Chase has finally launched its credit card in the UK, and many people are wondering: is it worth it? Chase made a name for itself with its cashback debit card, but after restrictions were introduced to that deal, expectations shifted. The new Chase credit card promises fee-free international spending and 15 months of interest-free purchases, but is that enough to make it competitive?
In this article, I’ll explain the key features, compare it with other top UK credit cards, dive into how the card really works, and share my personal verdict—plus some insights from real card users.
Key Features of the Chase Credit Card
At first glance, the Chase credit card looks simple:
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Fee-free spending abroad (including ATM withdrawals)
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15 months interest-free on purchases
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No annual account fee
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Application via the Chase app (but you must have a Chase current account)
One big omission is cashback or rewards. Given Chase’s reputation in the UK was built on cashback, this feels like a missed opportunity. Still, the two main features—travel perks and a 0% purchase period—make it attractive for certain people.
How the Chase Credit Card Works in the UK
Before signing up, it’s essential to understand how the card works. Credit card companies profit from interest and fees, so using the Chase card wisely is key.
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You must make at least the minimum payment every month (missing this will trigger late fees and damage your credit score).
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Any balance you carry will remain interest-free for 15 months.
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At the end of the 15 months, any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the standard rate.
👉 Important: If you don’t clear your balance by the end of the promotional period, the interest charges could outweigh the benefits of using the card.
Some users recommend a simple strategy:
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Open a savings account alongside your Chase credit card.
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Deposit enough money each month so that by the end of the 15 months, you can pay off the card in full.
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You’ll earn interest on your savings and effectively “spread out” your big purchase into manageable installments.
Others point out that after the 15 months, you should switch to using the card like a debit card—only spending what you can pay off in full each month. That way, you avoid falling into expensive debt.
How Does It Compare to Other Credit Cards?
Barclaycard Rewards Visa
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Fee-free spending abroad + ATM withdrawals
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0.25% cashback on all spending (UK + abroad)
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No interest on ATM withdrawals (if paid off in full)
Compared with Chase, Barclaycard Rewards offers cashback and more flexibility. The catch? Stricter eligibility requirements: over 21, good credit score, and minimum £20,000 annual income.
TSB Platinum Purchase Card
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Up to 25 months interest-free on purchases
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No foreign spending perks
This card is better if your priority is a long 0% purchase period, but it’s weaker for travel.
What Real Customers Are Saying
Some customers find the Chase card useful as a temporary 0% deal but not impressive in the long run:
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“The card is only good for the first 15 months. After that, I’ll look for a card with cashback or air miles.”
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“0% APR and no FX fees are fairly standard now, but Chase does give generous credit limits compared to others.”
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“I signed up purely for the fee-free use abroad since my AmEx and Barclaycard Avios both charge foreign fees.”
Others are critical:
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“Honestly, this Chase card is disappointing—there are cards out there with longer 0% purchase periods and better rewards.”
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“In the UK, even basic cards often give 0% APR plus extras like air miles. Chase feels bare-bones in comparison.”
Still, some users see value:
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“Not many cards combine 12+ months of 0% purchases with no foreign fees. That’s the unique selling point here.”
My Verdict: Why I Got the Chase Credit Card
I decided to get the Chase credit card for three main reasons:
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I already had a Chase current account, so the application process was quick and easy.
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The fee-free international spending makes it perfect for my travels.
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The 15 months of interest-free purchases give me flexibility for larger expenses.
Yes, it’s disappointing that there’s no cashback or air miles. And yes, the 15-month window isn’t the longest in the UK. But for my situation—travel, short-term budgeting, and the convenience of having everything in the Chase app—it made sense.
That said, if you’re purely chasing (pun intended) rewards or the longest 0% deal, you’ll probably find better options elsewhere.
The Chase Credit Card UK is a decent all-rounder: a solid travel credit card with a respectable interest-free purchase period. But it’s not groundbreaking.
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If you travel often and want simplicity → Chase works well.
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If you want cashback and perks → Barclaycard Rewards is better.
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If you want the longest 0% purchase window → TSB Platinum Purchase wins.
For me, Chase ticked the right boxes for now—but once the 15 months are up, I’ll likely move to a different card that offers cashback or rewards.
