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Credit Cards in the UK come in several types, each designed for different needs. This page gives you a simple, plain English overview of the most common card types and what they’re typically used for, It’s general information only and helps you understand the basics before exploring more detailed guides.
Main types of Credit Cards
- Cashback Cards – earn money back when you spend
- Rewards Cards – earn points, miles or perks
- Balance Transfers Cards– move an existing balance to low or 0% rate
- 0% Purchase Cards – pay no interest on new purchases for set period
- Travel Cards– avoid foreign transactions fees and earn travel rewards
- Credit -Builder Cards-designed for improving or building credit history
How to Choose a Card Type
- Think about how you spend
- Decide whether you want rewards or lower interest
- Check fees and promotional periods
- Make sure you understand how interest works
1. Best Balance Transfer Cards (Example Cards)
These example cards show the types of features you might find on a real balance transfer credit cards
Example Balance Transfer Card A
- 0% balance transfers: up to 20 months
- Balance transfer fee: 2.9%
- Representative APR: 23.9% (Variable)
- Good for: a period with no interest charged on the existing balance
Example Balance Transfer Card B
- 0% balance transfers: up to 18 month
- Balance transfer fee: 1.5%
- Representative APR: 23.9% (Variable)
Compare real credit cards at – moneysupermarket
2. Best 0% Purchase Credit Cards (Example Cards)
0% purchase cards give you time to spreads the cost of purchases without paying interest during the promotional period.
Example 0% Purchase Card A
- 0% purchases: up to 20 months
- Representative APR: 23.9% (Variable)
- Good Limit: up to £3,000
- Good for: Spreading the cost of larger purchases
Example 0% Purchase Card B
- 0% purchases: up to 18 months
- Representative APR: 24.9% (Variable)
- Good Limit: up to £2,500
- Good for: everyday spending with a long interest – free window
Compare real credit cards at – moneysupermarket
3. Best Cashback Credit Cards (Example Cards)
Cashback Cards reward you with a percentage of your spending back as credit on your statement.
Example Cashback Card A
- Cashback: 1% on all spending
- Bonus: 2% in the first 3 months
- Representative APR: 28.9 (variable)
- Good for: simple, everyday rewards
Example Cashback Card B
- Cashback: 0.5% standard
- Extra: 1.5% on supermarket and fuel
- Representative APR: 26.9% (variable)
- Good for: mixed spending categories
Compare real credit cards at – moneysupermarket
4. Best Online Shopping Credit Cards (Example Cards)
Online shopping cards reward digital purchases, subscriptions, and e-commerce spending.
Example Online Shopping Card A
- Rewards: 2 points per £1 online
- Extra: 3 points on major online retailers
- Representative APR: 29.9% (variable)
- Good for: frequent online shoppers
Example Online Shopping Card B
- Cashback: 1% online
- Bonus: 2% on fashion and electronics
- Representative APR: 27.9% (variable)
- Good for: people who buy most things online
Compare real credit cards at – moneysupermarket
5. Best Restaurant Credit Cards (Examples Cards)
Restaurant cards reward dinning out, takeaway, and food delivery apps.
Example Restaurant Card A
- Rewards: 3 points per £1 at restaurants
- Extra: 2 points on food delivery apps
- Representative APR: 28.9% (variable)
- Good for: people who eat out regularly
Example Restaurant Card B
- Cashback: 2% at restaurants
- Extra: 1% on everyday spending
- Representative APR: 25.9% (variable)
- Good for: Simple rewards on dining
Compare real credit cards at – moneysupermarket
6. Best Supermarket Credit Cards (Example Cards)
Supermarket cards reward grocery shopping and household essentials.
Example Supermarket Card A
- Rewards: 3 points per £1 at supermarkets
- Extra: 1 point everywhere else
- Representative APR: 24.9% (variable)
- Good for: weekly food shops
Example Supermarket Card B
- Cashback: 2% at supermarkets
- Bonus: 1% on fuel
- Representative APR: 26.9% (variable)
- Good for: families and regular shoppers
7. Best Rewards Credit Cards (Example Cards)
Rewards cards give points for everyday spending that can be used for shopping, dining, travel, or gift cards.
Example Rewards Card A
- Rewards: 1 point per £1
- Bonus: 5000- point welcome offer
- Representative APR: 29.9% (variable)
- Good for: people who want flexible rewards
Example Rewards Card B
- Rewards: 2 points per £1 on dining and supermarkets
- Extra: 1 point everywhere else
- Representative APR: 27.9% (variable)
- Good for: mixed spending with boosted categories
Compare real credit cards at – moneysupermarket
8. Best Travel Credit Cards (Example Cards)
Travel cards reward flights, hotels, and overseas spending, often with no foreign transaction fees
Example Travel Card A
- Rewards: 2 points per £1 on travel
- Extra: 1 point everywhere else
- Foreign fees: 0%
- Representative APR: 25.9% (variable)
- Good for: holidays and overseas spending
Example Travel Card B
- Rewards: 3 points per £1 on flights
- Extra: 2 points on hotels
- Foreign fees: 0%
- Representative APR: 26.9% (variable)
- Good for: frequent travelers
Compare real credit cards at – moneysupermarket
How to Choose an Example Credit Card
These example cards show the types of features you might find on real products. When comparing real cards, always check:
- interest rates
- promotional periods
- cashback or rewards
- fees
- eligibility criteria
- terms and conditions
Always verify details directly with the provider before applying.
Compare More Card Types
- Best Cashback Credit Card
- Best Balance Transfer Cards
- Best Travel Credit Cards
- Best Online Shopping Credit Cards
- Best 0% Purchase Credit Cards
FAQ
The best type depends on what features someone is looking for, such as cashback, rewards, travel benefits, or promotional periods. Providers offer different terms.
Rewards are earned from spending and can be used for shopping, dining, travel, or other options depending on the provider’s scheme.
It’s an example interest rate that most accepted applicants may receive. Actual rates vary based individual circumstances.
Some do, some don’t. Fees depend on the product and the provider.
A card offering a promotional period where purchases don’t charge interest. Standard rates apply after the promotional period.
Cashback gives a percentage of spending back as credit on the statement. Rates vary between products.
Expiry rules depend on provider’s reward scheme.
Many providers offer soft search tools that show general eligibility indicators without affecting credit scores.
Most do, some products may charge foreign transactions fees, while others may not.
No, the cards shown are example cards to illustrate the types of features you might find on real products. Always check details directly with the provider before applying.
Full Affiliate Disclosure
This Page contains affiliate links. If you click in the link and apply for a product, we may earn a commission. This helps support the site and keeps the content free. We do not recommend specific products, and the example cards shown are general information only. We are not responsible for any financial loss or decisions made based on this website. Always check details directly with the provider before applying.