best UK rewards credit cards. As a top UK credit card, it offers a representative APR and p.a. of 22.9% and a representative credit limit of £1,200.
Image from American Express
It is important to keep in mind that for these UK credit cards, all rates and limits are variable and are assigned to applicants individually based on their qualifications.
Rewards
This card offers an exciting rewards program that keeps it competitive with the best UK credit cards for rewards. Customers can enjoy an introductory offer of 5% cash back on up to £100 for the first three months an account is open. Keep in mind that with these UK cash back credit cards, cardholders must spend at least £3,000 a year to ensure that each purchase qualifies for rewards.
After the introductory period, cash back rewards are divided into different levels according to how much each customer spends on their card. Those who spend between £0 and £3,000 on this UK credit card are qualified for 0.5% cash back. However, those who spend over £5,001 on their card can earn 1% cash back.
Features
This UK cash back credit card is backed by American Express and offers the security and services expected of an international company. Some of these features make this a solid choice for customers looking for the best UK credit cards for travel and include:
- Travel assistance, including anywhere outside the UK
- Travel accident insurances up to £150,000 when the use of public transportation is paid for with the card
- Purchase replacement or refunds for eligible purchases up to £200
- Stolen or damaged purchases may be replaced, refunded, or repaired up to £2,500
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Bank of Scotland Low Rate Credit Card Review
The Bank of Scotland Low Rate Credit Card is one of the best UK credit cards available, especially for customers who want low rates. This card has a representative APR of 6.4% and a purchase rate of 6.45% p.a. Both of the rates for this UK credit card are based on a representative credit limit of £1,200.
Image from Bank of Scotland
As a top UK credit card, it offers an introductory 0% fee on all balance transfers completed within the first 90 days that the card is active. After this time, all balance transfers will be subject to a 3% fee. However, this introductory offer may be terminated early if cardholders fail to pay at least the minimum monthly balance on time and stay within their credit limit.
Rewards
This is not one of the best UK credit cards for rewards, as this particular card does not have a rewards program. However, this card should still be considered one of the best UK credit cards because, what it lacks in rewards it makes up for with very low rates.
Features
The Bank of Scotland offers this UK credit card exclusively to applicants who reside in the United Kingdom. They offer a variety of features to increase customer convenience and keep this card competitive as one of the top UK credit cards. There are features like:
- Mobile and online banking
- Partnerships with online retailers to prevent fraud
- Quick payment processing
- 2.95% charge for all non-sterling, foreign transactions
Barclaycard Freedom Rewards Credit Card Review
The Barclaycard Freedom Rewards Credit Card is a great option for customers seeking the best UK rewards credit cards. This top UK credit card offers a representative credit limit of £1,200 and a representative APR and purchase rate p.a. of 21.9%. Though these rates do represent what can be expected for the majority of cardholders, rates and limits for these UK credit cards are determined based on individual finances.
Image from Barclays Bank
When searching for UK credit card deals and offers, promotional introductory rates can be a good factor to consider. This card offers 0% interest on all purchases made during the first year and 0% interest for a year on all balance transfers made within the first 60 days. This might be one of the best UK credit card deals for the right customer, but all promotional rates can be canceled if a cardholder exceeds their credit limit or fails to make at least the minimum payment on time each month.
Rewards
The best UK rewards credit cards usually offer either a cash back or points system. This particular card offers points that can be redeemed for rewards. This program awards two points for every £1 spent at UK supermarkets, gas stations, or Transport for London, as well as one point for every £1 spent on any other purchases. This gradation of points makes this card a good choice for the best UK credit cards for travel that must be done regularly by car or through Transport for London.
Features
Barclays Bank values security for their UK credit cards. Customers have the option to sign up for Barclaycard Secure, which allows customers to create a password for their card that will be required to finalize every online purchase. This service is free and is designed to help prevent
online credit card fraud.
Related: Top Best Credit Cards | Ranking & Reviews
MBNA intu Credit Card Review
The MBNA intu Credit Card offers exclusive rewards that make it a solid contender for best UK rewards credit card. This card has a representative credit limit of £1,200 and a representative 16.9% APR and p.a. Limits and rates for these top UK credit cards are all variable and are awarded to customers based on their individual financial situations.
Source: MBNA intu Credit Card
This card has competitive UK credit card deals and offers during their extended introductory period. Customers can enjoy 0% on card purchases, balance transfers, and money transfers for the first 12 months after the account is activated. However, balance transfers do have a 2.99% fee, and money transfers have a 4% fee.
Rewards
This card offers very attractive rewards and benefits that could make this the best UK rewards credit card for the right customer. Cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts at restaurants and movie theaters. There is also an offer of 12 months of membership to the Gourmet Society for holders of this top UK credit card.
Customers also have the chance to earn up to £60 in intu gift cards during the first year that the account is open. Another £20 can be earned in gift cards if the cardholder spends at least £250 in the first 90 days that the account is active. After this time, more gift cards can be earned when the account holder spends £3,000 and £5,000 on the card each year.
Features
MBNA customers can expect top of the line security features when they sign up for the best UK rewards credit cards offered by the company. The features are designed to protect customers against fraud and include:
- Zero customer liability for transactions made without the cardholder’s knowledge or consent that are reported as soon as possible
- Barclaycard Secure, which allows customers to create a password to protect their card during online transactions
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Tesco Bank Purchases Credit Card Review
The Tesco Bank Purchases Credit Card might be the best UK rewards credit card for customers looking to participate in attractive rewards, rates, and introductory offers. This card offers a representative credit limit of £1,200. They also offer a representative APR and p.a. of 18.9% and no annual fee.
Image from Tesco Bank
As one of the best UK rewards credit cards, it offers a very enticing introductory period that can last up to 28 months. During this time, customers can enjoy 0% on purchases as well as 0% interest on balance transfers that are made in the first 3 months. However, just as the limits and rates for these great UK credit cards are determined by individual qualifications, the length of this period is as well and may be closer to 22 or 25 months.
Rewards
This might be one of the best UK rewards credit cards, but it is offered by Tesco, and their rewards program reflects that. Cardholders can earn Clubcard points on purchases made anywhere in addition to Tesco points earned through purchases made at Tesco. Cardholders can earn 1 Clubcard point for every £4 spent on qualifying purchases at Tesco and 1 Clubcard point for every £8 spent outside of Tesco. For some customers, this points system will only solidify this card’s right to call itself one of the best UK rewards credit cards. Others may be less excited, and since choosing the best credit card for your finances is relative, that is all right.
Features
In addition to its rewards and introductory period, this card also comes with competitive features that make it one of the best UK credit cards. These features are designed to make this card convenient and secure and include services like:
- Online and mobile banking
- Alerts about account information, new statements, and account balances
- Account monitoring to alert customers of suspicious transactions
The Virgin Money All Round Credit Card is one of the best UK credit cards, offering exclusive Virgin discounts, attractive rates, and solid security features. This card has a relatively low variable representative purchase rate and APR of 18.9%. It also offers a representative credit limit of £1,200.
Image from Virgin Money
This top UK credit card has an introductory period of 25 months. During this time, customers can enjoy 0% balance transfer and money transfer rates, as well as a 0% rate for purchases. Promotional rates for balance and money transfers only apply to transactions made during the first 60 days that the card account has been opened.
Rewards
This card could not be considered one of the best UK credit cards for rewards in the traditional sense because it does not offer a rewards program. However, this is a good option for those seeking UK credit card deals and offers because cardholders can access exclusive discounts when purchasing other Virgin products. Some of these offers make this card particularly attractive for those looking for the best UK credit cards for travel benefits and include:
- £50 voucher for Virgin Wines when customers spend £97.88
- 20% off selected Christmas packages from Virgin Balloon Flights
- £25 cash back for Virgin Money Home Insurance
- 5% off purchases from Virgin Holidays
- 10% off selected advance fares from Virgin Trains
- 20% off selected experiences from Virgin Experience Days
Features
All Virgin Money credit cards are equipped with a few standard security features. These features are designed to protect each and every customer from fraud and make this a top UK credit card. A few of these features include:
- Secure Chip technology is installed in every card to help safeguard against fraud.
- Virgin Money offers Fraudshield to detect unusual activity on every card.
- Any card that is lost or stolen can usually be canceled and replaced within 48 hours for no charge.
- Customers are covered by Visa’s Zero Liability Policy, which guarantees that they will not be held responsible for fraudulent charges to their card.
Read More: Top Best Prepaid Debit Cards | Ranking, Including Prepaid Debit Cards With No Fees
Conclusion — Top 6 Best UK Credit Card
Finding the best UK credit cards can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The factors presented in our review are most relevant as you relate them to your own finances and plans for your credit card. Use our carefully selected top UK credit cards along with our detailed reviews and FAQs to help you compare UK credit cards to find the best fit for your life.
To make your search as effective as possible, keep some of our larger points in mind:
- UK cash back credit cards and reward cards will all offer different programs.
- UK credit card limits and rates are determined by your personal finances, but representative examples can be helpful.
- UK credit cards partnered with particular organizations like Virgin and Tesco can bring unique benefits to the table.
It is unlikely that even the best UK credit card would perfectly suit anyone’s life, but each card has advantages and disadvantages. Armed with the information presented in our reviews, you can rest easy knowing that you can make most informed decision possible.
AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:
Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.
Note: Firms and products, including the one(s) reviewed above, may be AdvisoryHQ's affiliates. Click to view AdvisoryHQ's advertiser disclosures.
