# What is representative APR on a credit card?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-credit-card-representative-apr/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-credit-card-representative-apr.md

## In short

The APR at least 51% of approved applicants must receive — your actual rate may be higher depending on credit score. Compare representative APR across cards but check your personalised quote after a soft eligibility check.

FCA rules require the representative APR to reflect the rate offered to most successful applicants.

Cash advance and foreign transaction rates are usually higher than purchase APR.

See compare credit cards guide.

## Related

- [Compare credit cards](https://moneyguide.org.uk/credit/compare-credit-cards-guide/)
- [Soft vs hard credit search](https://moneyguide.org.uk/credit/soft-vs-hard-credit-search/)

## Primary source

fca.org.uk/consumers/credit-cards

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Money Guide is not a financial adviser and does not currently earn commission on credit cards. This guide is educational information only — always check the issuer's own terms, eligibility checkers and fees before applying. 18+, subject to status. Credit is a commitment: only borrow what you can repay in full each month, because interest charges erase every reward on this page.