Credit Cards

 

Explore credit cards and the world of opportunities they offer. Find out more about exclusive benefits and rewards and pick the right American Express product for your needs and lifestyle.

What is a Credit Card?

A credit card lets you borrow money up to a certain credit limit to make online or in-store purchases. You’ll then need to repay the amount owed in full before the due date, to avoid interest charges.


How do Credit Cards Work?

When you use your card to make purchases, your credit provider lends you money and pays the merchant on your behalf. This means you owe them the amount spent.

 

If you pay off your balance in full each month, you won’t incur late payment fees and interest charges. If you don’t, you’ll need to pay interest on any amount outstanding.


How to pick the right Credit Card?

To choose the right credit card, carefully consider your financial habits and goals. You’ll also need to:

 

 

Check Credit Limits

 

Your Credit Card has a limit, which is the maximum amount of money you can borrow. Knowing your credit limit is the first step to keeping your balance under control. You can also make regular payments on your balance to avoid going over your limit.

 

Discover tips for staying within your credit limit

 

 

Review Fees and Charges

 

The charges you pay partly depend on the type of card you have and how you use it. For example, some of our Cards have no annual fee. Read your Card's terms and conditions to understand the interest rates and fees associated.

 

Find out more about fees and charges

 

 

Learn more about Interest Rates

 

To find the right card for your needs, familiarise yourself with Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to understand how interest is calculated.

 

 

Find out how interest is calculated


Credit Cards Types

American Express offers a range of Credit Cards with different rewards and benefits tailored to your lifestyle and interests. Whether you want to earn points or cashback on purchases, we make it all possible.

 

Discover different Card Types


Compare Credit Cards

 
 
Representative Example
Representative APR: 36.7% APR variable
Annual Fee: Based on £25
Credit Limit: Assumed credit limit of £1,200
Purchase Rate: 31.0% APR variable
 
Your interest rates will change in line with the Bank of England base rate. Please click here for more information.

 

  • Spend £0 to £10,000 and recieve 0.75% cashback on all purchases
  • Spend over £10,001 and recieve 1.25% cashback on all purchases

 

 

 

 
Representative Example
Representative APR: 88.8% APR variable
Annual Fee: Based on £195 (£0 in your first year)
Credit Limit: Assumed credit limit of £1,200
Purchase Rate: 31.0% APR  variable

Your interest rates will change in line with the Bank of England base rate. Please click here for more information.
 
  • Get Membership Rewards® points for every pound you spend and redeem with a range of shopping, travel and lifestyle partners
  • Unlike other loyalty programmes, Membership Rewards® points never expire. Get shopping, travel and entertainment rewards or even offset any purchase made on your Card.
 
Representative Example
Representative APR: 31.0% APR variable
Annual Fee: Based on £0
Credit Limit: Assumed credit limit of £1,200
Purchase Rate: 31.0% APR  variable
 
Your interest rates will change in line with the Bank of England base rate. Please click here for more information.
 
  • Earn up to 1% cashback with no annual fee
  • Travel and shopping protection

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility Criteria: What do I need to apply for a Credit Card?

To apply for a personal Card in the UK you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. As well as our eligibility checker, you can use the following checklist:

 

 

  • I am aged 18 or over
  • I have no history of bad debt
  • I have a permanent UK home address
  • I have a current UK bank or building society account

 

You may also need to provide your employment, income and bank account information for some of our Cards, that have additional specific eligibility criteria.


Find out if you're eligible with our Eligibility Checker

Only takes a couple of minutes to complete

Will not impact your
credit rating

Allows you to apply
with confidence

How to Apply for an American Express® Credit Card?

Thinking about submitting an application? Check out our guide to get the best tips on how to apply for a credit card, what information have ready to hand and what to expect after your application is submitted.


Credit and Charge Cards Explained

 

Feeling confused about fees, charges and repayment options?

 

Our simple Credit and Charge Card Guides are a great place to start.

 

Explore types of Credit Card to suit your needs

 

Explore our range of Credit Cards to find the one that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions