Momo
US citizens in the UK

UK credit cards for US citizens

Momo checked 31 providers. 26 offer a credit card; 5 no longer do. Of those 26, 11 will take you outright and 15 attach conditions, usually a run of UK address history. None refuse. Last checked .

Being American is not what stops people here. Having no UK credit history is, and two issuers have a way round that. Everything else on this page is secondary to those two.

A credit card is a debt rather than an account, so an issuer takes on no US reporting duty by giving you one. Citizenship is simply not a question anyone asks. What every issuer asks about instead is your UK credit file, and if you arrived last month you do not have one. Capital One puts it more plainly than anyone: you might have a fantastic credit history in another country, but it cannot be transferred to the UK.

The two ways in with no UK file

American Express runs a global card transfer. If you are the basic cardmember on a US consumer Amex, have held it at least three months and it is open and in good standing, you can apply for a UK card using that account, giving a UK address, a UK phone number and your previous address. Its own wording is the useful part: a UK credit file will be taken into account if you have one, which is what makes the application work when you do not. Corporate and network cards are excluded, no balance moves across, and Amex quotes seven to ten days.

Yonder is the other door, and it needs no American history either. It states that it does not require a UK credit score, and asks you to connect a bank account through open banking to evidence income instead. That suits someone who has arrived without an Amex to bring with them.

After those two it is ordinary UK underwriting. Some issuers are lighter than others: TSB asks only for your current address, Barclaycard for two years of them, and NatWest names a foreign passport and visa among the identity documents it accepts, which few others spell out. Lloyds, HSBC and Halifax all want three years of UK address history.

A pattern worth knowing before you apply anywhere: the cards built for thin credit files are usually the ones you cannot reach first. HSBC's Classic card is its most forgiving and is the single card in its range that requires an HSBC current account. NatWest's credit builder card needs three months of banking with NatWest. Lloyds wants three years of UK residency and a group account held over a year. Nationwide's cards are members only, though a savings account is enough to qualify.

Who actually lends

Brand and lender have come apart badly in this market, and applying to two brands with one lender is one decision rather than two chances. Twelve of the 26 brands on sale here share a lender with another brand: Amazon Barclaycard, Barclaycard and Tesco Bank are all Barclays Bank UK PLC; Capital One UK, Ocean Credit Card and Post Office Money are all Capital One (Europe) plc; HSBC UK and M&S Bank are both HSBC UK Bank plc; Virgin Money and Nationwide are both Nationwide Building Society; aqua and John Lewis Partnership Card are both NewDay Ltd. The credit card lenders page sets out every brand beside its lender, quoting the statement on the brand's own page that names it.

Four names in this market no longer sell a card at all, and are listed at the bottom so you do not waste an application: Sainsbury's Bank has surrendered its banking permissions and sold its card book to NatWest, Tymit has stopped issuing to consumers, Revolut says it offers no UK credit products, and Starling has only a debit card. Curve is often suggested as a credit card. It is an e-money card that sits in front of the cards you already hold.

If you still spend in dollars

Read the overseas column before the rate, because roughly 3% on every foreign transaction will cost more across a year than the gap between two headline rates. Barclaycard Rewards, the NatWest card, Santander's Rewards and All in One, Nationwide's member cards, Halifax Clarity, Virgin Money's travel card, the Post Office travel card, Zopa and Chase all charge nothing on foreign spending. Chase goes furthest, charging nothing on cash withdrawals either, at home or abroad, though cash gets no interest free period anywhere.

None of this affects your US tax position, because borrowing is not income. The one place a card can matter is currency: a US dollar card used in Britain or a sterling card used in the States both convert every transaction, and those conversions are what the fee column above is really measuring. If you are moving larger sums rather than spending, the multi-currency account page is the better comparison.

The cards you can get

A credit card is a debt rather than an account, so no issuer here refuses you for being American. What stops people is having no UK credit file, which is why the first group matters more than any rate below it. Under each issuer is who actually lends, because several brands share one lender and applying to both is one decision rather than two.

Read the overseas column alongside the rate. If you still spend in dollars, a fee of about 3% on every transaction will cost you more across a year than the difference between two headline rates.

A representative APR folds in any annual or monthly fee, so a card carrying a large fee shows a headline far above what borrowing on it costs: the Amex Platinum reads 685.3% on a £650 annual fee over a purchase rate of 29.1%. Where a card states its purchase rate, it is printed under the APR and the table is ordered on it, so the cards rank by what the borrowing costs rather than by the size of the fee. The fee has its own column.

An introductory rate is the offer a card opens with, such as 0% on purchases, and how long it lasts. The standard rate is what applies once it ends. Where a card has no introductory offer on file, that column shows its standard rate. Sorting on the introductory rate puts the longest 0% on purchases first, then the longest 0% on transfers.

Reachable with no UK credit history

These will look at something other than a UK credit file, which is what you need in your first year here.

Spending abroad The catch
Yonder App only · no UK credit score required Updated Source: Yonder free credit card page, 2026-08-17 Full credit card 65.1% APR representative 65.1% APR representative Purchase rate 28.67% £15 a month No foreign transaction fee. Cash withdrawals abroad free, capped at £150 a day. The headline rate folds in the £15 monthly membership, so the gap between 65.1% and the underlying 28.67% purchase rate is the fee rather than the borrowing. Earns 5 points per £1 spent and includes worldwide travel insurance; points go towards any flight or towards cashback. 20,000 welcome points for spending £1,000 in the first 30 days.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 Rewards Credit Card 29.1% APR representative 29.1% APR representative Free 2.99% Needs a permanent UK address, a UK bank account and income of at least £15,000. No minimum UK address history is published.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 Platinum Cashback Everyday 29.1% APR representative 29.1% APR representative Free 2.99% Same criteria. The welcome bonus is closed to anyone who has held a personal Amex in the past 24 months, which includes a card moved across by global transfer.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 British Airways American Express Credit Card 29.1% APR representative 29.1% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. Collects 1 Avios per £1 spent, no annual fee. Needs income of at least £15,000 a year. Not eligible for the welcome bonus if you already hold, or have held in the past 24 months, a personal American Express card, and you cannot already hold the BA Premium Plus card.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card 135.7% APR representative 135.7% APR representative Purchase rate 29.1% £300 a year Not stated on the card page. The 135.7% representative APR reflects the £300 annual fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 29.1%. Collects 1.5 Avios per £1 spent (3 Avios per £1 with British Airways) and needs income of at least £35,000 a year. Not eligible for the welcome bonus if you already hold, or have held in the past 24 months, a personal British Airways American Express card, and you cannot already hold the standard BA card.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card 85.8% APR representative 85.8% APR representative Purchase rate 29.1% £195 a year (£0 in the first year) Not stated on the card page. The 85.8% representative APR reflects the £195 annual fee (waived in year one); the purchase interest rate itself is 29.1%. Earns 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent. Needs income of at least £20,000 a year.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card 52.5% APR representative 52.5% APR representative Purchase rate 29.1% £95 a year Not stated on the card page. The 52.5% representative APR reflects the £95 annual fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 29.1%. Needs a Marriott Bonvoy membership number (free to join) and income of at least £20,000 a year.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 Nectar Credit Card 35.8% APR representative 35.8% APR representative Purchase rate 29.1% £30 a year (£0 in the first year) Not stated on the card page. The 35.8% representative APR reflects the £30 annual fee (waived in year one); the purchase interest rate itself is 29.1%. Needs a Nectar membership number (free to join) and income of at least £20,000 a year.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 The Platinum Card 685.3% APR representative 685.3% APR representative Purchase rate 29.1% £650 a year Not stated on the card page. The 685.3% representative APR reflects the £650 annual fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 29.1%. Needs income of at least £35,000 a year. A premium travel and lifestyle card with airport lounge access and worldwide travel insurance.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 Platinum Cashback Credit Card 34.6% APR representative 34.6% APR representative Purchase rate 29.1% £25 a year Not stated on the card page. The 34.6% representative APR reflects the £25 annual fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 29.1%. Branded on-page as the 'Amex Cashback Credit Card', full product name Platinum Cashback Credit Card. Needs income of at least £20,000 a year.
American Express UK American Express · US card history accepted in place of a UK file Updated Source: Amex UK moving abroad and global card transfer page, 2026-08-17 Vitality American Express Credit Card 42.2% APR representative 42.2% APR representative Purchase rate 29.1% Free (a separate £5.50 Vitality programme fee applies) Not stated on the card page. The 42.2% representative APR is quoted with the £5.50 monthly Vitality programme fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 29.1%, and the card has no annual fee of its own. Requires an eligible Vitality health/life plan (a Vitality product with its own underwriting, not simply opened like a bank account) and income of at least £20,000 a year. Earns 0.5% cashback on spending up to £10,000 in a card membership year and 1% above that, with up to £20 a month more through the Vitality Cashback Booster.
Yonder App only · no UK credit score required Updated Source: Yonder free credit card page, 2026-08-17 Free credit card 31.6% APR representative 31.6% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee, at the Mastercard rate. Cash withdrawals abroad are free, capped at £150 a day. No UK credit score needed, but you must connect a bank account through open banking to prove your income. A soft check runs before the full one. Earns 1 point per £1 spent, with 2,000 welcome points for spending £1,000 in the first 30 days.

Once you have a UK credit file

Ordinary UK underwriting, so these come into reach after a year or two of UK borrowing history.

Spending abroad The catch
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 The NatWest Credit Card 12.9% APR representative 12.9% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee on purchases The rate offered can come back as high as 18.9%.
Tesco Bank Barclays Bank UK, trading as Tesco Bank · same lender as the Amazon Barclaycard Updated Source: Tesco Bank credit cards, 2026-08-17 Everyday Low APR Credit Card 12.9% APR representative 12.9% APR representative Free 2.75% The lowest headline rate on this page, which means it wants the strongest UK credit file. Collects Clubcard points: 1 per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 per £4 on Tesco fuel plus 1 per 2 litres bought, and 1 per £8 spent elsewhere.
TSB Direct · no TSB current account needed Updated Source: TSB credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Advance Credit Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 3 months 12.9% APR representative Purchase rate 12.95% Free 2.95% non-sterling transaction fee on the converted value of any purchase abroad. A 3% cash withdrawal fee applies too (minimum £3), and both fees apply together if cash is withdrawn in a foreign currency. 0% interest for 3 months on balance transfers within the first 90 days of account opening, with no balance transfer fee (0%). Also 0% interest on purchases for 3 months, then 12.95% p.a. (variable). The lowest rate here, which means the hardest to be accepted for on a thin file.
Lloyds Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: three years of UK address history Direct · one group with Halifax, Bank of Scotland and MBNA Updated Source: Lloyds Bank credit card application guidance, 2026-08-17 Lloyds Ultra Credit Card 14.9% APR representative 14.9% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee The advertised rate goes to at least 51% of accepted applicants, so a thin file may be offered worse. Earns 1% cashback on card purchases in the first year from account opening, then 0.25%.
Zilch Accepts with conditions US persons: a pay in instalments card rather than a general purpose one App only · open to any UK resident Updated Source: Zilch cards page, 2026-08-17 Zilch Standard From 14.9% APR representative From 14.9% APR representative Free, or £4.99 for a physical card 2.99% built into the converted amount on any non-sterling purchase. No cash withdrawals. Credit lines run from £50 to £4,500. Sign up runs a soft credit check.
Zilch Accepts with conditions US persons: a pay in instalments card rather than a general purpose one App only · open to any UK resident Updated Source: Zilch cards page, 2026-08-17 Zilch Plus From 14.9% APR representative From 14.9% APR representative £4.99 a month Not stated on the card page. Replaces the on-file 'Zilch Extra' row: that name is marked 'Coming soon' on its own page and the URL previously filed under it actually resolves to this Plus plan. Up to 6% rewards on Pay now (vs 5% on Standard), free physical card, priority support and tastecard membership included. Income verified via Open Banking.
Zilch Accepts with conditions US persons: a pay in instalments card rather than a general purpose one App only · open to any UK resident Updated Source: Zilch cards page, 2026-08-17 Zilch Classic From 18.6% APR representative From 18.6% APR representative Free, or £4.99 for a physical card Not stated on the card page. Credit limit up to £3,000. Pay over 6 weeks or 3 months with no interest (fees may apply), or pay now for up to 5% back in rewards. Positioned as the general flexible-spending Zilch product, separate from the Standard/Extra/Plus plan tiers and from Zilch Up.
HSBC UK Direct · also the lender behind M&S Bank cards Updated Source: HSBC UK credit cards pages, eligibility checker and credit cards for UK newcomers, 2026-09-25 Student Credit Card 18.9% APR representative 18.9% APR representative Free 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee (minimum £3 for cash-related payments). Needs an HSBC Student Bank Account (a relationship a newcomer enrolled at a UK university can acquire) and to be a UK resident aged 18 or over. Assumed credit limit is lower, £250, reflecting the student market.
Santander UK Accepts with conditions US persons: it asks for a permanent UK resident, a stiffer test than the others use Direct · no Santander account needed Updated Source: Santander UK credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Santander World Elite™ Mastercard® 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months 49.8% APR representative Purchase rate 18.9% £15 a month No foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad in the local currency. Only available to Santander Select and Private Banking customers, a relationship a newcomer would need to qualify for and open first. Purchase rate is 18.9%; the high representative APR mostly reflects the £15 monthly fee. Includes airport lounge access and global data roaming. 0% on purchases and on balance transfers for 18 months from account opening with no balance transfer fee, after which a 3% fee applies to new transfers, and 0.5% cashback (up to £15 a month) on all purchases.
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Reward Black credit card 40.7% APR representative 40.7% APR representative Purchase rate 21.9% £84 a year No foreign transaction fee on purchases abroad. Fees still apply to cash machine withdrawals and money advances abroad, and local fees may apply. The 40.7% representative APR reflects the £84 annual fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 21.9%. Earns 1% back in Rewards on supermarket spending (0.5% at supermarket petrol stations and elsewhere) plus 1% to 15% from partner retailers. The £84 annual fee is refunded if you hold a Reward Black current account. Must be a UK resident, 18 or over and earn £15,000 or more a year, higher than NatWest's other cards.
Halifax Accepts with conditions US persons: app only for existing Halifax customers, and everyone else is sent to Lloyds Halifax app · one group with Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and MBNA Updated Source: Halifax credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Halifax World Elite Mastercard 55.0% APR representative 55.0% APR representative Purchase rate 22.94% £15 a month No foreign exchange fees on card purchases. The 55.0% representative APR reflects the £15 monthly account fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 22.94%. Earns 0.5% cashback on spend up to £15,000 a year and 1% above that, plus Priority Pass airport lounge access. You can only apply through the Halifax app, as with the other Halifax cards.
Lloyds Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: three years of UK address history Direct · one group with Halifax, Bank of Scotland and MBNA Updated Source: Lloyds Bank credit card application guidance, 2026-08-17 Lloyds World Elite Mastercard 55.0% APR representative 55.0% APR representative Purchase rate 22.94% £15 a month No foreign exchange fees on card purchases (interest charges still apply). The 55.0% representative APR reflects the £15 monthly account fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 22.94%. Cashback card: 0.5% on purchases up to £15,000 a year, 1% above that. Comes with Priority Pass airport lounge access and airport security fast track. Same base eligibility as Lloyds' other cards: UK resident, 18 or over, regular income, clean credit history.
M&S Bank HSBC UK Bank, trading as M&S Bank Updated Source: M&S Rewards Credit Card, who can apply, and M&S Bank's Common Reporting Standard page, 2026-09-12 M&S Rewards Credit Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 9 months 23.9% APR representative Free 2.99%, minimum £3 Needs an income or pension of at least £6,800, a Sparks (M&S loyalty) membership, which is free to join, and not to have held an M&S Credit Card in the past 12 months. 0% interest on shopping for 9 months and on balance transfers for 9 months (3.49% fee, minimum £5) from account opening.
Halifax Accepts with conditions US persons: app only for existing Halifax customers, and everyone else is sent to Lloyds Halifax app · one group with Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and MBNA Updated Source: Halifax credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Cashback Credit Card 23.9% APR representative 23.9% APR representative Free A non-sterling purchase fee applies, but the rate is not published You can only apply through the Halifax app.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Platinum up to 36 month balance transfer card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 36 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). 0% on balance transfers for up to 36 months if transferred within 60 days of opening, with a 3.15% transfer fee, plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Some applicants are offered a shorter 0% period at 31.9% APR instead.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Platinum up to 22 month balance transfer card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 22 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). 0% on balance transfers for up to 22 months if transferred within 60 days of opening, with a 1.49% transfer fee, plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Some applicants are offered a shorter 0% period at 31.9% APR instead.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Platinum up to 24 month balance transfer and up to 21 month purchase card 0% on purchases for up to 21 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 24 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). 0% on balance transfers for up to 24 months (transferred within 60 days of opening, 3.45% transfer fee) and 0% on purchases for up to 21 months, both from account opening. Some applicants are offered a shorter 0% period at 31.9% APR instead.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Platinum up to 21 month balance transfer and up to 24 month purchase card 0% on purchases for up to 24 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 21 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). 0% on purchases for up to 24 months and on balance transfers for up to 21 months (transferred within 60 days of opening, 3.45% transfer fee), both from account opening. Some applicants are offered a shorter 0% period at 31.9% APR instead.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Platinum up to 12 month balance transfer card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). 0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months if transferred within 60 days of opening, with no transfer fee, plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Some applicants are offered a shorter 0% period at 31.9% APR instead.
HSBC UK Direct · also the lender behind M&S Bank cards Updated Source: HSBC UK credit cards pages, eligibility checker and credit cards for UK newcomers, 2026-09-25 Purchase Plus Credit Card 0% on purchases for up to 24 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 17 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee (minimum £3 for cash-related payments). 0% on purchases for up to 24 months and on balance transfers for up to 17 months if done in the first 60 days (3.49% fee, minimum £5). Needs income or pension of at least £6,800 and you cannot hold an HSBC Basic Bank Account.
M&S Bank HSBC UK Bank, trading as M&S Bank Updated Source: M&S Rewards Credit Card, who can apply, and M&S Bank's Common Reporting Standard page, 2026-09-12 Purchase Plus 0% on purchases for up to 26 months 0% on balance transfers for 6 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.99%, minimum £3 No interest on purchases for up to 26 months, and 0% on balance transfers for 6 months (3.49% fee, minimum £5) from account opening. Needs an income or pension of at least £6,800 and a Sparks (M&S loyalty) membership, which is free to join.
M&S Bank HSBC UK Bank, trading as M&S Bank Updated Source: M&S Rewards Credit Card, who can apply, and M&S Bank's Common Reporting Standard page, 2026-09-12 M&S Credit Card Transfer Plus 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 30 months 24.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% on balance transfers for up to 30 months (3.49% fee, minimum £5) and on shopping for 3 months, both from account opening. Needs an income or pension of at least £6,800 and a Sparks (M&S loyalty) membership, which is free to join. Earns 1 Rewards point per £5 spent at M&S and elsewhere, converted into M&S vouchers.
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Purchase & Balance Transfer card 0% on purchases for up to 23 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 21 months 24.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% on purchases for up to 23 months and 0% on balance transfers for up to 21 months, both from account opening; the balance must be transferred in the first 3 months. Balance transfer fee of 3.49%. Must be a UK resident, 18 or over and earn £10,000 or more a year.
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Longer Balance Transfer card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 36 months 24.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% on balance transfers for up to 36 months from account opening if transferred in the first 3 months, plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Balance transfer fee of 3.10%. Must be a UK resident, 18 or over and earn £10,000 or more a year.
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Balance Transfer credit card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 11 months 24.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% on balance transfers for up to 11 months from account opening if transferred in the first 3 months, with no balance transfer fee, plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Must be a UK resident, 18 or over and earn £10,000 or more a year.
Tesco Bank Barclays Bank UK, trading as Tesco Bank · same lender as the Amazon Barclaycard Updated Source: Tesco Bank credit cards, 2026-08-17 Balance Transfer and Purchases Credit Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 21 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.75% No interest on purchases and balance transfers for 21 months, with a 2.95% transfer fee. Collects Clubcard points: 1 per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 per £4 on Tesco fuel plus 1 per 2 litres bought, and 1 per £8 spent elsewhere.
Tesco Bank Barclays Bank UK, trading as Tesco Bank · same lender as the Amazon Barclaycard Updated Source: Tesco Bank credit cards, 2026-08-17 All Round Credit Card 0% on purchases, balance transfers and money transfers for 14 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.75% foreign exchange fee on the cost of any purchase made in a foreign currency. 0% interest on purchases, balance transfers and money transfers all guaranteed for 14 months from account opening, provided transfers are made within 90 days. 2.49% balance transfer fee, 3.99% money transfer fee. Collects Clubcard points: 1 per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 per £4 on Tesco fuel plus 1 per 2 litres bought, and 1 per £8 spent elsewhere.
Tesco Bank Barclays Bank UK, trading as Tesco Bank · same lender as the Amazon Barclaycard Updated Source: Tesco Bank credit cards, 2026-08-17 Balance Transfer Credit Card 0% on balance transfers for 36 months 0% on money transfers for 9 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.75% foreign exchange fee on the cost of any purchase made in a foreign currency. Tesco's longest 0% balance transfer period: 36 months, 3.45% transfer fee, made within 90 days of opening. Also 0% on money transfers for 9 months (3.99% fee). No 0% period on purchases; the purchase rate itself can run up to 29.9% depending on circumstances. Collects Clubcard points: 1 per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 per £4 on Tesco fuel plus 1 per 2 litres bought, and 1 per £8 spent elsewhere.
Tesco Bank Barclays Bank UK, trading as Tesco Bank · same lender as the Amazon Barclaycard Updated Source: Tesco Bank credit cards, 2026-08-17 Low Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card 0% on balance transfers for 15 months 0% on money transfers for 9 months 24.9% APR representative Free 2.75% foreign exchange fee on the cost of any purchase made in a foreign currency. 0% on balance transfers for 15 months at a low 0.75% fee, made within 90 days of opening. Also 0% on money transfers for 9 months (3.99% fee). No 0% period on purchases. Collects Clubcard points: 1 per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 per £4 on Tesco fuel plus 1 per 2 litres bought, and 1 per £8 spent elsewhere.
Chase UK Accepts with conditions US persons: you need a Chase account first, and must be UK tax resident App only · needs a Chase account and UK tax residence Updated Source: Chase UK credit card application and summary box, 2026-08-17 Chase credit card 0% on purchases for up to 3 months 24.9% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee and no cash withdrawal fee anywhere, though cash gets no interest free period and is charged at 24.9% to 29.9%. Rates run from 24.9% to 29.9% depending on circumstances, on a minimum £500 limit. A promotional rate of 0% on purchases runs for up to 3 months.
Nationwide Accepts with conditions US persons: members only, so you must open a Nationwide account first Direct · members only · also owns Virgin Money Updated Source: Nationwide credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Purchase and balance transfer credit card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months 24.9% APR representative Free No foreign currency fee, worldwide 0% interest on purchases and on balance transfers for 15 months. Balance transfer fee is 2.99% (minimum £5) if transferred within 90 days of account opening, or 2.4% (minimum £5) after that. You must already hold a Nationwide current account, savings account or mortgage, be 18 or over, UK resident, and earn £5,000 or more a year before tax. Cannot get the 0% offer if you've had a Nationwide credit card in the last 12 months.
Nationwide Accepts with conditions US persons: members only, so you must open a Nationwide account first Direct · members only · also owns Virgin Money Updated Source: Nationwide credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Balance transfer credit card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for 30 months 24.9% APR representative Free No foreign currency fee, worldwide 0% interest on balance transfers for 30 months and on purchases for 3 months. Balance transfer fee is 2.99% (minimum £5) if transferred within 90 days of account opening, or 2.4% (minimum £5) after that. Same eligibility as the purchase and balance transfer card: existing Nationwide current account, savings account or mortgage, 18 or over, UK resident, £5,000+ income.
Santander UK Accepts with conditions US persons: it asks for a permanent UK resident, a stiffer test than the others use Direct · no Santander account needed Updated Source: Santander UK credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Santander Rewards Credit Card 24.9% APR representative 24.9% APR representative Free No foreign exchange fee on purchases in the local currency Needs a guaranteed income of £10,500 and permanent UK residency.
Santander UK Accepts with conditions US persons: it asks for a permanent UK resident, a stiffer test than the others use Direct · no Santander account needed Updated Source: Santander UK credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for 34 months 24.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% interest on balance transfers for 34 months from account opening (3.15% fee, minimum £5), plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Needs a guaranteed income of £10,500 and permanent UK residency.
Santander UK Accepts with conditions US persons: it asks for a permanent UK resident, a stiffer test than the others use Direct · no Santander account needed Updated Source: Santander UK credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for 12 months 24.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% interest on balance transfers for 12 months from account opening with no balance transfer fee, plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Needs a guaranteed income of £10,500 and permanent UK residency.
TSB Direct · no TSB current account needed Updated Source: TSB credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Platinum Purchase Card 0% on purchases for up to 26 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 18 months 24.9% APR representative Purchase rate 24.95% Free 2.95% non-sterling transaction fee on the converted value of any purchase abroad. A 3% cash withdrawal fee applies too (minimum £3), and both fees apply together if cash is withdrawn in a foreign currency. No interest on purchases for up to 26 months, then 24.95% p.a. (variable). Also 0% interest for up to 18 months on balance transfers made within the first 90 days of account opening, with a 3.49% transfer fee.
TSB Direct · no TSB current account needed Updated Source: TSB credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Platinum Balance Transfer Card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 38 months 24.9% APR representative Purchase rate 24.95% Free 2.95% non-sterling transaction fee on the converted value of any purchase abroad. A 3% cash withdrawal fee applies too (minimum £3), and both fees apply together if cash is withdrawn in a foreign currency. TSB's longest 0% balance transfer deal: up to 38 months 0% interest on transfers made within the first 90 days of account opening, with a 3.49% transfer fee. Only 3 months 0% on purchases, then 24.95% p.a. (variable).
HSBC UK Direct · also the lender behind M&S Bank cards Updated Source: HSBC UK credit cards pages, eligibility checker and credit cards for UK newcomers, 2026-09-25 Balance Transfer Credit Card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 36 months 25.9% APR representative Free 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee (minimum £3 for cash-related payments). 0% on balance transfers for up to 36 months if done in the first 60 days (3.09% fee, minimum £5), plus 0% on purchases for 3 months. Needs income or pension of at least £6,800 and you cannot hold an HSBC Basic Bank Account.
HSBC UK Direct · also the lender behind M&S Bank cards Updated Source: HSBC UK credit cards pages, eligibility checker and credit cards for UK newcomers, 2026-09-25 Rewards Credit Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months 26.9% APR representative Free 2.99% Needs £6,800 a year, and you cannot hold an HSBC basic bank account. 0% on purchases for 6 months and 0% on balance transfers for 6 months, transferred within 60 days of opening, with a 2.99% fee (minimum £5). Earns 2,500 welcome points worth £25 on the first transaction.
Virgin Money Nationwide Building Society, trading as Virgin Money Updated Source: Virgin Money credit cards, 2026-08-17 Virgin Atlantic Credit Card 26.9% APR representative 26.9% APR representative Not confirmed; not stated on the hub page Not stated on the card page. Earns Virgin Points on spending, redeemable for flights and upgrades. The nav labels this 'Virgin Atlantic credit cards' (plural), which may mean more than one tier (e.g. a Reward and a Reward+ version) exists; only this one headline rate was confirmable.
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Travel Reward credit card 27.9% APR representative 27.9% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad. Fees still apply to cash machine withdrawals and money advances abroad, and local fees may apply. Earns 1% back in Rewards on eligible travel spending and 1% to 15% from partner retailers. Must be a UK resident, 18 or over and earn £10,000 or more a year.
Virgin Money Nationwide Building Society, trading as Virgin Money Updated Source: Virgin Money credit cards, 2026-08-17 Travel Credit Card 0% on purchases, balance transfers and money transfers for 9 months 27.9% APR representative Free No foreign exchange fee worldwide 0% interest on purchases for 9 months at home and abroad from account opening, and 0% on balance and money transfers for 9 months (fees apply on transfers). Cash advances and foreign currency purchases still carry a 3% cash advance fee.
Virgin Money Nationwide Building Society, trading as Virgin Money Updated Source: Virgin Money credit cards, 2026-08-17 All Round Credit Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for up to 20 months 27.9% APR representative Free 2.99% outside the EEA, nothing on euro transactions inside it 0% interest on both purchases and balance transfers for up to 20 months from account opening (transfers must be made within the first 60 days), with a 2.95% balance transfer fee. Subject to status, UK residents aged 18 or over.
Virgin Money Nationwide Building Society, trading as Virgin Money Updated Source: Virgin Money credit cards, 2026-08-17 Balance Transfer Credit Card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 36 months 27.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 36 months (transfers made in the first 60 days; a transfer fee applies but no percentage is quoted on the page). Also 0% interest on purchases for 3 months from account opening.
Virgin Money Nationwide Building Society, trading as Virgin Money Updated Source: Virgin Money credit cards, 2026-08-17 Everyday Cashback Credit Card 27.9% APR representative 27.9% APR representative Free No foreign exchange fee on purchases abroad, but a 5% cash advance fee (ATM withdrawals, gambling, investments, buying foreign currency), which applies even in the UK. Earns 1% cashback on spending for the first 90 days, then 0.25%, capped at £15 cashback a month. No balance transfer or promotional purchase rate; not suited to anyone wanting an intro offer.
Amazon Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK, trading as Barclaycard · same lender as Tesco Bank Updated Source: Amazon UK credit card page, 2026-08-17 The Amazon Barclaycard 0% on purchases for 6 months 28.9% APR representative Free 2.99% App first: you need the Barclays or Barclaycard app to activate and manage the account. 0% on purchases for 6 months from account opening, for new Amazon Barclaycard customers only.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Rewards 28.9% APR representative 28.9% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee, and no fee on cash withdrawals. Currency taken out abroad still gets the interest free period if you repay in full. Some applicants are offered 31.9% instead. Acceptance depends on your UK credit history.
Monzo Accepts with conditions US persons: you need a Monzo current account first App only · needs a Monzo current account Updated Source: Monzo Flex page, 2026-08-17 Monzo Flex 29% APR representative 29% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee, at the Mastercard rate. No cash withdrawals at all, at home or abroad. Paying in full, or spreading a purchase over three months, carries no interest.
Santander UK Accepts with conditions US persons: it asks for a permanent UK resident, a stiffer test than the others use Direct · no Santander account needed Updated Source: Santander UK credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 All in One Credit Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months 29.8% APR representative £3 a month No foreign exchange fee on purchases overseas The £3 monthly fee is charged whether or not you use the card. 0% on purchases and on balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, with no balance transfer fee, and 0.5% cashback (up to £10 a month) on all purchases.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Avios 29.9% APR representative 29.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). Collects 1 Avios per £1 spent, 5,000 Avios welcome bonus. Some applicants are offered 31.9% instead. Acceptance depends on UK credit history.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Barclaycard Avios Plus 80.1% APR representative 80.1% APR representative Purchase rate 29.9% £20 a month 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). The 80.1% representative APR reflects the £20 monthly card fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 29.9%. Collects 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, 25,000 Avios welcome bonus. Some applicants are offered 31.9% instead.
HSBC UK Direct · also the lender behind M&S Bank cards Updated Source: HSBC UK credit cards pages, eligibility checker and credit cards for UK newcomers, 2026-09-25 Classic Credit Card 29.9% APR representative 29.9% APR representative Free 2.99% Only for holders of an active HSBC current account, with the limit capped at £1,000.
HSBC UK Direct · also the lender behind M&S Bank cards Updated Source: HSBC UK credit cards pages, eligibility checker and credit cards for UK newcomers, 2026-09-25 Premier Credit Card 29.9% APR representative 29.9% APR representative Free 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee (minimum £3 for cash-related payments). Only for holders of an HSBC UK Premier Bank Account (a relationship a newcomer can acquire, subject to its own eligibility, typically £75,000 income or savings held with HSBC). No annual fee. Comes with Priority Pass airport lounge access, charged at £24 a person a visit.
HSBC UK Direct · also the lender behind M&S Bank cards Updated Source: HSBC UK credit cards pages, eligibility checker and credit cards for UK newcomers, 2026-09-25 HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard 100.2% APR representative 100.2% APR representative Purchase rate 29.9% £290 a year 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee (minimum £3 for cash-related payments); the card also earns 2 airline miles per £1 spent in non-sterling. The 100.2% representative APR reflects the £290 annual fee; the purchase interest rate itself is 29.9%. Only for holders of an HSBC UK Premier Bank Account.
Tesco Bank Barclays Bank UK, trading as Tesco Bank · same lender as the Amazon Barclaycard Updated Source: Tesco Bank credit cards, 2026-08-17 Foundation Credit Card 29.9% APR representative 29.9% APR representative Free 2.75% foreign exchange fee on the cost of any purchase made in a foreign currency. Tesco's credit building card for a bad or thin credit file. Starting credit limits £200 to £1,500, minimum monthly repayment from £25, includes 3 years of Tesco Bank CreditView (TransUnion) credit score tracking. Collects Clubcard points: 1 per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 per £4 on Tesco fuel plus 1 per 2 litres bought, and 1 per £8 spent elsewhere.
John Lewis Partnership Card Accepts with conditions US persons: twelve months of UK address history NewDay is the lender · John Lewis Finance is only a broker Updated Source: John Lewis Money partnership card page, 2026-08-17 Partnership Credit Card 29.9% APR representative 29.9% APR representative Free — Needs twelve months of UK address history, a UK mobile number, and no Partnership card in the last year. John Lewis confirms a foreign currency fee applies but does not publish the rate. Earns 5 points per £4 spent at John Lewis and Waitrose, doubled to 10 for the first 60 days, and 1 point per £10 spent elsewhere; 500 points make a £5 gift voucher.
Lloyds Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: three years of UK address history Direct · one group with Halifax, Bank of Scotland and MBNA Updated Source: Lloyds Bank credit card application guidance, 2026-08-17 Lloyds Advance Credit Card 29.9% APR representative 29.9% APR representative Free No foreign exchange fee Needs three years of UK residency and a group current account held for over a year, so it is not a route in.
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Reward credit card 31.0% APR representative 31.0% APR representative £24 a year Not published; a foreign exchange fee applies to spending and cash abroad. Earns 1% back in Rewards on supermarket spending (0.25% at supermarket petrol stations and elsewhere) plus 1% to 15% from partner retailers. The £24 annual fee is refunded if you hold a Reward current account. Must be a UK resident, 18 or over and earn £10,000 or more a year.
Zilch Accepts with conditions US persons: a pay in instalments card rather than a general purpose one App only · open to any UK resident Updated Source: Zilch cards page, 2026-08-17 Zilch Up From 31.9% APR representative From 31.9% APR representative Free, or £4.99 for a physical card Not stated on the card page. Zilch's credit builder product: customers with low credit scores are accepted, credit limit up to £800, pay over 6 weeks only (no 3 month option). Marketed as a route to improving a thin or poor credit file.
Barclaycard Barclays Bank UK · online, app and phone Updated Source: Barclaycard Rewards card page, 2026-08-17 Forward Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months 33.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99). A credit builder card with a personalised limit of £50 to £1,200. The rate drops 3 percentage points in year one and a further 2 in year two for on-time payments. 0% on balance transfers and on purchases for 6 months, with a 2.9% transfer fee.
Zopa Accepts with conditions US persons: a year of UK address history and two active UK credit lines, so not on arrival Zopa Bank · needs a year here and an existing UK credit footprint Updated Source: Zopa credit card eligibility help page, 2026-08-17 Zopa Credit Card 34.8% APR representative 34.8% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee Rates from 29.8%. Needs a year of UK address history, income of at least £10,000, and two active UK credit lines.
NatWest Direct · no NatWest account needed for most cards Updated Source: NatWest credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Credit Builder Card 34.9% APR representative 34.9% APR representative Free Not published Only for people who have held a NatWest current account for three months or more, so it is not a way in.
Capital One UK Accepts with conditions US persons: needs visible UK credit history and two years of UK addresses Capital One · also the lender behind Post Office and Ocean cards Updated Source: Capital One UK credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Classic Credit Card 34.9% APR representative 34.9% APR representative Free Not published. Capital One says the non-sterling fee varies by card and to check your agreement; its own worked example uses 2.75%. Starting limits of £200 to £4,000. Cash abroad carries 3%, minimum £3, on top of the currency fee.
Capital One UK Accepts with conditions US persons: needs visible UK credit history and two years of UK addresses Capital One · also the lender behind Post Office and Ocean cards Updated Source: Capital One UK credit cards and eligibility pages, 2026-08-17 Balance Transfer Card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 18 months 34.9% APR representative Free Not stated on the card page. 0% on balance transfers for up to 18 months (maximum 3% transfer fee) and 0% on purchases for 3 months. Starting limits up to £8,000. Same eligibility as the Classic card: UK resident, 18 or over.
Post Office Money Accepts with conditions US persons: the same Capital One decision: visible UK credit history and two years of addresses Capital One is the lender · Post Office is only a broker Updated Source: Post Office credit card page and Capital One credit builder cards page, 2026-09-27 Travel Credit Card 0% on purchases for 6 months 34.9% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee on purchases Cash advances still cost 3%, minimum £3, except when buying Post Office travel money. 0% on purchases for 6 months from account opening.
Post Office Money Accepts with conditions US persons: the same Capital One decision: visible UK credit history and two years of addresses Capital One is the lender · Post Office is only a broker Updated Source: Post Office credit card page and Capital One credit builder cards page, 2026-09-27 Post Office Credit Card 0% on purchases for up to 6 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months 34.9% APR representative Free 2.75% The rate runs between 26.9% and 34.9% depending on circumstances, on limits up to £8,000. Those who qualify get 0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months with a 2.9% transfer fee, and 0% on purchases for up to 6 months.
Vanquis Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: needs three years of UK address history Vanquis Bank · built for thin and impaired files Updated Source: Vanquis credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Balance Transfer Credit Card 0% on purchases for 3 months 0% on balance transfers for up to 19 months 35.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99%, plus the standard 5% or £3 cash transaction fee (whichever is higher) that applies to any cash withdrawal. 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 19 months if transferred within 60 days of account opening, with a fee of up to 4.5% of the balance moved. 0% on purchases for the first 3 months. Limits of £250 to £7,000; the most you can transfer is 90% of your credit limit.
Vanquis Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: needs three years of UK address history Vanquis Bank · built for thin and impaired files Updated Source: Vanquis credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Credit Builder Card 37.9% APR representative 37.9% APR representative Free 2.99% Limits of £250 to £2,500. Cash abroad costs a cash transaction fee of 5% or £3 (whichever is higher) plus the card's separate 2.99% foreign transaction fee, on top.
Monzo Accepts with conditions US persons: you need a Monzo current account first App only · needs a Monzo current account Updated Source: Monzo Flex page, 2026-08-17 Monzo Flex Build 39% APR representative 39% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee, at the Mastercard rate. A credit builder variant of Flex, sold only on top of a Monzo current account. Starts with a credit limit of up to £750, which can double in as little as three months of on time payments; some applicants may need to pay a one time security deposit depending on credit history. Regular on-time payments open up 0% interest on purchases of £100 or more spread over 3 months.
Vanquis Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: needs three years of UK address history Vanquis Bank · built for thin and impaired files Updated Source: Vanquis credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Purchase Credit Card 0% on purchases for up to 9 months 39.5% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99%, plus the standard 5% or £3 cash transaction fee (whichever is higher) that applies to any cash withdrawal. 0% interest on purchases for up to 9 months, as long as the purchase is made within the first 3 months of account opening. Limits of £250 to £2,500, same eligibility test as the other Vanquis cards.
aqua Accepts with conditions US persons: no minimum UK address history published, but it is a card to build a file with NewDay · also the lender behind the John Lewis Partnership Card Updated Source: aqua Classic card page, 2026-08-17 aqua Classic 39.9% APR representative 39.9% APR representative Free 2.95% Opening limits of £250 to £1,500 that can grow. Cash costs 5%, minimum £4. Closed to anyone holding an aqua card or who has taken a Marbles, Opus or Fluid card in the past year.
Ocean Credit Card Accepts with conditions US persons: the same Capital One decision as its Classic card, at a higher rate Capital One is the lender · Ocean Finance is only a broker Updated Source: Ocean Finance credit cards page, 2026-08-17 Ocean Credit Card 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months 39.9% APR representative Free Not published. Capital One, the lender, says the fee varies by card; its worked example uses 2.75%. Limits from £200 to £8,000. A soft search checker runs before you apply. Those who qualify get 0% on balance transfers and on purchases for 6 months, with a 2.9% transfer fee.
Vanquis Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: needs three years of UK address history Vanquis Bank · built for thin and impaired files Updated Source: Vanquis credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Travel Credit Card 40.9% APR representative 40.9% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee Limits of £250 to £2,500, same eligibility test. Cash withdrawals still cost up to 5% or £3. Visa SmartDelay gives the cardholder and up to four guests airport lounge access when a flight is delayed by more than 90 minutes.
Vanquis Bank Accepts with conditions US persons: needs three years of UK address history Vanquis Bank · built for thin and impaired files Updated Source: Vanquis credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Low APR Balance Transfer Credit Card 9.9% or 12.9% on balance transfers for up to 36 months 40.9% APR representative Free 2.99% on spending abroad, and a cash fee of 2.99%, plus the standard 5% or £3 cash transaction fee (whichever is higher) that applies to any cash withdrawal. 9.9% or 12.9% on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening, held for up to 36 months with no balance transfer fee. Limits of £250 to £7,000; the most you can transfer is 95% of your credit limit.
118 118 Money Accepts with conditions US persons: acceptance rests entirely on a UK credit check 118 118 Money · aimed at thin and impaired files Updated Source: 118 118 Money credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Travel Credit Card 49.0% APR representative 49.0% APR representative Free No foreign transaction fee and no mark up on the exchange rate Limits up to £2,000, shown before you apply. Cash withdrawals cost 5%, and a missed payment costs £12.
MBNA MBNA Limited · one group with Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland Updated Source: MBNA credit cards, 2026-08-17 MBNA credit cards — — Free 2.95% MBNA publishes no headline rate on its public pages and shows cards only after an eligibility check that does not mark your file. It rules out anyone bankrupt, in an arrangement, or declined by MBNA in the last 30 days.
Halifax Accepts with conditions US persons: app only for existing Halifax customers, and everyone else is sent to Lloyds Halifax app · one group with Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and MBNA Updated Source: Halifax credit cards pages, 2026-08-17 Clarity Credit Card — — Free No non-sterling purchase fee The rate and credit limit are shown only after an eligibility check, so nothing is published in advance.

An institution's name opens its page on Momo, with every account checked for it across the site. Account names link to the provider's own site. No link on this page is paid. How Momo makes money.

No longer offering this, or never did

Nothing to do with your citizenship: these are providers that do not offer a credit card to anyone in the UK. Several are still recommended in forums and guides, which is why they are listed rather than left out.

Provider Why not Last checked
Curve Curve is not a credit card and does not belong on a credit card shortlist, though it is often suggested as one. Its terms describe an e-money card that sits in front of the cards you already hold, so it extends no credit of its own. Source: Curve UK site and terms, 2026-08-17
Revolut Revolut has no UK credit card. Its own help centre says it does not offer credit products such as loans, credit cards or overdrafts in Great Britain, and although it has signalled that UK cards are coming since winning its banking licence, none is live. Source: Revolut help centre, credit eligible countries, 2026-08-17
Sainsbury's Bank There is no Sainsbury's Bank credit card to apply for. New lending stopped during its phased exit, NatWest bought the card, loan and savings books in May 2025, and Sainsbury's has given up its banking permissions. A NatWest Nectar card is expected later in 2026 under the NatWest name. Source: Sainsbury's plc announcement on the sale of its banking business, 2026-08-17
Starling Bank Starling has no consumer credit card, so there is nothing here to apply for whoever you are. The card that comes with the account is a debit card, and its personal borrowing is an arranged overdraft and a loan. Source: Starling current account and borrowing pages, 2026-08-17
Tymit Tymit no longer issues a consumer credit card in the UK. Its site now sells white label instalment programmes to retail and travel partners, and the consumer link redirects to help articles about accounts being closed. Source: Tymit site and help centre, 2026-08-17

Common questions

Can a US citizen get a UK credit card?

Yes. Citizenship is not the barrier; a UK credit file is. FATCA does not apply to a credit card, because it is money you owe rather than money a bank holds for you.

How do you get a UK credit card with no UK credit history?

Start with the issuers that will look at something other than a UK credit file. A UK current account and a few months of UK borrowing history bring the mainstream cards into reach; before that, the choice is much narrower.

What is the best UK credit card for an American expat?

There is no single best card, and Momo does not pick one. What decides it for an American expat is whether you have a UK credit file yet. Without one, the issuers checked here that say they will look at something other than a UK credit file are American Express UK and Yonder: the two ways in with no UK file, set out on this page with what each asks for. With a UK file it is ordinary UK underwriting, and the table compares each card's rate, its fee and what it charges on spending abroad, which matters if you still spend in dollars.

Can a US citizen go on the UK electoral roll?

In Scotland and Wales, yes, from the day a US citizen has permission to enter or stay in the UK. Registration there is open to any foreign national with leave to remain, it covers devolved and local elections, and the entry reaches the credit reference agencies like any other. In England and Northern Ireland, no. Registration is limited to British, Irish, Commonwealth and a named set of EU citizens, and indefinite leave to remain does not qualify anyone, so the roll opens only on naturalising as a British citizen. Where it stays closed, a UK current account, a mobile contract and rent reported through a tenancy scheme build the same address history.

Confirm your own position with a cross-border specialist. Acceptance policies and tax rules change, and your facts may differ from the general case. Rates and terms here are the provider's published figures rather than an offer, and the provider decides each application on its own criteria. Use this as a map, not a ruling. Last checked .
Findings

Card lenders

Many UK credit card brands are lent by the same company: Amazon Barclaycard, Barclaycard and Tesco Bank are all Barclays Bank UK PLC. Every brand, its lender and the lender's own statement.

 Tax

FATCA

Do UK banks report your account to the IRS? Yes, through HMRC, under FATCA. It is a reporting law, not a tax. Where it bites is access.

 Accounts

Current accounts

Which UK current accounts open for US citizens, which add strings, and which decline. Verdicts by provider, with the FATCA reason behind each one.