Abbey National re-launched its business and brand in 2003, shortening its name to Abbey. In the following year it became part of the Santander Group, one of the most profitable banks in the world. It is today one of the UK's leading personal financial companies, providing services including loans, mortgages, insurance, current accounts and credit cards, which come in several basic forms. There's something for every type of user; for example, there's a cashback card suitable for those that pay their balance off in full every month.

Through its partnership with MBNA, Alliance & Leicester provides a range of credit cards to suit a variety of needs. The company's origins trace as far back as 1852.

The Bank of Cyprus Group was founded in 1899 when it was known as the Nicosia Savings Bank and has since opened branches in the UK. You certainly don't need to be a Cypriot to apply for this card - but as it's a premium product you will need to meet strict criteria.

The Bank of Cyprus Group was founded in 1899 when it was known as the Nicosia Savings Bank and has since opened branches in the UK.

First offered in 1966 by Barclays Bank, Barclaycard was the UK's very first credit card and the first to offer internet banking to its customers. It is one of the UK's most recognisable credit cards and offers competitive interest rates which vary according to the base interest rate set by the Bank of England. If you want to give something to charity every time you use your credit card, the Barclaycard Charity Visa may be the one for you. A one-off donation is made by Barclays when you make your first transaction, and then a small percentage of everything you spend on it thereafter. These donations are divided equally between Marie Curie Cancer Care, Save the Children, Samaritans and Woodland Trust.

First offered in 1966 by Barclays Bank, Barclaycard was the UK's very first credit card and the first to offer internet banking to its customers. It is one of the UK's most recognisable credit cards and offers competitive interest rates which vary according to the base interest rate set by the Bank of England. The Flexi-Rate Barclaycard is suited to those wishing to transfer an existing balance, as there is a good introductory rate on balance transfers.

First offered in 1966 by Barclays Bank, Barclaycard was the UK's very first credit card and the first to offer internet banking to its customers. It is one of the UK's most recognisable credit cards and offers competitive interest rates which vary according to the base interest rate set by the Bank of England. The Barclaycard Platinum Visa is suited to those wishing to transfer an existing balance, as there is a good introductory rate on balance transfers.

Britannia Building Society has a long history which has seen it evolve from its origins back in the 1800s - when it was known as the Leek and Moorlands - into the building society we know today. As a mutual building society Britannia has no shareholders; instead, it passes on the profits to customers, through benefits and better deals. Britannia also gives something back to the community in the form of contributions to local charities and organisations.

Britannia Building Society has a long history which has seen it evolve from its origins back in the 1800s - when it was known as the Leek and Moorlands - into the building society we know today. As a mutual building society Britannia has no shareholders; instead, it passes on the profits to customers, through benefits and better deals. Britannia also gives something back to the community in the form of contributions to local charities and organisations.

Capital One is a US bank which launched its UK operation in 1996. It was Capital One that introduced the ‘balance transfer' concept in 1992, thereby revolutionising the credit card market. It is today one of the major credit card providers. There are several cards to choose from. It offers both Classic and Platinum credit cards, both catering for different customers, i.e. those with excellent credit history and those without. Though the Classic credit card does not come with benefits such as introductory rates on balance transfers or purchases, you can select from a wide choice of attractive card designs.