People using cards in the UK are all different, with varied needs — offers like 0% on purchases and balance transfers continue to attract attention, whereas cashback and rewards cards seem to have stabilized and have well-known loyalty partners. What card to pick in the UK: the best card types for typical needs, plus the easiest way to compare offers without any unpleasant surprises.
Who is this for?
- You are looking for a credit card with an introductory 0% on both purchases and balance transfers.
- You really like getting cashback on the things you buy at the supermarket and on petrol.
- You are a frequent flyer with one airline only and would like to have a credit card that helps you collect more Avios or other points.
- You are the director of a small UK limited company and are looking for a way to control business expenses.
Main card types (bulleted)
- 0% purchase cards – divided a major with a sizable planned expense 0% interest over multiple months.
- Balance transfer cards – transfer the debt with the highest interest rate to 0% deals.
- Cashback cards – money back on everyday UK spending (supermarkets, fuel).
- Rewards/Avios cards – the cooperation of airlines and hotels.
- Business credit cards – controlled business spending and VAT.
What is the way to compare UK offers?
Highlight main UK differences: representative APR vs actual APR, duration of 0% offer, balance transfer fees (typically 2-3%), foreign transaction fees, eligibility checks (soft search vs hard search), and credit reference agencies (Experian/Equifax/TransUnion). Include a simple step-by-step example that compares a 0% 18-month balance transfer with a 3% transfer fee against a high-interest credit card — basic calculations to demonstrate the point at which transfer becomes advantageous.
| Card type | Best for | Key things to check |
|---|---|---|
| 0% purchase | big planned buys | length of 0% period |
| Balance transfer | consolidate debt | transfer fee, duration |
| Cashback | everyday spend | category caps, redemption method |
| Avios/travel | airline loyalty | partner airport lounges, seat upgrades |
| Business card | company spend | FX fees, employee cards |
Practical tips
- Read the T&Cs to understand what the fees for balance transfers and the duration of the intro rates are.
- Choose cashback redemption methods that provide you with the highest value (e.g. money back on your statement vs. bank transfer).
- If you are going to the EU or US, make sure that you are aware of the foreign transaction fees.
- Deploy budgeting to accomplish the welcome bonus requirement in a secure way.
- Check out the eligibility tools so that you do not get hard searches that are unnecessary.
The single largest area on which you spend will help you match the card accordingly. In the case of debt, a balance transfer or 0% card is almost always better than paying down at a high APR. Would you like me to suggest a particular credit card that suits your spending habits? Just let me know your monthly expenses and whether you are a frequent traveler. I will then be able to identify the most rewarding card category for you.