Tesco credit cards – are they any good?
Compare Tesco deals and top alternatives
Tesco offers a range of credit cards through Tesco Bank, but they’re not always the cheapest option. This guide compares every Tesco credit card, explains who each one suits best, and shows when you’ll save more by going elsewhere. We also round up the best non-Tesco alternatives, so you can bag the best deal for you.
What is Tesco Bank?
Tesco Bank was launched in 1997 as a joint venture between Tesco and the Royal Bank of Scotland. It operated under its own licence from 2008 until 2024, before being taken over by Barclays in November 2024.
As well as credit cards, Tesco Bank offers loans and savings to around five million customers. While these products are now run by Barclays, they remain under the Tesco Bank brand.
Compare the best credit cards for you
To see how Tesco stacks up against the best cards on the market, use our quick and easy eligibility calculator, which shows you which cards of the top cards you're likely to be accepted for.
What types of credit cards does Tesco Bank offer?
Tesco Bank offers several types of credit cards, each designed for a different purpose. Some cards offer just one feature, whereas others offer a mix, such as a combo of balance transfer and money transfer features on one card.
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Balance transfer credit cards. Used for moving existing debt from other credit cards on to it, usually with a 0% interest period to help you pay it down more cheaply. Read more on balance transfer cards.
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All rounder credit cards. These cards mix 0% (or low) interest rates for both balance transfers and new spending. More info our Balance transfer and purchase cards guide.
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0% purchase credit cards These offer 0% interest on new spending for a set time, letting you spread the cost of larger purchases. Learn more in our 0% purchase card guide.
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Everyday spending credit cards. Cards designed for day-to-day spending.
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Credit builder cards. Aimed at people with a limited or poor credit history, helping them build a credit record if used carefully. Read our Credit builder cards guide for more info on this type of card.
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Money transfer credit cards. Tesco doesn't currently offer dedicated money transfer credit cards, but some of its cards do have this feature. These allow you to transfer money from a card into your bank account, such as to clear your overdraft or give yourself a 0% cash loan. More info in our money transfer card guide.
We explore each type of Tesco credit card in more detail below.
Are Tesco credit cards any good?
Tesco credit cards work best if you’re a regular Tesco shopper looking to earn extra Clubcard points on all your purchases, but whether they’re the best choice overall depends on your needs and how you use the card. Here are the pros and cons you need to consider:
Tesco credit card pros
Tesco Clubcard points. All Tesco credit cards give holders Clubcard points on almost every purchase, offering various perks – including cheaper Tesco shops and rewards such as discount subscriptions and days out. You earn five points for every £4 spent in Tesco and one point for every £8 spent elsewhere.
However, don't let rewards alone sway you – you could still save more overall by picking a stronger all-round credit card, such as one of these alternatives.
Competitive features. Tesco credit cards offer solid features compared with many high-street providers. Some include long 0% purchase or balance-transfer periods, helping you spread the cost of large purchases or clear existing debt interest-free.
No annual fees. Like most credit cards, none of Tesco’s credit cards charge an annual fee, keeping costs low and making them a simple, low-maintenance option.
Tesco credit card cons
Not always market‑leading. While Tesco’s cards are competitive, many rivals offer longer 0% periods, lower interest rates or better overall deals. This is why you should always compare credit cards before committing to one – our Credit Card Eligibility Calculator can help without affecting your credit score.
Clubcard points offer limited value. If most of your spending isn’t at Tesco, your points will build up slowly. And compared with specialist reward or cashback cards, the returns are pretty small. So, if you rarely shop at Tesco, the rewards probably won’t move the needle.
Limited rewards. While Clubcard points are a nice extra, some premium cards offer benefits Tesco cards don’t – such as cashback, travel perks or airport lounge access – which may suit you better.
Compare Tesco credit cards
Below we’ve listed the main Tesco credit cards by category, alongside top alternatives from other providers so you can easily compare. If you spot a card that suits your needs, don't just apply directly – use our Credit Card Eligibility Calculator first. It quickly shows your chances of acceptance on top cards without affecting your credit score.
Some cards in the tables are “up to” deals, meaning you might be offered a shorter 0% period and/or a higher fee unless you’re pre-approved via our eligibility tool. All links go via our eligibility checker unless stated.
Tesco best 0% balance transfer credit cards | ||
Card | 0% interest balance transfer period | Balance transfer fee |
|---|---|---|
Tesco Bank | DEFINITE 36 months | 3.45% |
Tesco Bank | DEFINITE 15 months | 0.75% |
Alternative best 0% balance transfer credit cards | ||
TSB | Up to 38 months | 3.49% |
DEFINITE 36 months | 3.15% | |
Up to 14 months | NO FEE | |
DEFINITE 12 months | NO FEE | |
Tesco best all-rounder credit cards | ||
Card | 0% interest balance transfer period | 0% spending period |
|---|---|---|
Tesco Bank | DEFINITE 21 months (2.95% fee) | DEFINITE 21 months |
DEFINITE 14 months (2.49% fee) | DEFINITE 14 months | |
Alternative best all-rounder credit cards | ||
TSB | Up to 18 months (3.49% fee) | Up to 26 months |
Up to 23 months (2.99% fee) | Up to 25 months | |
Tesco best 0% purchase credit cards | ||
Card | 0% purchase period | Rep APR |
|---|---|---|
DEFINITE 21 months | 24.9% rep APR after 0% | |
DEFINITE 14 months | 24.9% rep APR after 0% | |
Alternative best 0% purchase credit cards | ||
DEFINITE 25 months | 24.9% rep APR after 0% | |
TSB | Up to 26 months 0% | 24.9% rep APR after 0% |
Tesco best money transfer credit cards | ||
Card | 0% period | Money transfer fee |
|---|---|---|
Tesco Bank | DEFINITE 14 months | 3.99% |
For the first nine months | 3.99% | |
Alternative best money transfer credit cards | ||
DEFINITE 12 months | 4% | |
Tesco best credit builder credit cards | ||
Card | Features | Rep APR |
|---|---|---|
- Access to Tesco Bank CreditView to track your credit score. - Tesco Clubcard points on spending | 29.9% | |
Alternative best credit builder credit cards | ||
Asda Money | - 0.75% cashback at Asda | 39.8% |
- No perks | 29.9% | |
- No perks | 29.9% | |
Tesco best everyday spending card | ||
Card | Perks | Rep APR |
|---|---|---|
Tesco Bank | A low APR representative (variable) on purchases. | 12.9% |
Alternative best everyday spending cards | ||
The Co-operative Bank | A low APR representative (variable) on purchases. | 8.9% |
How to choose the right Tesco credit card
The best Tesco credit card depends on what you’ll mainly use it for. Don’t be swayed by the longest 0% deal, lowest headline APR or perks unless they actually suit your needs – the wrong card can cost you more.
Start with one simple question:
What will I mainly use the card for?
See the following credit card uses and choose accordingly...
Clearing existing credit card debt
Choose a 0% balance transfer card to pay off debt on old credit and store cards, so you owe it instead, but at 0% interest. Always aim to clear the balance before the 0% deal ends – interest jumps sharply after that.
Spreading the cost of a big purchase
Choose a 0% purchase card to spread the cost of a needed, or planned, affordable, one-off purchase. Just make sure not to keep spending once the 0% period ends unless you’re happy paying interest.
If you want a card for everyday spending
If you expect to carry a balance, a low-APR card can work out cheaper than relying on short 0% deals. Tesco’s everyday low-APR card doesn’t offer long 0% periods, but its lower ongoing rate can save you money if you don’t clear the balance each month.
Building or rebuilding your credit score
If you’ve had credit problems or little credit history, a credit builder card is the most suitable option. These cards have high APRs but low credit limits, so they're not for borrowing. The aim is to spend small amounts and repay in full each month to build your credit record
Getting cash into your bank account
Some Tesco cards allow money transfers, letting you move cash into your bank account for a fee, often with a short 0% period. These can be useful in emergencies, but they’re usually more expensive than balance transfer cards and tend to charge interest sooner. Only use them if it’s planned and affordable.
Am I likely to be accepted for a Tesco credit card?
Before applying, it’s worth checking your chances. Applying for cards you’re unlikely to get can hurt your credit score and reduce your chances elsewhere..
Here are the steps you should take before applying for a Tesco credit card.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Tesco credit card, you must be:
18 or over
A UK resident
Able to show income or affordability
Your credit history will also be assessed.
2. Consider your credit history
Tesco Bank (like most lenders) looks at your credit record, income and existing debts.
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Good/excellent credit: Best chance of getting Tesco’s longer 0% deals or lower APR cards.
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Fair credit: You may still be accepted, but often for shorter 0% periods or higher-APR cards.
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Poor or limited credit: Mainstream Tesco cards are harder to get — credit-builder cards are more suitable, but must be repaid in full to avoid high costs.
If you haven’t checked your credit report recently, look up your free credit report with one of the major UK credit reference agencies – it gives useful insight into how lenders might see you. More info in our Free credit report report check guide.
3. Use an eligibility checker first
Our free Credit Card Eligibility Calculator shows your acceptance chances for many top cards before you apply without affecting your credit score, as it uses a soft search. You just need to fill in one form to see which lenders will likely offer you a card and which won't.
It's worth using this tool before committing to a Tesco credit card, as you may find stronger alternatives for your circumstances from different banks.
Tesco credit card FAQs
How long does it take to get a Tesco credit card?
It can take as little as ten minutes to apply for a Tesco credit card. But remember to first check you're eligible using an eligibility calculator, and always compare credit cards to make sure you get the best deal.
Once approved, you should get your card within five to working days. Your PIN will arrive separately within three to five working days.
Can I use my Tesco credit card abroad?
Yes. Tesco Bank credit cards work overseas anywhere you see the Visa or Mastercard logo.
However, most Tesco cards charge a 2.75% foreign exchange (FX) fee for non-sterling spending. Cash withdrawals abroad are expensive, usually attracting this fee PLUS a cash advance fee (around 3.99%, min £3) and interest from day one. One exception is the Tesco Clubcard plus credit card, which doesn’t charge the 2.75% FX fee on overseas purchases (but cash withdrawal fees still apply).
You don’t normally need to tell Tesco you’re travelling – just make sure your contact details are up to date – and always pay in the local currency to avoid poor exchange rates. Learn the cheapest ways to spend abroad by reading our guide.
How do I link my Tesco credit card to my Clubcard?
If your Tesco credit card isn’t already earning Clubcard points in your main Clubcard account, you typically need to get Tesco to link them together – it isn’t something you can fully do yourself online.
To do so, call the Tesco Clubcard/Rewards team and give them both your Clubcard number and your Tesco credit card number. They can merge the accounts or link the credit card to your Clubcard so points from credit card spend flow into your main Clubcard account. If you already have multiple Clubcards or your credit card came with a new Clubcard number, linking them ensures all points go into the same Clubcard account.
Once linked, spending on your Tesco credit card will automatically earn points in your Clubcard account.
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