The best UK credit cards earn cashback, rewards, or offer 0% interest — plus Section 75 purchase protection on everything over £100. Here are the top picks for 2026.
Best Cards by Category
| Category | Best Card | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall cashback | Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday | Up to 1% cashback, no fee |
| Best high-spend cashback | Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1% on all spending |
| Best travel rewards | Barclaycard Avios Plus | Avios on every purchase |
| Best 0% purchases | Virgin Money | Up to 24 months 0% |
| Best 0% balance transfer | MBNA | Up to 29 months 0% |
| Best credit building | Barclaycard Forward | Reports to all 3 agencies |
Best Cashback Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Cashback Rate | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday | £0 | 0.5–1% | Up to 1% after £10K/year |
| Chase Freedom | £0 | 1% | All purchases, first year |
| Santander All in One | £3/month | 0.5% | Includes balance transfer |
Best Balance Transfer Cards
| Card | Transfer Fee | 0% Period | APR After |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBNA Balance Transfer | 2.99% | Up to 29 months | 24.9% |
| Virgin Money Balance Transfer | 2.99% | Up to 26 months | 24.9% |
| Barclaycard | 2.99% | Up to 24 months | 24.9% |
Best Travel / Rewards Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Earning Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard Avios Plus | £12/month | 1.5 Avios/£1 | BA frequent flyers |
| Amex Gold | £160/year | 1 MR/£1 | Flexible points |
| Virgin Atlantic Reward+ | £0 | 0.75 miles/£1 | Virgin Atlantic loyalty |
Section 75 Protection
Every UK credit card gives you free legal protection on purchases between £100 and £30,000. If the retailer goes bust or the product is faulty, the credit card company is jointly liable. This alone makes using a credit card for medium/large purchases worth it.
Bottom Line
For most UK consumers, start with a no-fee cashback card (Amex Platinum Everyday or Chase Freedom) and use it for all spending you’d do anyway. Add a 0% balance transfer if carrying debt, and always pay the full balance on cashback/rewards cards. Section 75 protection is a unique UK benefit worth using.
See our best cashback cards UK or best balance transfer cards for deeper comparisons.