The 12 Best Credit Cards in the UK in 2025: Full Guide & Expert Picks
Looking for the best credit card in the UK this year? Whether you’re after cashback, travel perks, a 0% interest period, or a simple way to build your credit, there’s a card out there for you.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve rounded up the 12 best credit cards available in the UK, covering a range of categories—from rewards to balance transfers to student-friendly options. Each card is broken down by features, pros, and potential drawbacks to help you choose the one that fits your needs.
🥇 1. American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card
Best for: Everyday cashback without an annual fee
This Amex card is a top pick for regular spenders who want to earn cashback on all their purchases, without paying a fee.
Key Features:
- Up to 5% cashback in your first 3 months (max £100)
- 0.5%–1% ongoing cashback after the intro offer
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Great for everyday spending
- Cashback paid automatically once a year
- No fee for holding the card
Cons:
- Not accepted everywhere (especially smaller merchants)
- Need to spend at least £3,000 annually for cashback
🥈 2. Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer Card
Best for: Paying off existing credit card debt
If you’re carrying a balance elsewhere, this Barclaycard option offers one of the longest 0% balance transfer periods.
Key Features:
- Up to 24 months 0% on balance transfers
- 3.45% balance transfer fee
- No interest on purchases for up to 3 months
Pros:
- Long interest-free period gives breathing room
- Good for consolidating debt
- Easy to manage via app
Cons:
- Balance transfer fee can be costly
- Introductory period varies based on eligibility
🥉 3. Chase UK Credit Card (Coming in 2025)
Best for: Digital-first users and cashback lovers
Chase is expected to launch a credit card in the UK in 2025, and if it mirrors its US offering, it could be a game-changer.
Expected Features:
- 1% cashback on all purchases
- Real-time spending alerts and smart insights
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Early access list is live
- Great mobile experience
- Cashback on everything
Cons:
- Not available yet (launch expected mid-to-late 2025)
⭐ 4. Virgin Money All Round Credit Card
Best for: A mix of purchases and balance transfers
This card offers both 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases, making it a great all-in-one option.
Key Features:
- Up to 21 months 0% on purchases
- Up to 21 months 0% on balance transfers (2.9% fee)
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Versatile for new spending and clearing old debt
- Mobile app with great budgeting tools
- No interest if paid in time
Cons:
- Need good credit to qualify
- Shorter intro period for some users
⭐ 5. Capital One Classic Credit Card
Best for: Building or repairing credit
If your credit score isn’t perfect, this Capital One card is ideal for building (or rebuilding) your credit history.
Key Features:
- Credit limit starts from £200
- Potential to increase limit with good usage
- APR: 34.9% (variable)
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Easy to qualify for
- Great for first-time credit card users
- Helps build your credit profile over time
Cons:
- High APR if balance isn’t paid off
- No rewards or cashback
⭐ 6. Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card
Best for: Tesco shoppers and Clubcard point collectors
Perfect for loyal Tesco customers, this card helps you earn more Clubcard points on everyday purchases.
Key Features:
- Earn up to 3 Clubcard points per £1 spent at Tesco
- Earn 1 point per £4 spent elsewhere
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 12 months
Pros:
- Excellent for Tesco regulars
- Use Clubcard points for shopping or rewards partners
- Includes mobile app control
Cons:
- Limited perks outside of Tesco
- Points system isn’t as valuable if you don’t shop there often
⭐ 7. Aqua Advance Credit Card
Best for: Low credit scores and improving credit
Aqua Advance is another solid choice for building credit, with the added benefit of gradually lowering your interest rate if you manage your account well.
Key Features:
- APR starts at 34.9% (variable)
- Interest rate can drop to 19.9% over time
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Designed for people with little or no credit history
- APR reduction rewards good behaviour
- Works with major budgeting apps
Cons:
- High initial APR
- No cashback or rewards
⭐ 8. Halifax Clarity Credit Card
Best for: Travel and overseas spending
This is one of the best cards for travellers, thanks to no foreign transaction fees.
Key Features:
- No fees on overseas spending
- Competitive exchange rates
- APR: 23.9% (variable)
Pros:
- Save on FX fees while abroad
- Works anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No annual fee
Cons:
- No travel insurance or perks
- Interest is charged on cash withdrawals
⭐ 9. Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card
Best for: Frequent travellers and high spenders
This premium card is ideal if you want travel rewards, hotel perks, and airport lounge access.
Key Features:
- 20,000 bonus points if you spend £3,000 in 3 months
- 2 free airport lounge visits per year
- 1 point per £1 spent (more in select categories)
- First year fee: Free (then £195/year)
Pros:
- Great travel benefits
- Points redeemable for flights, hotels, or gift cards
- Welcome bonus is very generous
Cons:
- High annual fee after year one
- Not accepted everywhere
⭐ 10. M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card
Best for: M&S shoppers and budgeters
If you regularly shop at M&S, this card is a great way to earn points and enjoy interest-free spending.
Key Features:
- Earn M&S points on all purchases
- 0% on purchases and balance transfers for up to 18 months
- No annual fee
Pros:
- Double points at M&S
- Rewards redeemable in-store
- Good introductory interest-free period
Cons:
- Better value for M&S loyalists
- Must manage repayments to avoid charges after promo ends
⭐ 11. Sainsbury’s Nectar Credit Card
Best for: Nectar points collectors
Use this card to supercharge your Nectar point earnings, especially if you shop at Sainsbury’s or its partners.
Key Features:
- Earn up to 3 Nectar points per £1 at Sainsbury’s
- Earn 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere
- Introductory 0% offer on purchases
Pros:
- Great for everyday purchases and fuel
- Points usable at Argos, eBay, Sainsbury’s, and more
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Less useful if you don’t shop at Nectar partners
- Limited travel or cashback perks
⭐ 12. Tesco Foundation Credit Card
Best for: Students or beginners with no credit history
Tailored for those just getting started, this card has a lower credit threshold and helps you ease into using credit responsibly.
Key Features:
- Credit limit from £250
- APR: 27.5% (variable)
- Tesco Clubcard integration
Pros:
- Build your credit with gentle limits
- Earn Tesco points
- Manage account via mobile app
Cons:
- Not many extras
- Higher APR if balance isn’t repaid in full
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for You
With so many great options in 2025, how do you narrow it down?
Ask yourself:
- 🛒 Do I want cashback, rewards, or just to build credit?
- ✈️ Do I spend money abroad or travel frequently?
- 💸 Am I paying off old credit card debt?
- 📊 Do I have good, fair, or poor credit?
- ⚖️ Can I repay in full monthly, or do I need 0% interest help?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Your Goal | Best Card(s) |
|---|---|
| Earn cashback | Amex Platinum Cashback, Chase (upcoming) |
| Clear debt | Barclaycard Platinum, Virgin Money |
| Travel abroad | Halifax Clarity, Amex Gold |
| Build credit | Capital One, Aqua, Tesco Foundation |
| Shop at Tesco or Sainsbury’s | Tesco Clubcard or Nectar Card |
FAQs: Best UK Credit Cards in 2025
What’s the best credit card for students?
The Tesco Foundation or Capital One Classic cards are great starter options for students or those new to credit.
Can I get a credit card with bad credit?
Yes! Cards like Aqua Advance and Capital One Classic are designed for people with low or no credit scores.
Are Amex cards worth it?
They’re great if you want rewards or travel perks, but keep in mind that Amex isn’t accepted everywhere.
How do I improve my credit with a card?
Use your card regularly, keep your balance low, and always pay at least the minimum on time. Over time, this boosts your credit score.
Should I get more than one credit card?
Only if you can manage them responsibly. Multiple cards can help improve your credit utilization ratio, but can also lead to overspending if you’re not careful.
Final Thoughts
The UK credit card market in 2025 offers something for everyone—whether you’re trying to build your credit from scratch, save on interest, earn points, or get cashback on daily spending.
There’s no single “best” card. The right one depends on your goals, your spending habits, and your financial situation.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Want cashback? → Try Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday
- Need to clear debt? → Go for Barclaycard Platinum
- New to credit? → Start with Capital One Classic
- Travel often? → Halifax Clarity or Amex Gold
- Loyal supermarket shopper? → Tesco Clubcard or Sainsbury’s Nectar
Do your research, compare APRs and features, and most importantly—use your credit card wisely. That way, you can enjoy the perks without falling into debt.
Let me know if you’d like this in a downloadable PDF format or a comparison table version for your blog or website!
