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Credit cards

Our Member Credit Card has 2 great introductory offers to choose from. Available if you have a savings account, current account or mortgage with us.

Balance transfer credit card

This introductory offer allows you to transfer an existing balance and pay off existing credit.

  • 0% interest on balance transfers for 18 months 
  • 0% interest on purchases for 3 months
  • 24.9% APR representative (variable)
Our balance transfer credit card

Balance transfer and purchase credit card

Get a balance transfer credit card and longer to pay off purchases with this introductory offer.

  • 0% interest on balance transfers for 15 months
  • 0% interest on purchases for 15 months
  • 24.9% APR representative rate (variable)
Our balance transfer and purchase credit card

Representative example

24.9% APR representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable).

How to choose the right credit card

Think about what you want to use the credit card for. Different credit cards have different features. The type of credit card you get should suit the way you want to use it – or why you need it.

Some popular reasons for choosing a credit card are to:

  • reduce the cost of existing debt
  • spread the cost of large purchases
  • worldwide commission-free purchases
  • improve credit score
  • clear debt but also spend
  • receive cashback and rewards

Once you decide on the purpose, you can compare offers.

Why apply for a credit card? 

  1. Move your existing balance and pay no interest

    Transfer outstanding credit card debt to a balance transfer card with a 0% interest period. This gives you the flexibility to pay off your debt instead of the interest.

  2. Spread the cost of bigger purchases

    Purchase credit cards often have an interest-free period on spending. To avoid any charges, you'll need to pay off the balance on your credit card before the interest-free period ends.

  1. Protected spending

    If you buy something between £100 and £30,000 and there's a problem with it, you may be able to claim your money back.

  2. Build up your credit score

    If you pay off your entire outstanding balance on time, you can boost your credit score. A higher credit score can make it easier to borrow money in the future.

  1. Pay no fees when spending abroad

    Some credit cards offer commission free spending, which means you won't be charged for using your card abroad. You'll likely be charged for withdrawing cash though, so check your terms.

  2. Prepare for the unexpected

    If you’re low on money and an emergency happens, paying with credit can help you cover costs quickly. Remember it’s always better to pay off your balance as soon as you can.

Learn about credit cards

What is a 0% interest credit card? 

A 0% credit card gives you a set amount of time to pay off any purchases or balance transfers you make without paying interest.

Find out more about 0% interest credit cards

How do credit cards work?

Every time you pay with a credit card, you borrow from your card provider to make that payment.

Find out more about how credit cards work

Understanding credit card charges

Credit cards have different types of fees, interest and charges. It's important you know what they are and how they impact you.

If you have an introductory offer on your credit card, you may not be charged interest during this period. You should check when this offer period ends and understand the potential charges after it. 

Credit card interest

If you don’t pay off what you owe in full each month, you’ll typically be charged interest on the outstanding amount, known as the balance.

Types of credit card fees

You can incur fees from balance transfers, cash withdrawals, late or missing payments, and penalty or servicing fees from many providers.

Using your credit card responsibly

However you choose to use your card, decide if you'll be paying off your balance in full each month or spreading it out over a period.

Some things to consider to help you use your credit card responsibly are:

  • understanding the terms, fees and charges
  • paying your credit card bill on time
  • if you can, paying higher than the minimum
  • keeping your balance low enough to pay your monthly bill comfortably
  • setting up reminders on payments, limits and balance updates

How credit cards can build your credit score

The way you use and manage a credit card is just one factor which could impact your credit score. Managing it well could help to build your credit score over time.

Here are some important things to consider:

  • A good credit score could improve your chances of being accepted for credit in future.
  • When using a credit card, always make payments on time and minimise what you spend.
  • You can negatively impact your credit score by missing payments, going over your agreed credit limit and making any new credit applications

Other ways to borrow

Overdrafts

If you have a current account with us, you may be able to arrange an overdraft.

Learn about overdrafts

Loans

If you have a current account with us, we offer loans for cars, home improvements and to consolidate debt.

Explore loan options

Borrow against your mortgage

If you have a mortgage with us, you can apply to borrow up to 90% of the value of your home.

Find out how to borrow more

Help for customers

If you have a credit card with us, we’re here to support you.

Quick links:

Nationwide adheres to The Standards of Lending Practice, which are monitored and enforced by the LSB: www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk (opens in a new window)