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Credit card charges

Credit cards are undoubtedly convenient but the slightest misuse can incur a host of additional charges. Penalties are typically:

  • £20 for a late payment.
  • £20 for exceeding credit limit.
  • £5 for each returned payment.
  • £25 for a cancelled cheque.

The best way to avoid such charges is to set up a direct debit with your bank for a timely repayment each month – ideally for the balance owed. More...

CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Capital One BT Exclusive0%Until 01/10/20093.0%15.9%Apply / Details
Virgin Credit Card0%15 mths2.98%15.9%Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum0%Until 01/09/20093.0%12.9%Apply / Details
Egg Card0%Until 01/09/20093.0%16.9%Apply / Details
Barclaycard Platinum 'As on TV'0%14 mths2.9%14.9%Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Capital One Platinum0%Until 01/09/200912.9%Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum Exclusive0%Until 01/05/200911.9%Apply / Details
Halifax One Online Special0%10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Bank of Scotland0%10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Barclaycard Life of Balance0%10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Capital One PlatinumUntil 01/09/2009Until 01/09/200912.9%Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum ExclusiveUntil 01/05/2009Until 01/05/200911.9%Apply / Details
Halifax One Online Special10 mths10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Bank of Scotland10 mths10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Capital One BT ExclusiveUntil 01/10/2008Until 01/10/200915.9%Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
American Express Platinum5% Moneyback for 3 months, up to 1.5% thereafterApply / Details
Capital One Cashback4% rebate until 01/09/08 on purchases, 1% thereafterApply / Details
Shell MasterCard - Citi3% rebate on Shell fuel spend, 1% on other purchasesApply / Details
Barclaycard Cashback4% Cashback until 31/07/08, 0.5% until 01/01/10Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Barclaycard Life of Balance6.5%15.9%Life of BalanceApply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Barclaycard Low Rate Special8.8%56Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum Exclusive11.9%56Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
MBNA Platinum Rewards Card1 point for every £1.00 spentApply / Details

Watch out for credit cards that charge annual fees. An annual fee encompasses thing such as travel insurance or an increase in the reward rates – add ons you may not even need. If this is the case, look for a no annual fee credit cards.

If you are planning on using your credit card to help fund a holiday, beware of increased charges for using your plastic overseas as charges could be as much as 10%.