Compare Balance Transfer and Purchase Credit Cards

You can use a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, but doing so will usually incur a charge. It’s advised that you use a credit card to make purchases instead.

You are able to use your credit card abroad, but depending on the fees associated with the credit card, you might find yourself having to pay additional charges. If you have a travel credit card on the other hand, you will avoid associated fees and be able to spend abroad without being charged extra.

Interest will only be charged on purchases if you don’t pay off the balance on the card at the end of every month. However, if your card comes with an introductory 0% interest period, then as long as you make the minimum monthly payments, you won’t be charged any interest at all.

If you have a poor credit rating, it’s unlikely you will be accepted for most credit cards and may even receive a rejection if you attempt to apply. Instead, consider getting a credit builder card. If you can make the repayments every month you will find your credit score improving over time.

Section 75 of the 1974 Consumer Credit Act provides extra protection on purchases over £100 up to £30,000. The amount spent on the card could be lower than the minimum £100, as it goes off the total value of the goods. For example, if you pay a £50 deposit on a product that is £500 but the company goes out of business, you can still make a claim. There are also certain chargeback services where you can make a claim under £100 if necessary.

Yes, you can pay off your balance in full at any time.

A balance transfer card can be used to move existing debt to a new card in order to benefit from a lower interest rate. There is usually an introductory period where there is a 0% interest rate on transfers, meaning you can consolidate your debts onto one card without being penalised.

A cashback card will allow you to earn money back on purchases you make. There might also be a higher cashback rate for a short introductory period, so it’s advised you make most of your major purchases within this time.

A rewards credit card is similar to a cashback card but instead of cash you will receive points. These can include Tesco Clubcard points, Nectar points, M&S points or even Air miles that can be used to purchase discounted flights.

With an air miles credit card you will be rewarded with purchases made by receiving a certain amount of air miles in return. You’re advised to choose an air miles card that is linked to the travel company you most often use, such as Virgin Atlantic or British Airways.

Premium credit cards offer a huge range of benefits such as cashback, rewards points, and concierge services. These types of card require an excellent credit rating and usually charge an annual fee.

These cards are designed specifically for students as they have a low credit limit and you are required to have a student account with the provider.

A store card isn’t the same as a credit card but they can work in a similar way and still involve a credit agreement. They can only be used to make purchases in a specific chain of stores and the terms are typically less attractive than a credit card.

Credit card providers can increase your limit without you agreeing, but you will have 30 days to decide whether you would like to reject the increase.

Yes, but only under certain circumstances. It’s sometimes referred to as behaviour-based repricing and can occur because you have missed payments, started paying off less every month, opened too many credit agreements at once or made too many cash withdrawals.