Here Are The Best Credit Cards In UK (2025)

To find the best UK credit cards for 2025, you should look more closely at the ones that offer the most rewards and freedom. Some of the biggest companies changing what makes a great credit card are American Express, HSBC, and Barclaycard. They do this by combining smart money management with great rewards for everyday purchases and travel abroad. These cards can now help with a number of financial needs, like getting cash back, transferring balances, and getting travel benefits. They help people use their credit wisely.

Cashback credit cards in the UK have gotten better since 2025. Now you can get great rewards for groceries, gas, and shopping online. People are paying off their debts faster by using balance transfer cards that have low or no interest rates. On the other hand, travel credit cards come with special air mile bonuses, access to airport lounges, and no fees for transactions made outside the US. People are getting better at managing their money because more people are interested in low-interest credit cards.

Many of the best credit cards in the UK also work with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which makes it easy and safe to pay. The ten best credit cards in the UK for 2025 have the best combination of savings, ease of use, and new features. They can help you get credit, earn rewards, or give you more freedom with your money.

The Top Ten Best Credit Cards In UK (2025)

10. Aqua Classic Credit Card

If you want to improve your credit score without paying extra fees, the Aqua Classic Credit Card is a good option. It sends reports to the main UK credit reference agencies every month, which helps responsible users build their credit over time. Aqua makes things easy with online management tools and eligibility checks that don’t change your score. Section 75 protection covers purchases of items worth between £100 and £30,000, giving them extra security. Because there are no annual fees, it’s a good choice for people who are getting their first credit card or trying to rebuild their credit.

The app for your phone sends you alerts and lets you control your spending in real time, which helps you develop better money habits. The representative APR is higher than that of premium cards, but quick payments make up for this and raise future credit limits. Aqua Classic stands out as an easy-to-use, responsible choice with clear terms for many people in the UK who are trying to get their finances back on track in 2025.

9. The Capital One Classic Credit Card

The Capital One Classic Credit Card is still one of the most well-known entry-level credit cards in the UK. It is made for people with bad or limited credit histories. It has a limit that is easy to handle to keep people from spending too much, and it rewards people who stick with it by raising the limit slowly. There are no extra fees every year, and managing your account online is quick and easy. The card’s eligibility checker tells applicants how likely they are to be approved before they apply, which cuts down on unnecessary credit searches.

To keep your money safe, Capital One also sends you detailed monthly summaries and has a strong fraud detection system. The card can help improve your credit score and give you access to better rates in the future if you use it wisely and pay it off on time. It is a reliable tool for credit growth in 2025 because it has a good reputation for customer service and is easy to use. This is especially true for people who want to rebuild their credit responsibly without having to pay high fees.

8. The Credit Card from Tesco Bank Foundation

The Foundation Credit Card from Tesco Bank is great for people who want to improve their credit score and earn Tesco Clubcard points on everyday purchases. Every pound you spend at Tesco stores earns you points that you can use to get shopping vouchers or partner rewards later. There is no annual fee for the card, and you can easily manage it online. You can also use Tesco’s digital banking tools to keep an eye on your spending. Its design is aimed at people who are just starting to build their creditworthiness, but it also has useful features for people who shop at Tesco often.

Adding Clubcard integration makes it better than regular credit-builder products. Users can also keep track of their spending and set reminders through the mobile app to make sure they always pay on time. This card is a great link between basic credit cards and full-featured reward cards because Tesco is known for being honest with customers and promoting responsible credit use.

7. Virgin Money All-Around Credit Card

The Virgin Money All Round Credit Card is a good choice for people who want to be able to control how much they spend and borrow. It offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases for a limited time, which helps cardholders manage their debt or make big purchases without having to pay more. There is no annual fee for the card, which makes it a great choice for people who want useful features without having to pay for them every year. Virgin Money’s mobile app makes it easy to see where your money is going, when you need to pay, and how to budget in a way that promotes healthy habits.

The card also gives regular customers small rewards and discounts with some Virgin Group partners, which adds value for them. It is widely accepted in the UK and abroad, which makes it easy to use. The clear terms also help to clear up the confusion that often comes with promotional offers. This balanced structure keeps Virgin Money competitive with other flexible, all-purpose cards in 2025.

6. Santander Everyday Long Balance Transfer Credit Card

The Everyday Long Balance Transfer Credit Card from Santander is a great way to pay off debt quickly. It has a long 0% interest period on balance transfers, which lets cardholders pay off their existing balances at a pace that works for them. This benefit is especially helpful for people who want to take back control of their money without adding more interest. The card doesn’t have an annual fee, and customers can easily set up payments and keep an eye on transfers through Santander’s secure online banking platform.

Fraud alerts, paperless statements, and optional text notifications are some of the other features. Users feel safe when they reorganize multiple debts because it is simple and easy to understand. Santander’s offer for 2025 is still one of the best for managing balances at a low cost, and it is still a good choice for people who want to plan for long-term repayment.

5. The Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you want to pay less interest on your current debt, the Platinum Balance Transfer Credit Card from Barclaycard is one of the best in the UK. It has one of the longest 0% interest periods for balance transfers, with clear terms and a low transfer fee. This feature lets cardholders pay off their debts over several months without having to pay extra fees. The card also works for everyday purchases and has standard APRs that are still competitive in the market.

The Barclaycard app’s online management tools make it easy to plan your budget and payments. Users also get fraud protection and purchase protection at no extra cost. The Platinum edition gives people who are combining balances from other cards both breathing room and financial stability. Its consistent customer satisfaction and practical approach to managing debt keep it among the best UK cards in 2025.

4. The Halifax Clarity Credit Card

In 2025, the Halifax Clarity Credit Card is still one of the best options for travelers. It doesn’t charge fees for foreign transactions and offers competitive exchange rates, which makes it a great choice for spending money abroad. There are no annual fees, and when you take money out of an ATM in another country, you only have to pay the normal interest rate.

People who travel a lot and want a card that works everywhere like the simple design. Halifax’s online platform gives you full control by letting you freeze your card right away, get payment alerts, and see how much you’re spending. It also has built-in fraud protection and customer service that is available in all time zones. The Clarity Card is still very popular because it is clear, especially for people who want a card that works well in the UK and abroad.

3. The American Express Cashback Everyday Credit Card

The American Express Cashback Everyday Credit Card is still the best choice for people who spend money every day and want consistent value without paying an annual fee. It rewards cardholders with competitive cashback on all purchases, credited directly to their account annually. You can use the card with the Amex mobile app to see your balance in real time, get spending summaries, and get personalized offers from partner stores.

With Section 75 protection and fraud safeguards, users benefit from security alongside convenience. While American Express acceptance varies among smaller merchants, it is widely recognized in most major stores and online platforms across the UK. The card’s combination of cashback, reliability, and purchase protection positions it among the best credit cards in 2025 for routine purchases and household expenses.

2. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is designed for users who spend frequently and want premium rewards without immediate high costs. The first year comes with no annual fee, while members earn points on every purchase redeemable for travel, dining, and shopping. Cardholders receive valuable perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and priority booking privileges with select partners.

The flexibility of the Membership Rewards programme allows conversion into Avios or Virgin Points, appealing to frequent travellers. Its elegant design and premium experience make it more than a payment tool; it’s an all-in-one lifestyle card that combines convenience and prestige. For 2025, it remains one of the most rewarding credit cards in the UK for those who travel or entertain regularly.

1. American Express Rewards Credit Card

The American Express Rewards Credit Card consistently ranks first among UK credit cards in 2025 for its balance of flexibility, value, and global acceptance. It has no annual fee and earns Membership Rewards points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and partner gift cards. The card’s reward rate, combined with Amex’s strong customer service and advanced security systems, offers excellent long-term value.

Cardholders also enjoy purchase protection and the convenience of mobile payment compatibility. The ability to transfer points to major airline and hotel loyalty programmes adds lasting appeal. Its clarity, reliability, and reward versatility make it the best overall credit card in the UK for 2025 and suitable for both everyday spending and travel goals.