Credit cards for bad credit and credit building

What is the easiest credit card to get with bad credit?

With a bad credit history, it's a bit more difficult to get a credit card, but it's quite possible. After all, UK banks have developed special programs for people with bad credit histories. Of course, the conditions for such credit cards will not be loyal, you should expect higher interest rates and lower credit limits.

On this page, the site team has compiled a list of credit cards that people with bad credit can apply for. We provide a little more detailed information about some of them:

• The Capital One Classic Credit Card is designed specifically for customers with bad credit. The special feature of the card is the absence of an annual fee and the possibility of increasing the credit limit, which initially ranges from £200 to £1,500.
• Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card. If you have limited or bad credit, this card may be right for you. The initial credit limit ranges from £250 to £1,000. Since the credit card has higher interest rates, we recommend paying off the balance every month
• Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card. You can earn Tesco Clubcard points when you spend on this card

Some recommendations that will help you make a positive decision when issuing a credit card:

Before submitting your application, be sure to check your credit report and correct any errors if necessary

It's a good idea to apply for one card at a time, as multiple applications in a short period can negatively affect your credit score.

Before applying, check whether you meet the bank's requirements. Always make at least the minimum payment by the due date.

What are credit cards for credit building?

Credit cards for credit building in the UK are designed to help individuals with little or no credit history, or those looking to improve their credit score, to establish or rebuild their credit. These cards typically have higher interest rates and lower credit limits than standard credit cards but offer a valuable opportunity to demonstrate responsible credit behavior.

Are there credit cards with no credit check in the UK?

Credit cards with no credit check in the UK are rare, as most lenders rely on credit checks to assess an applicant's creditworthiness. However, some options and alternatives exist that may not require a traditional credit check or are more lenient with approval criteria:

1. Prepaid cards are not traditional credit cards. You load money onto the card and spend only what you’ve loaded. Since there’s no borrowing involved, no credit check is required.
2. Guaranteed Credit Cards. Some credit cards market themselves as "guaranteed approval" or "no credit check required," but they typically have other requirements, such as a pre-loaded fee or security deposit.
3. Credit Builder Credit Cards. These cards are designed for individuals with poor or limited credit history, and while they require a credit check, they are more lenient in their approval process.
4. Credit Union Cards. Some credit unions in the UK offer credit cards or small loans with less emphasis on credit checks, focusing more on your relationship with the credit union and your overall financial situation.
5. Subprime Credit Cards. These are credit cards targeted at people with poor credit. While they do involve a credit check, the requirements are generally lower than with mainstream cards.
6. Secured Credit Cards require a security deposit, which acts as your credit limit. While not common in the UK, this model is available through some lenders. A credit check may be required, but the deposit reduces risk for the lender.

As an alternative, you can also take out a personal loan. Your possible expenses:

Personal loan calculations for 1 year (example)

What are the best credit cards for credit building?

Here are some of the best credit cards for credit building in the UK:

1. Aqua Classic Credit Card
   2. Capital One Classic Credit Card
   3. Barclaycard Forward Credit Card
   4. Vanquis Bank Classic Credit Card
   5. Tesco Foundation Credit Card
   6. Luma Credit Card
   7. Tesco Foundation Credit Card

See the similar FAQ about UK banks: 

• What is an HSBC APR rate for a credit card?
• What should I do if I have lost a bank card from Clydesdale Bank?
• What should I do if I lost my card in Bank of Ireland?
• What should a client do if he has received a suspicious fraud text message or scam email letter?
• Where do I find my HSBC application status?
• Where do I find the Lloyds bank card security code?
• Why a Lloyds bank card transaction can be declined?

Details of companies offering the financial services:

Barclays Bank

Head office’s address: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP

Contact center: 0800-400-100

Phone: +44 (034) 5734 53 45

Web-site: http://www.barclays.co.uk/

Swift code: BARCGB33

Reference number: 122702

Stock code: BARC

ABN: 01026167

BSB: BARC

Capital One

Head office’s address: 1 Old Street Yard, London EC1Y 8AF

Contact center: +44 344-481-2812

Web-site: https://www.capitalstackers.com/

HSBC Bank

Head office’s address: Unit 8, Canada Square, Retail, London E14 5AH

Phone: +44 345 740 4404

Web-site: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Swift code: HBUKGB4B

Reference number: 114216

Stock code: HSBA

ABN: 00014259

BSB: HBUK

Tesco Bank

Head office’s address: 2 S Gyle Cres, Edinburgh EH12 9FQ

Contact center: 0800-591-688

Phone: +44 131 203 5000

Web-site: http://www.tescobank.com

Swift code: TPFGGB2L

Reference number: 186022

Stock code: TSCO

ABN: SC173199

BSB: TPFG

thimbl

Head office’s address: Steam Mill, Business Centre, Steam Mill St, Chester CH3 5AN

Contact center: +44 330-099-3000

Web-site: https://www.thimbl.com/

Tymit

Head office’s address: 5 Merchant Sq, London W2 1AY

Contact center: +44 20-3856-8630

Web-site: https://tymit.com/

Vanquis Bank

Head office’s address: 1 Godwin Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 2SU

Contact center: 0330-099-3000

Phone: +44 191 505 0033

Web-site: https://www.vanquis.co.uk

Swift code: VQISGB21

Reference number: 221156

Stock code: 609594

ABN: 02558509

BSB: VQIS

Zopa

Head office’s address: London

Web-site: https://www.zopa.com/