Credit cards are an everyday part of life today and a useful tool for managing your finances when handled responsibly. With an abundance of available credit cards it makes sense to shop around. Below is a table with a brief review of some of the best known credit cards.
0% On balance transfers for
15 months Typical 15.9% apr variable. Free
purchase protection and travel accident insurance. transfer
fee 2.98% |
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0% On balance
transfers for 13 months (2.9% fee applies) typical
12.9% apr variable. 0% on purchases for 6 months. |
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0% On balance
transfers for 13 months (2% fee applies) Typical 13.9%
apr variable. 0% on purchases for 3 months. |
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Platinum Card
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months. (Typical 14.9%
apr - variable) . Choice of 4 cards including new Flexi
Rate and a card for people who may have had trouble getting
credit in the past. transfer fee 2.5% |
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0% on Balance
Transfers for up to 12 months. Typical 16.9% APR
(variable) Up to 10% cash back at selected online retailers. (3% balance
transfer handling fee) |
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0% on balance
transfers for 10 months. 0% on purchases for 3 months. 2.75%
balance transfer fee. (15.9% typical variable APR) |
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0% on balances
transfers for the first 9 months (3% transfer fee). 0% on
Purchases for first 3 months Typical 9.9% Apr (variable). |
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0% On purchases
for 10 months (typical 15.9% apr - variable).
Only 5.94% on balance transfers for the life of the
transfer. Platinum card option available. |
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Ideal for people who
wish to strengthen their credit history. Or if you just want to benefit
from a great low rate. |
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Apply
for your very own Nectar Credit Card. It’s just like a normal
credit card, but better, as it gives you Nectar points everywhere
you use it. Typical 15.9%APR Variable. |
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No annual Fee, up to
3% cashback for the first 3 months. Typical 14.9% APR variable |
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0% on all balance transfers
- for 12 months, Typical rate 15.9% APR (variable).
Up to £100,000 travel accident insurance free - on your journey
transfer fee 2% |
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0% on Balance
Transfers for 9 months
. Choose your own card design. Instant online decision. |
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| IF (Intelligent Finance) Credit Card | Typical 16.9% APR (variable). 4.95% p.a for life of balances transferred in first 6 months. 0% for 8 months on Purchases | |
0% on Balance Transfers
for 9 months, Typical 14.9% APR Variable. Credit limit up to £5000 Apply online in minutes. |
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0% pa on Purchases
for 6 months, 0% pa on Balance Transfers fixed for 6 months
from account opening. (2% Transfer fee) Typical 15.5% APR
variable. |
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No longer accepting
new applications. |
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0% on balance
transfers until 2nd April 2008. (2% handling fee) Typical
14.9% APR (variable) Price promise Insurance (for
HSBC Bank account holders) |
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Platinum card:
3.9% p.a. on balance transfers until July 2010. (1% handling
fee). Buy and Fly!: 0% on balance
transfers for 9 months. 1 buy and fly! point for every £10 you
spend. |
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0% on Balance
Transfers for 6 months typical 14.9% APR
- variable. 0% interest for 2 years on M&S furniture
purchases instore over £1,000 |
| Bad Credit Credit Cards Credit Cards that can help to rebuild a previoulsy impaired credit score |
| Lifestyle Credit Cards MBNA Points Card , Conran Card , Sony Card , AOL Card... |
| Charity Credit Cards WWF Card , Childline Card , Breast Cancer Card ... |
| Travel Reward Credit Cards Priority Club Card , Thomas Cook Card , Ryan Air Card ... |
| Football Credit Cards Man U Card , Chelsea Card, Arsenal Card , Celtic Card ... |
| Business Credit Cards Barclays Business Cards, MBNA Self Employed Credit Card... |
If you pay your credit card balance in full every month you can practically ignore the interest rate because most cards offer an interest free period of around 56 days and if you pay your balance within this time no interest is charged.
If you only pay part of your credit card balance each month then choosing a credit card with a low interest rate is a sensible option. Some credit cards have a low fixed balance transfer rate and a low typical APR. Transferring a long standing balance to a card such as this could significantly reduce the amount of interest and the overall monthly repayments.
If you only pay the minimum amount of your outstanding credit card balance then switching to a credit card with 0% on balance transfers for a long time could also save you money. Many credit cards now offer balance transfer offers up to 12 months but be aware that many also charge a balance transfer fee.
Some new credit cards encourage people to repay more of their balance off each month by reducing the interest rate as the outstanding balance is reduced. This can help people pay off the balance in a much shorter time and significantly reduce the overall credit card debt.
Most credit card issuers make it easy to switch credit cards and not only are there often balance transfer deals but you may also be offered additional perks for the first few months or even for the entire time you keep the account active.
Before taking advantage of a credit card balance transfer offer always consider the normal terms of of the new credit card after the intial balance transfer offer runs out.
Always make sure your application for a new credit card is accepted before cutting up your old credit card.
Most credit card issuers offer an emergency replacement card which could be sent to you if your card is lost or stolen, even while abroad.
Perks are an increasingly common feature of the credit card market. Some perks can be of particular benefit to some people while of little use to others so it makes sense to shop around if you are after something in particular. Credit card perks can be a decisive factor for some people when it comes to choosing a credit card and there is a wide range of choice available.
Points Schemes
With some credit cards you can earn points according to how much you spend which can be exchanged for goods or discounts on goods. This is potentially useful if you want the goods on offer and spend enough to accumulate the necessary points.
Airmiles
These are a type of points scheme and points can be exchanged for flights and hotel discounts. This may be a valuable benefit for people who spend large amounts on their credit card and particularly those who fly frequently.
Some credit cards offer discounts on holidays or car hire.
How this site works: By clicking on 'Apply' you will go to the website of the card issuer where you can find out everything you need to know about the chosen credit card before deciding to submit your online application. Using this site is completely free
All of the cards shown have a wide variety of other offers and services so it is advisable to have a closer look at what is available before choosing the right card for you.
Our preferred method of aiding your selection of a suitable credit card is to simply find as many of the credit cards that are available online and put them all in one place with a basic comparison of the key features and interest rates.
If you are applying for a credit card for the first time there is nothing to worry about. The application process is very simple and straightforward. The hardest part is making your selection from the wide number of credit cards available.
For more information about credit cards you may wish to visit our 'information' section with useful articles, stories and suggestions to help you discover more about credit cards and the choices available to you.
Remember, we don't just display credit cards. We have a wide selection of loans, mortgages and bank accounts for you to review and apply for online.
Nearly all of the products we display allow you to find out more once you go to their respective site before submitting your online application. You can also cancel your agreement with the credit card issuers at any time provided you have cleared any outstanding balance you may have from making purchases with your credit card.
Remember, when using credit cards for any reason, be sensible with your money and you will benefit from the virtues of credit card ownership.