Contactless payments: The pros and cons of tap and pay

To tap or not to tap? That is the question when using contactless payments.

Contactless payments are a modern way to pay for your everyday purchases with one simple touch. To enjoy this benefit, you need to wave or tap your card, wearable payment device or smartphone in front of a contactless terminal. There’s no requirement to enter your PIN or sign a receipt to authorise a transaction.

Although it may seem like a fairly new technology, it has been used in the UK since 2007. The rising popularity of contactless payments for transactions under £100 means that Brits are moving ever closer to living in a cashless society. In fact, UK Finance estimated that a third of all payments made in the UK in 2021 used contactless.

How do contactless payments work?

Contactless payments use Near Field Communication (NFC), which allows two devices to securely transmit and receive information by bringing them within 4cm of each other. It’s an upgrade to the existing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, which combines the interface of a smartcard and a reader into a single device. As an example, RFID is used by Transport for London’s Oyster Card ticketing system.

If you see the contactless symbol, it means you can make contactless payments of up to £100. All three networks – Mastercard, Visa and American Express – offer contactless payment technology. Sometimes referred to as “tap and pay”, consumers can either wave or tap their credit cards at counters or card machines with contactless terminals without entering a PIN or signing a receipt. For larger transactions of over £100, you are usually required to enter your PIN. After you have tapped or waved, wait a few seconds for a green light or “approved” to show up to confirm that the transaction has gone through. You won’t always get a receipt so be sure to ask for one if you require a record of your transaction.

Contactless devices include:

  • Debit, credit or pre-paid cards
  • Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets (which use mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay)
  • Wearable devices, such as watches and wristbands
  • Key fobs
  • Stickers

It’s worth noting that mobile payment devices usually don’t have a payment limit because they require an extra level of identification, such as a PIN, face scan or fingerprint.

What are the pros and cons of contactless payments?

Pros

  • Convenient. You just need to tap your card or mobile phone and you don’t need to enter a PIN or sign a receipt. This saves you time and doesn’t cost you any extra money.
  • Peace of mind. You’re protected against fraudulent transactions, and retailers no longer have access to your credit card information.
  • Reduces the threat of hackers. Hackers are usually able to scan your card to steal valuable information, but NFC technology uses data encryption when sending sensitive information.
  • No typing errors. You don’t have to worry about incorrectly typing in your PIN, and the connection is quicker on contactless terminals.
  • Easy to use overseas. You can use contactless payments abroad if the retailer offers it, although the spending limit may vary depending on the local currency. Be aware: foreign transaction fees could still apply.
  • Shorter queues. Convenient and quick payments mean fewer queues at the checkout.

Cons

  • Some risk. If you lose your credit card, your account may be compromised.
  • Easy to lose track of spending. It’s easy to spend money when all you have to do is tap, and you don’t always receive a receipt. Make sure to regularly check your bank statement for potential errors or fraudulent transactions.
  • Risk of spyware or malware attacks and other viruses. Like any computer device, the payments terminal is at risk of viruses.
  • The limit is set. You can’t change or choose the maximum spending limit. This is chosen by your bank.
  • Confusing bank statements. Some retailers may use a different trading name so transactions could look confusing when they come up on your bank statement.
  • Consider your credit rating. If you’ve got a poor credit rating, your provider may not offer you a contactless card.

contactless card payment in cafe Shutterstrock

Compare cards by type

Comparison is ordered by representative APR with affiliated products shown first.
Product Finder Score Balance transfers Purchases Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive
Finder score
0% for 12 months
(3.49% fee)
24.9
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Finder score
0% for 20 months
(2.99% fee)
24.9
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Finder score
0% for 33 months
(3.19% fee)
24.9
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away.
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (21/24) image
Finder score
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (21/24)
Finder score
0% for 21 months
(2.95% fee)
24.9
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive presale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices.
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Tesco Bank Low Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 18 months
(0.99% fee)
24.942
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
5 points per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 point per £8 spent outside Tesco and 1 point per £4 spent on Tesco fuel (excluding Esso) plus 1 point for every 1 litre bought. 100 points = £1 in vouchers
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 12 months
(0% fee)
24.9
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Spend with your Santander Mastercard debit or credit card in the UK or abroad from 1 Jul to 31 Dec and get entries into a monthly prize draw to win a European trip for two. You must enter the promotion to take part. T&Cs apply.
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Halifax Longest 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card image
Finder score
Not yet rated
Halifax Longest 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
Not yet rated
0% for 29 months
(3.49% fee)
24.94
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
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M&S Bank Transfer Plus Credit Card image
Finder score
Not yet rated
M&S Bank Transfer Plus Credit Card
Existing Customers Only
Finder score
Not yet rated
0% for 30 months
(3.49% fee)
24.9
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Tesco Bank Balance Transfer and Purchases Credit Card image
Finder score
Not yet rated
Tesco Bank Balance Transfer and Purchases Credit Card
Finder score
Not yet rated
0% for 20 months
(2.75% fee)
24.942
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 31 months
(3.45% fee)
24.9
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Spend with your Santander Mastercard debit or credit card in the UK or abroad from 1 Jul to 31 Dec and get entries into a monthly prize draw to win a European trip for two. You must enter the promotion to take part. T&Cs apply.
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Finder Score for credit cards

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.

Read the full methodology
10 of 31 results
Product Finder Score Purchases Balance transfers Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Key benefit Representative example
Finder score
0% for 24 months
0% for 12 months
(3.49% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Finder score
0% for 20 months
0% for 17 months
(3.49% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Finder score
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
(0% fee)
£3 per month
29.8% APR (variable)
0.5% cashback after £1 of monthly spend. Maximum of £10 paid per month. Paid monthly into Card Account. Spend with your Santander Mastercard debit or credit card in the UK or abroad until 31 Dec and get entries into a monthly prize draw to win a European trip for two. You must enter the promotion to take part. T&Cs apply.
Representative example: Representative 29.8% APR variable. Based on £3 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 23.9% p.a. (variable).
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TSB Platinum Purchase Card image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 25 months
0% for 18 months
(3.49% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.95% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (21/24) image
Finder score
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (21/24)
Finder score
0% for 24 months
0% for 21 months
(2.95% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Tesco Bank Clubcard Plus Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 24 months
21.81%
(3.99% fee)
£0
37.7% APR (variable)
5 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants, entertainment or Avios points.
Representative example: Representative 37.7% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 19.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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MBNA Ltd Dual 0% Transfer and Purchase image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 22 months
0% for 24 months
(3.49% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Lloyds Bank 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 21 months
0% for 19 months
(2.99% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (24/21) image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 21 months
0% for 24 months
(2.95% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
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Ulster Bank Purchase and Balance Transfer Card image
Finder score
Finder score
0% for 20 months
0% for 18 months
(2.99% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Representative example: Representative 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
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Finder Score for credit cards

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.

Read the full methodology
10 of 39 results
Product Finder Score Purchases Annual/monthly fees Initial credit limits Representative APR Incentive
Finder score
29.7%
£650 per year
Min. limit £700, max. limit not specified.
691.7% APR (variable)
New Cardmembers earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend £6,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers only. Terms apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: Representative 691.7% APR variable. Based on £650 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.7% p.a. (variable).
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Finder score
29.32%
£15 per month
Min. limit £500, max. limit £10,000.
66% APR (variable)
Earn 5 point for every £1 spent and up to 25 points per £1 at partner locations and choose a dining, fitness or ticketed experiences in London, Manchester, Bristol or Bath. Travel experiences are available nationwide, or equivalent of 0.5% cashback.
Representative example: Representative 66% APR variable. Based on £15 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.32% p.a. (variable).
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HSBC Premier World Elite Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.9%
£290 per year
Min. limit £5,000, max. limit not specified.
100.2% APR (variable)
2 points for every £1 spend in the UK. 4 points for every £1 spend outside the UK. 40,000 Anniversary Points Boost - qualifying spend £12K in 12 months from account opening. Points can be redeemed for airline frequent flyer miles, retail vouchers from selected stores and luxury wines and champagnes or can be used to make donations made to the charity of the customer's choice. 1 point = 1p (no min)
Representative example: Representative 100.2% APR variable. Based on £290 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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British Airways Premium Plus Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.7%
£300 per year
Min. limit £700, max. limit not specified.
137.1% APR (variable)
New Cardmembers collect 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: Representative 137.1% APR variable. Based on £300 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.7% p.a. (variable).
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Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Black Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
21.9%
£84 per year
Min. limit £5,000, max. limit not specified.
40.7% APR (variable)
Earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.
Representative example: Representative 40.7% APR variable. Based on £84 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 21.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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NatWest Reward Black Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
21.9%
£84 per year
Min. limit £5,000, max. limit not specified.
40.7% APR (variable)
You'll earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.
Representative example: Representative 40.7% APR variable. Based on £84 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 21.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.7%
£95 per year
Min. limit £700, max. limit not specified.
53.3% APR (variable)
Earn 20,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy ® points when you spend £3,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers only. Annual fee applies, 18+, subject to status. Terms apply.
Representative example: Representative 53.3% APR variable. Based on £95 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.7% p.a. (variable).
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American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.7%
£195 per year
Min. limit £700, max. limit not specified.
86.8% APR (variable)
New Cardmembers earn 20,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend £3,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers only. Terms apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: Representative 86.8% APR variable. Based on £195 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.7% p.a. (variable).
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Nectar Credit Card image
Finder score
Nectar Credit Card
Finder Award
Finder score
29.7%
£30 per year
Min. limit £700, max. limit not specified.
36.5% APR (variable)
New Cardmembers collect 20,000 bonus Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: Representative 36.5% APR variable. Based on £30 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.7% p.a. (variable).
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Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
26.9%
£160 per year
Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.
69.7% APR (variable)
Earn 18,000 bonus points with your first card purchase made within 90 days of account opening. Earn 1.5 Flying Club miles for every £1 spend and 3 miles for every £1 spend with Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays. Spend £10K a year on your card and choose an extra benefit - an upgrade to Premium, or a Companion ticket. Points value varies dependent on reward (min 3000pts)
Representative example: Representative 69.7% APR variable. Based on £160 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 26.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
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Showing1 - 10 of 39 results

Finder Score for credit cards

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.

Read the full methodology
10 of 31 results
Product Finder Score Annual/monthly fees Initial credit limits Minimum income Representative APR Incentive
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £500, max. limit £10,000.
£25000
32.3%
Earn 1 point for every £1 spent and up to 5 points per £1 at partner locations and choose a dining, fitness or ticketed experiences in London, Manchester, Bristol or Bath. Travel experiences are available nationwide.
Representative example: Representative 32.3% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 32.26% p.a. (variable).
Check eligibility More info
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John Lewis Thrive Credit Card image
Finder score
John Lewis Thrive Credit Card
Finder score
Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.
Not specified
34.9%
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 34.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 34.9% APR (variable).
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Barclaycard Forward Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £50, max. limit £1,200.
£3000
33.9%
Rate discounts: 3% interest rate reduction if you make all your repayments on time for the first year, and a further drop of up to 2% more if you continue to do so in the second year.
Representative example: Representative 33.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 33.9% p.a. (variable).
Check eligibility More info
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118 118 Money Guaranteed Rate Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £500, max. limit not specified.
£8400
49%
Representative example: Representative 49% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 49% p.a. (variable).
Check eligibility More info
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Vanquis Bank Ltd Credit Builder Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £250, max. limit £2,500.
Not specified
37.9%
Representative example: Representative 37.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,000. Rate of interest 37.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £200, max. limit not specified.
£5000
29.9%
5 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants, entertainment or Avios points.
Representative example: Representative 29.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Ocean Finance Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £200, max. limit £1,500.
Not specified
39.9%
Representative example: Representative 39.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 39.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
thinkmoney Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £200, max. limit £4,000.
Not specified
39.9%
Representative example: Representative 39.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 39.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
Vanquis Bank Ltd Balance Transfer Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £250, max. limit £7,000.
Not specified
36.9%
Representative example: Representative 36.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,000. Rate of interest 36.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
Capital One Classic Card image
Finder score
Finder score
£0
Min. limit £200, max. limit £1,500.
Not specified
34.9%
Representative example: Representative 34.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 34.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
loading
Showing1 - 10 of 31 results

Finder Score for credit cards

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.

Read the full methodology
8 of 8 results
Product Finder Score Purchases Annual/monthly fees Initial credit limits Representative APR Incentive
Finder score
29.7%
£300 per year
Min. limit £700, max. limit not specified.
137.1% APR (variable)
New Cardmembers collect 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: Representative 137.1% APR variable. Based on £300 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.7% p.a. (variable).
Check eligibility More info
Compare product selection
British Airways Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.7%
£0
Min. limit £700, max. limit not specified.
29.7% APR (variable)
New Cardmembers collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.
Representative example: Representative 29.7% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.7% p.a. (variable).
Check eligibility More info
Compare product selection
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
26.9%
£160 per year
Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.
69.7% APR (variable)
Earn 18,000 bonus points with your first card purchase made within 90 days of account opening. Earn 1.5 Flying Club miles for every £1 spend and 3 miles for every £1 spend with Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays. Spend £10K a year on your card and choose an extra benefit - an upgrade to Premium, or a Companion ticket. Points value varies dependent on reward (min 3000pts)
Representative example: Representative 69.7% APR variable. Based on £160 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 26.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card image
Finder score
Finder score
26.9%
£0
Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.
26.9% APR (variable)
Earn 3,000 bonus points with your first card purchase made within 90 days of account opening. Earn 0.75 Flying Club miles for every £1 spend and 1.5.miles for every £1 spend with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. Spend £20K a year on your card and choose an extra benefit - an upgrade to Premium, or a Companion ticket. Points value varies dependent on reward (min 3000pts)
Representative example: Representative 26.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 26.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
Barclaycard Avios Plus Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.9%
£20 per month
Min. limit £50, max. limit not specified.
80.1% APR (variable)
Earn 25,000 Avios when £3,000 spent on card over the first 3 months of opening. Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 you spend. Spend £10,000 or more during the year and receive a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher to use on an Avios Reward Flight booking, or 7,000 bonus Avios. Avios value varies dependent on reward (min 1,000pts for flights)
Representative example: Representative 80.1% APR variable. Based on £20 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard image
Finder score
Finder score
22.94%
£15 per month
Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.
55% APR (variable)
0.5% on £1 to £15000 of yearly spend. 1% after £15001 of yearly spend. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: Representative 55% APR variable. Based on £15 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 22.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
Compare product selection
Halifax World Elite Mastercard image
Finder score
Finder score
22.94%
£15 per month
Min. limit not specified, max. limit not specified.
55% APR (variable)
0.5% on £1 to £15000 of yearly spend. 1% after £15001 of yearly spend. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: Representative 55% APR variable. Based on £15 monthly fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 22.94% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Barclaycard Avios Card image
Finder score
Finder score
29.9%
£0
Min. limit £50, max. limit not specified.
29.9% APR (variable)
Earn 5,000 Avios when £1,000 spent on card over the first 3 months of opening. Earn 1 Avios for every £1 you spend. Spend £20,000 or more during the year and receive a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher to use on an Avios Reward Flight booking, or 7,000 bonus Avios. Avios value varies dependent on reward (min 1,000pts for flights)
Representative example: Representative 29.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.9% p.a. (variable).
More info
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Finder Score for credit cards

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.

Read the full methodology

Apple Pay

Using a credit card with Apple Pay

apple pay logo
  1. Which devices are compatible with Apple Pay? Apple Pay is only available on Apple devices. It is supported on newer model iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Macs. If you’re on an older iPhone device that runs an older iOS variant, you’ll have to update if you want to access Apple Pay.
  2. Which banks support Apple Pay? A wide variety of UK banks support Apple Pay, including Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Nationwide and NatWest. If your preferred bank hasn’t launched Apple Pay yet, it might be wiser to wait for it to adopt the technology rather than to apply for the card now.
  3. What features do I need to consider? Just like any other type of credit card, you’ll want to consider the rates, fees and perks of the different types of cards that boast Apple Pay.

Google Pay

Using a credit card with Google Pay

Android-pay-coming-to-Australia-img-8-may-2017
  1. Which devices are compatible with Google Pay? Almost all Android smartphones with NFC (Near Field Communication) can take advantage of Google Pay.
  2. Which banks support Google Pay? Google Pay is supported by Mastercard and Visa credit cards from a wide range of UK banks including Halifax, HSBC, Nationwide, Lloyds Bank, MBMA and M&S Bank.
  3. What features do I need to consider? Just like any other type of credit card, you’ll want to consider the rates, fees and perks of the different types of cards that boast Google Pay.

Frequently asked questions

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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Written by

Head of publishing

Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio

Chris's expertise
Chris has written 539 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Loans & credit cards
  • Building credit
  • Financial health
  • Share trading

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