The Great Credit Card Disappearing Act

Top deals vanishing - shift debt to 0% for 29mths or bag 5% cashback while you still can

If you need one, we've the top debt shift, spending, travel etc cards

Credit cards have lost some of their magic this year, with lots of 2018's top picks gone in a puff of smoke. We've told you many times that cards with 0% interest on balance transfers have shrunk in length, but it's the same story with cards that offer 0% on spending. Cashback and reward cards have got worse recently, while the top overseas card offer ends next week.

You can still pull good deals out of the hat, which we're showcasing here. But we don't know how long they'll last, so if you need one, why wait? Before jumping in though, note that credit cards are like fire. Used right, they're a great tool. Used badly, you'll get burnt, so always follow our golden rules.

- As you're credit-checked for cards, find those likely to say yes BEFORE applying. Most below include a link to our Credit Card Eligibility Calc which, after we've waved our MoneySaving wand, shows your acceptance odds without harming your creditworthiness.
 

These are where you get a new card to pay off other cards, so you owe it instead but at 0%. You're debt-free quicker as more cash clears the debt, rather than servicing interest.

Top balance transfer credit cards - up to 29mths 0%. That's down from 43mths in 2017 and 38mths in 2018, but still decent. Some below are 'up-to' cards, so you could get a shorter 0% deal if accepted, meaning non-'up-to' cards give more certainty.

Always follow the Balance Transfer Golden Rules. Full help in Best Balance Transfers (see APR Examples):

a) Go for lowest fee in the time you can repay. Unsure? Be safe & go long.
b) Never miss the min monthly repayment, or you may lose the 0% deal.
c) Clear the card or transfer again before the 0% ends, or the rate soars.
d) Don't withdraw cash - it's expensive & hits your creditworthiness.
e) You must usually balance transfer within 60 or 90 days to get the 0%.
f) You usually can't transfer at 0% between cards from the same bank.
 

With no interest for the intro period, there's no cheaper way to borrow if the shop takes credit cards. But only borrow if you NEED to for a planned, affordable buy (eg, a broken fridge) - they're not an excuse to overspend.

Top 0% spending credit cards - up to 27mths 0%. That's down from 32mths in 2017 and 31mths in 2018, but still decent. Note, with both deals below, you could be accepted and offered fewer 0% months.

Always follow the 0% Spending Golden Rules. Full help and more deals in 0% Spending Cards (APR Examples).

a) Always pay the min payment & stick to your limit or you'll lose the 0%.
b) Clear the debt or balance transfer before the 0% ends, or costs soar.
c) They're usually only cheap for spending, not cash/balance transfers.

Other key tips to help you choose...

- Need £5k+? The card limit may be too low, so a loan may win. See below for a new top rate on £7.5k-£15k, or our Cheap Loans guide.
- Can't pay on credit card for sub-£5k? See Top Money Transfers - where you shift cash from a card to your bank at 0% for a 3-4% fee.
- Standard cards give 1-2mths 0% anyway. They're interest-free till the payment date if you pay IN FULL - good if you can't get a new one.
 

Used right, you get free cash, vouchers, airline miles etc for normal spending. Many earn £100s/yr, so if you're debt-free it's worth moving all spending to 'em. But you MUST pay IN FULL each month (preferably by direct debit) or interest dwarfs the gain. Also avoid taking out cash as it's pricey & don't see the reward as an excuse to overspend.

Top cashback credit cards - up to 5%. For simplicity, we're focusing on cash, but you can get other perks - see Credit Card Rewards (APR Examples).

They're the cheapest way to spend abroad - you get near-perfect rates as you're not charged the normal 3%-ish exchange fee, plus they don't levy cash withdrawal fees (but you can't stop an ATM charging). PS, we know we've cheated a bit here as we're including a DEBIT card, but there's little between the pair below. Note, cards can take two weeks to come.

- Top overseas credit card - incl £20 cashback. Apply by 29 Aug and Halifax Clarity ( eligibility calc / apply* ) gives £20 cashback on your first spend in 90 days in any currency. But always repay IN FULL each month to avoid spending interest. It's slightly pricier for cash, as you pay 19.9% rep APR interest even if you clear it in full (can cost 5p-£1.50 per £100/mth), but even that's usually better than a bureau de change.

- Top overseas DEBIT card (and you don't need to change bank). The card from app-only Starling (apply*) has no overseas fees or interest on spending or withdrawals (max £300/day cash). Plus you earn 0.5% AER interest on up to £2k balances, and 0.25% AER interest up to £85k. The credit scoring process is also less harsh if you don't apply for an overdraft.  Full info and more deals in Travel Credit Cards (APR Examples).
 

- Think you can't get the cards above due to your credit score? Use our Credit Card Eligibility Calc in case you can - you never know, your score may have improved. If you still can't, some specialist cards help you rebuild your credit history.

- Credit cards give spending protection. On £100-£30,000, the card firm is jointly liable with retailers if something goes wrong. See Section 75 laws.

- Struggling with debt? Avoid borrowing & read our Debt Help guide.