Credit Cards UK .. Your full guide 2023
Using credit cards in the UK could be a way for you to shop more. Even better, it could be a way for you to earn cashback and get rewards or pay debts.
But, which credit cards should you choose and which fill your requirements best? That’s what this guide is all about. So, keep reading to get the best out of it.
About Credit Cards in the UK
People in the UK use credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payment methods a lot. That’s because they are the easiest ways to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are the most common kinds of cards. American Express and Diners Club cards are accepted less often, but they can still be used.
When used well, a credit card is a flexible and convenient way to borrow money and/or keep track of expenditures. But there is no one size that fits everyone. There are a lot of different kinds of credit cards. Picking the best one for your needs can make a big difference in your finances and life.
Types of credit cards in the UK
Cards that give loyalty points
If you make a big purchase in the first few months, using the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card would get you some extra bonuses.
If you spend £3,000 or more in the first three months, you get 23,000 points. You can trade these in for £100 in Amex membership rewards uk, 23,000 air miles, or a whopping £184 in Nectar points.
To get the latter, you’ll need to trade your Amex points for Avios. You could do that at the British Airways Executive Club official site. Note: you’ll need to register if you don’t already have an account.
Then, you’ll need to link your Nectar account to your British Airways Executive Club account. You can do this on the BA site.
You’ll need to register for a Nectar account first if you don’t already have one. Then, on the BA website, you can trade your 23,000 Avios for 36,800 Nectar points, which are worth £184.
You can spend Nectar points at Sainsbury’s, eBay, Argos, and a lot of other stores. You’ll always get one point for every £1 you spend.
AMEX metal card uk is free of charge for the first year. After that, you will be charged £140 every year to keep it. Make sure you deactivate it before the fee starts. Amex UK gold also has a rep APR of 25.7 % if the full amount is not paid back monthly.
Another good choice is the American Express Nectar card. You can get two Nectar points for every £1 you spend with it, and three points for every £1 you spend when you use it with a Nectar card at Sainsbury’s, Argos, eBay, or other Nectar partners.
Also, if you spend £2,000 in the first three months, you’ll get an extra 20,000 Nectar points, which are worth £100. Each Nectar point is worth half a penny.
If you’ve had an Amex card in the past two years, you won’t be able to get the welcome bonus. So, the other Nectar credit card is a better choice.
This card is free of charge for the first year, but then you have to pay £25 a year to keep it. If you don’t want to keep using it, remember to cancel before the year is up. This card charges a 25.7% rep APR if the balance isn’t paid off in full every month.
AMEX’s Platinum Card UK, as the name suggests, is an ultra-premium card for heavy spenders. It comes loaded with benefits and opportunities to earn American Express membership rewards UK points.
From lounge access to hotel perks and more, the Platinum Card comes with a lot of benefits that help to make up for the expensive $575 annual fee. One of these benefits is a new £300 dining credit that you can use every year.
If you don’t mind paying a big annual fee and want to make a lot of money and get a lot of travel benefits and protections, this is the card for you.
