# How to compare credit cards fairly under FCA rules in 2026

> Banking · 28 June 2026

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## Summary

0% purchase, balance transfer, rewards and credit-builder cards serve different goals. Representative APR applies to only 51% of approved applicants — use soft eligibility checks before applying.

Credit card comparison is a common search topic, but headline rates mislead. The representative APR must be offered to at least 51% of accepted customers — your personal rate may be higher if your credit file is average or thin.

Match card type to purpose: 0% purchase for planned spending you can clear in the promo window; balance transfer for expensive card debt (factor in 2%–3% transfer fees); credit builder for thin files at higher APR; rewards only if you never carry a balance.

FCA affordability assessments mean more declined applications when utilisation is high or recent hard searches cluster. Soft-search eligibility tools reduce wasted applications.

Section 75 protection applies to credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000 — a reason to use a card for major buys even if you pay the bill in full.

See our compare credit cards guide, 0% cards explained and balance transfer hub.

## Related topics

- [/credit/](https://moneyguide.org.uk/credit/)
- [/banking/](https://moneyguide.org.uk/banking/)

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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.