BANK AND CREDIT CARDS

The Bank / Credit card market has now diversified to the extent where there are many different card types to fulfil a variety of needs. Click on the links below if you know what you are looking for; or read our overview for more information down the page.

WHICH CREDIT CARD DO I NEED?

Which credit card should you choose? There are a large number of credit cards on the market; and the three key features most buyers look for are: APR, Interest Free Balance Transfer Period, Interest Free Purchase Period.

APR is the Annual Percentage Rate – ie what the general interest rate is over a year. The Interest Free Transfer Period refers to the period for which you will not accrue interest on any balance you transfer over from you old credit card. Finally, the Interest Free Purchase Period means the introductory period through which you will not accrue interest on any new purchases you make.

With modern Credit cards however, there are other benefits to look for – EG some such as the Nectar Card offer loyalty points that can be redeemed, or the Football Club Cards which as well as offering points, also gives a donation to your club when you buy. Similarly with Charity Cards, a percentage of the sales will go to the charity as a donation – so you can help your favourite charity. There are also a range of business cards including a charge card (no interest on purchases but the full amount must be paid back every month) and a range of small Business Cards that give you discount at specified business retailers.

Compare Credit Cards

WHAT IS A PREPAID CARD?

Prepaid cards or Prepay Credit cards are becoming increasingly available; offering a secure and convenient way to transfer or share money, spend abroad, shop online, receive wages and simply use for day to day spending. They are a great option if you are unable to get credit or a bank account, because you'll get all the versatility of a debit or credit card regardless of your credit rating.

Prepaid cards are used and accepted just like credit and debit cards, except you 'pre-load' the card with funds. The cards can be loaded by a variety of methods and does differ by card (check our Prepaid Calculator table to view top-up types.) Generally you can load with cash at EG Post Office or Paypoints; and sometimes at a bank itself. Other methods include having your wages paid onto the card, via a bank transfer or even by post!

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WHAT IS A TRAVEL FX CARD?

Travel Exchange (FX) or Travel currency cards are a recent product designed specifically for use abroad, in foreign currencies. The principal is simple: avoid all the complex credit card fees and poor commission rates when you go abroad. Buy a card in the relevant currency and load it up with money (online or by telephone) as you would a prepaid card.

They can also 'topped-up' like a prepaid card, in the currency of your choice and you can re-load them via SMS, the internet and by telephone wherever you are.

The advantages of a Travel FX card over using a Debit or Credit card are multiple:

Your exchange rate is far higher than normal bank rates; and close to the Interbank Spot rate
The exchange is generally commission-free
Your exchange rate is set when you load or top up the card so you are not at the mercy of fluctuating exchange rates or poor exchange rate
ATM fees are low and there is generally no purchase fee when using the card

So choose your currency, order your card and enjoy low fees and a great exchange rate. If you lose the card you can also get an replacement rapidly and you do not run the security risk of carrying large amounts of cash.

Compare Travel FX Cards

DO YOU NEED A CREDIT CARDS BUT HAVE A BAD CREDIT RATING?

Over the course of our financial life, some people fall into bad debt, or in arrears on loans which may give the individual a bad credit rating, This may make it hard to get a new loan or a credit card. However some credit card providers will allow you to have a card even if your credit rating is poor. Check our selection of cards for those with a poor credit rating here.

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Compare Poor Rating Credit Cards

WHY BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS?

If you have a Business or whatever size or even are self-employed; it may be useful for you and your employees to have a credit card to pay for business expenses. There are a number of credit cards with features specifically tailored for businesses. Generally you will be able to order a number of additional cards for other employees free of charge. Most cards will offer discounts on a variety off business related products such as travel, travel insurance or hotel stays. Some cards even offer moneyback on purchases or Nectar points. Check our comparison table for more details.

Compare Business Credit Cards

CAN I GET A CREDIT CARD IF I AM A STUDENT?

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SUPPORT YOUR BELOVED CLUB WITH A FOOTBALL CREDIT CARDS

There are times when Students need a bit of credit to pay for everyday needs, books and unexpected expenses. But students are unlikely to have a regular salaried income and this makes getting a regular credit card difficult. Luckily there are a number of cards specifically designed for students. You will not need a yearly salary, although generally the cards are capped at a low credit rate - for example £500.

Compare Football Credit Cards

SUPPORT A CHARITY WITH YOUR CREDIT CARDS

A new breed of consumer who wants to shop and live in a more ethical manner is increasing as we seek to give back. There are a number of Credit Cards that want to offer their users the ability to give to a number of charities and ethical considerations. The credit card companies will usually give a percentage of its profit back to the selected charity. You can help animal charities, the environment and more – click here to see our selection of Charity Credit Cards.

Compare Charity Credit Cards