Credit cards for
bad credit
- £200 - £4,000 starting credit limit that can grow over time
- Get a yes or no straight away, without affecting your credit score
- Rebuild your credit score by spending responsibly
34.9% APR representative variable.
Not using your card responsibly could hurt your credit rating, making it harder to get credit in future.
Check if you're eligible for the Classic Card
- 1
Fill in some details
Answer some questions to help us learn more about you and your finances.
- 2
Get a clear yes or no
We'll let you know if you're eligible straight away, without affecting your credit score.
- 3
Apply for your card
If you're eligible and you think the card's right for you, apply in one tap of a button.
What is bad credit?
'Bad credit', or 'low credit', just means your credit history isn’t as good as it could be. That might be because you've struggled with credit in the past, or that you've never used it at all. So a 'credit card for bad credit' is just one that’s better suited to people with a low credit score.
A good way of seeing how your credit is doing is to look at your credit score. Credit scores are a representation of your credit history, and help lenders decide whether to accept you for a credit card or loan. Lots of people with a low credit score are turned down for credit cards in the UK, so it's important to keep it up to scratch.
Can I apply for a credit card with bad credit?
The good news is yes, you could be eligible. Bad credit credit cards can be useful if you're new to credit or you've had bad credit in the past. This is because they start you off with a lower, more manageable credit limit.
If you spend responsibly and make payments on a bad credit credit card, you may be offered the chance to increase your limit as time goes on. As you do all this, you'll be showing lenders that you can manage credit well, so your credit score will go up too.
Why could the Classic Card be a good option for people with bad credit?
Know if you'll be accepted before you apply
Start with a manageable credit limit
Rebuild your credit score over time
What causes bad credit?
There are two main reasons why you might have a bad credit score:No credit history
When you apply for a credit card, the lender will want to know that you can pay them back. Having a good history with credit shows you've borrowed responsibly in the past, which means a lender will know you're probably a reliable customer.
So in some cases, not borrowing money or not having a credit card can count against you and lower your score, even if you've never had trouble managing your money.
Problems with credit
If you've had problems with bad credit in the past, you could find it hard to get accepted for a credit card in future. Common problems include:
- Being late with a credit payment or missing a payment completely
- Going over your credit limit
- Getting into debt, having a CCJ, or being declared bankrupt
Other factors that affect your credit score
Too many searches
If you apply for credit too many times, it might look to lenders like you desperately need money. This suggests that you might be a risky customer to lend to.
Electoral roll
The electoral roll helps lenders confirm your identity. If they don't know who you are, they can't check your credit history and confirm you've been managing credit in a responsible way.
Moving house regularly
Some lenders like to see stability in your financial history. If you move house often, it could suggest you have trouble paying your bills or that you can't settle down.
Credit score FAQs
What is a credit score?
Your credit score is your recent relationship with credit, summed up in a number.
It can be different depending on which credit reference agency you're looking at. The most common are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Your score takes into account most types of borrowing you've done, but it's affected by other factors too. Things like paying your utility bills on time or being registered to vote.
If you've always managed your credit well, your score should be higher. If you've struggled with credit, or you've not really used it before, then it'll probably be lower.
What does having bad credit mean for me?
Some consequences of having a bad credit score include:
Harder to get accepted for credit - if you have poor credit, lenders will be hesitant to approve your credit card applications as they might not think you'll be able to manage the repayments.
Paying more interest - lower credit scores tell lenders who might be more 'risky' to lend to. Because of this, you may be offered credit with a higher APR - like you might find on bad credit credit cards.
Fewer promotional offers - you might find that credit providers won't offer you good introductory rates with a low credit score (like 0% interest periods).
What is a 'good' credit score?
It depends which credit bureau you are using, so it's not always easy to tell the difference between a bad credit score and good credit score. Generally though, a good credit score in the UK is considered to be between 880 and 960.
Where can I check my credit score?
You can use any of the 3 main credit bureaus to check your credit score. They are Experian (opens in a new tab), Equifax (opens in a new tab) and TransUnion (opens in a new tab). All of them let you check your credit score for free, and use similar criteria to work out your rating.
How can I improve my credit score?
Register to vote - when you apply to a lender, they'll use the electoral register to check who you are. If you're not on it or your details aren't right, it's harder for them to be sure it's you who is applying. Register for free at gov.uk/register-to-vote (opens in a new tab)
Build credit history - lenders like to see you've used credit responsibly. Getting a credit card for bad credit and making payments on time is one way to do this.
Don't apply for too many credit cards - every time you apply for a credit card, it leaves a mark on your credit report. Too many marks in a short space of time can make lenders think that you're a risky borrower. And that can reduce your chances of being accepted, even when applying for a bad credit credit card.
Never miss a payment - paying your bills on time is a great way to build your credit score as it'll show a lender you're responsible with your money. Late payments are often reported to credit reference agencies, and they can stay on your report for up to 6 years.
Close unused accounts - having a high number of unused credit accounts can affect your credit score. Not using one of your accounts? Maybe think about closing it to reduce the number of credit products in your name.
What is a credit report?
Your credit report shows a history of your relationship with credit.
It usually goes back up to 6 years, and includes:
- your financial connections
- current and past credit accounts
- any debt you might have
If you apply for credit, lenders will look at your report to decide whether or not to lend to you.
If your credit report is spotless and you're eligible, you shouldn't have any trouble getting credit. But if you've struggled with your finances before (missed payments, for example), you might find it harder.
Why is it important to check my credit report?
Your credit report helps you understand your relationship with credit.
It means you'll see what potential lenders will see, so you'll get an idea of your financial situation, and how likely you are to be approved for credit.
And since your credit report also shows your personal information, you'll be able to spot anything that's wrong or incomplete.