Student credit cards

How to get a student credit card in the UK?

If you are a student and want to apply for a credit card, we offer a list of sequential actions that will make this procedure easy and fast.

1. Check the eligibility requirements. The very first step is to check whether you meet the banks' criteria. Basic requirements for students wishing to apply for a credit card: you must be over 18 years old, you must be a resident and a student at a UK college or university, you must have or open a bank account
2. Compare student credit cards. On this page, the analysts of the Bankchart site have collected all the offers of banks that offer credit cards for students. Therefore, you can compare all programs and choose cards with low fees, and low interest rates. In addition, it is worth paying attention to student loans with a 0% interest period for purchases.
3. Collect the necessary information and documents. Banks usually require personal information, as well as university or college data (name of educational institution, address, graduation date), income information
4. You can apply for a credit card online or at a bank branch (you can find the nearest branch here). The development of Internet technologies allows you to apply for a credit card online without leaving your home. To do this, click the "More" button and go to the bank's website, where the online form is located. Fill in all fields of the application and wait for the bank's decision after sending it.
5. Carefully read the credit card agreement. Before signing, you should carefully analyze not only the interest rate but also the fees. Please note that the credit limit for student cards may be lower than for standard cards.
6. Build and maintain a good credit history. Students should use credit cards very sparingly to avoid missed payments and bad credit history. It is necessary to ensure that the balance is paid in full each month.
7. Consider your bank's options. If you have an open student bank account, ask if you can still open a credit card. Banks usually offer a comprehensive package - a student account with a credit card.

We hope our tips will help you open a profitable student credit card even for bad credit.

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

Personal loan calculations for 1 year (example)

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:

AIB Group (UK)

Head office’s address: 1 Undershaft, London EC3A 8AB

Phone: +44 (020) 764-733-00

Web-site: https://aibgb.co.uk

Swift code: AIBKGB2LXXX

Reference number: 122088

ABN: NI018800

BSB: AIB

Aqua

Head office’s address: Sheffield

Contact center: 0333-220-2691

Phone: +44 (333) 220-2691

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

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

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

Ocean Finance

Head office’s address: Marlowe House, Watling St, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9LS

Phone: +44 333-123-0022

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

TSB

Head office’s address: Henry Duncan House, 120 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4LH

Phone: +44 (034) 5975 87 58

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

Swift code: TSBSGB2A

Reference number: 119278

Stock code: 94AQ

ABN: SC095237

BSB: TSBS