People around the globe love using credit cards, but there are certain situations where you will not be able to use them in the UK. While they work effortlessly for many everyday purchases, some areas have restrictions because of legal, regulatory, or institutional policies.
Gambling at UK casinos
In 2020, the UK Gambling Commission implemented a ban on the use of credit cards for gambling. This regulation applies to online and offline gambling activities. You are not able to purchase chips at a casino or fund an online betting account.
The goal is to reduce the risk of problem gambling and protect individuals from accumulating debt through gambling-related activities.
This prohibition only applies to casinos and betting sites that are governed by UK law. Credit card payments may still be accepted at certain foreign casinos that are not under the UK Gambling Commission’s control. Many non–UK online casinos accept credit card payment (source: https://bestnonukcasinos.com/).
Paying off other credit cards
If you’re looking to pay off one credit card with another, you won’t be able to do so directly. Credit card providers do not allow direct payments between cards because it can lead to a continuous cycle of debt. Instead, balance transfers are offered as an alternative for managing debt.
These transfers involve moving your balance from one card to another, usually with promotional interest rates, but they require specific agreements and are not the same as a direct payment.
If you want to clear a credit card balance, use a debit card, bank transfer, or another form of payment. This rule encourages responsible financial management and reduces the risk of borrowers falling into unmanageable debt.
Certain tax payments
Since January 2018, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) no longer accepts personal credit cards for certain tax payments. This means you cannot use your credit card to pay for income tax, National Insurance contributions, and other personal tax liabilities. The decision was made to reduce processing costs and discourage individuals from taking on debt to pay taxes.
Corporate credit cards are still accepted for some tax payments, though fees may apply. For individuals, alternative methods such as bank transfers, direct debits, or debit cards are the preferred options. This ensures that taxpayers meet their obligations without incurring unnecessary interest charges on borrowed funds.
Court fines and penalties
A credit card is not an option if you want to pay your court fine or penalty. Whether it’s a fine for a traffic violation, a penalty for late tax filings, or other legal obligations, you will need to use a debit card, bank transfer, or cash. With this restriction, authorities promote accountability and make sure that fines are paid without reliance on borrowed funds.
This law covers many kinds of punishments, including those imposed by courts, government agencies, and local governments. The system deters late payments and the use of credit to satisfy legal obligations by mandating prompt payment through non-credit means.
Lottery tickets and scratchcards
Scratchcards and lottery tickets are also classified as gambling and therefore you cannot use your credit card to pay for them. The UK’s credit card ban on gambling also applies to online and in-store purchases of scratchcards, Euromillions entries, and National Lottery tickets.