Credit cards · Updated July 2026
Best UK Credit Cards 2026
The right credit card can save you hundreds in interest or earn you hundreds in rewards. Choose wrong and you'll pay 30%+ APR. Here are the top UK cards for 2026 by category.
Our top picks
- #1
Longest 0% balance transfer
Best for clearing debt0% for 32 monthsPros
- Longest interest-free period on the market
- Low ~2.9% transfer fee
- Clear debt at your own pace
Cons
- Requires excellent credit score
- Reverts to 24.9% APR after
Best for: Anyone paying interest on an existing credit card who wants a clear runway. - #2
Longest 0% purchase card
Best for big spends0% for 24 monthsPros
- Spread a large purchase interest-free
- Section 75 protection
- No annual fee
Cons
- Must clear before the 0% ends
Best for: Planned purchases you'll clear within 2 years (kitchen, holiday, wedding). - #3
Best cashback card
Best rewards1.5% flat cashbackPros
- Uncapped 1.5% on everything
- No annual fee first year
- Contactless + Apple/Google Pay
Cons
- Requires paying in full to avoid interest
Best for: Everyday spenders who clear the balance monthly. - #4
Best airline miles card
Best for travellers1.5 Avios per £1Pros
- Companion voucher at £15k spend
- Airline lounge access
- Fee-free abroad
Cons
- £195 annual fee
Best for: Frequent BA/Iberia flyers who spend £15k+ a year on cards. - #5
Best travel/spending abroad
Best abroad0% FX feePros
- No foreign transaction fee
- Fee-free ATM withdrawals (limits)
- Perfect Mastercard rate
Cons
- Reverts to 24.9% APR on carried balances
Best for: Anyone going abroad — pay in local currency, always.
How to choose
Eligibility check first
Every reputable comparison site offers a soft-search eligibility checker. Use it before applying — a rejected application dents your credit file for 6 months.
Never miss a 0% deadline
0% deals revert to 20–30% APR. Set a calendar reminder 2 months before expiry to either clear the balance or transfer to another 0% card.
Rewards only pay if you clear in full
The best cashback card earns 1.5%. The worst APR is ~30%. Carry a balance and any reward is dwarfed 20× over by interest.
Match the card to the use case
Debt → longest balance transfer. Big purchase → longest 0% purchase. Everyday spend + clear monthly → cashback. Travel → 0% FX.
FAQs
- What credit score do I need for 0% cards?
- Typically 'good' or 'excellent' (~700+ on Experian). Eligibility checkers show your chances before you apply.
- Is a balance transfer worth the fee?
- Almost always yes. A 3% fee to escape 24% APR pays back in ~6 weeks.
- Do rewards beat cashback?
- Only if you extract full value (business-class Avios redemptions). For most people, flat cashback is worth more and simpler.