What Credit Cards are the Easiest to Get?

Credit cards are a great financial tool for building credit scores and are ideal for spreading the cost of purchases.

There are over 60 million credit cards in circulation in the UK, and it's only natural that you may need one.

If you've got bad credit or no credit file, you may find it challenging to be accepted for a credit card. You're not doomed; plenty of options are available to help you improve a low credit score.

This article will show the best credit cards for a poor credit rating and some helpful tips to help you build your credit report.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Credit Cards

Credit cards are a serious commitment.

Like any financial decision, the best way to prepare yourself for credit applications is to learn as much about the product as possible about them. Starting with the benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits

✔️ A credit card is ideal for spreading the cost of purchases making them more affordable.

✔️ Credit cards are a safer alternative to cash. If you ever lose your card, you can contact your provider, and they will make sure no one has access to your account.

✔️ Making regular purchases and paying back the balance each month will help your credit rating improve over time.

✔️ Travelling can be confusing using different currencies; you make spending easier abroad by using your credit card to make payments.

Drawbacks

❌️ If you don't make repayments on time, it can negatively affect your credit score.

❌️ You can enter long-term debt if you struggle to repay your credit card balance.

❌️ If you've got a bad credit score, you'll usually be offered higher interest rates than someone with an excellent credit score.

Credit Cards that Accept Poor Credit or No Credit

Let's dive into our reviews of credit cards that are ideal for people with poor credit or limited credit history.

Your credit application may be rejected for some of these cards if you've been declared bankrupt or have any county court judgements (CCJs). None of these cards have an annual fee.

1. Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card

Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £500

Representative % APR (variable)

29.5% APR

• Rates of 26.5% APR (variable) or 29.5% APR (variable) depending on individual circumstances.
• Credit limit £500 to £1,500 (subject to status).
• £10 minimum repayment.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 29.5% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 29.5% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

Our top pick is the Vanquis Bank Chrome Credit Card; it has the lowest APR rates, with a strong starting credit balance between £500 and £1,500. Credit limits are reviewed every five months, so if you're paying back your balance on time and staying under the limit, you can increase your balance to £4,000 over time.

You can enjoy interest-free purchases for the first 56 days of opening the account. This Vanquis credit card lets you control your account via their mobile app, online servicing, SMS, and email alerts.

2. Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card

Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £250

Representative % APR (variable)

29.9% APR

• Collect Clubcard points almost every time you shop.
• Credit limit £250 to £1,500.
• Access to Tesco Bank CreditView, provided by TransUnion, for 3 years from account opening.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 29.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 29.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

The Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card helps you build credit and track your credit score with the Tesco Bank Credit View. This credit card is ideal if you've got bad credit, as the starting limits are between £250 to £1,500. You can expect regular credit increases if you make minimum payments on time and stay within your credit balance.

Although the minimum payment is high, this credit card has one of the lowest APR rates on the list. Other perks of this credit card include collecting extra Clubcard points when you spend using your credit card at Tesco. Additionally, you can control your card and finances from Tesco's Mobile Banking app and online banking.

3. Barclaycard Forward Card

Barclaycard Forward Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £50

Representative % APR (variable)

33.9% APR

• 0% interest on purchases for 3 months (from the date you open your account).
• Credit limit £50 to £1,200.
• Minimum repayment £5.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 33.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 33.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

If you're a small spender looking for the right card, the Barclaycard Forward Card may be ideal. With a personalised credit limit between £50 to £1,200, you can build credit without worrying about getting into too much debt.

From opening your account, you'll get a three-month interest-free period for purchases. And if you make all your payments on time for the first year of holding the account, you'll get a 3% interest rate reduction. If this weren't incentive enough, you'd be entitled to up to five months of free Apple subscriptions.

4. Capital One Classic Credit Card

Capital One Classic Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £200

Representative % APR (variable)

34.9% APR

• For people with bad credit or building credit.
• Credit limit £200 to £1,500.
• Minimum repayment £5.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 34.94% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 34.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

With the Capital One Classic Credit Card, you must have already started building your credit report, as it will only accept applicants with a credit history. So, as long as you've already got a credit score, your application will be accepted even if it's poor. Even if your credit file includes CCJs or defaults, this card can help you increase your poor credit score.

You can stay on top of your spending with email alerts to avoid missing repayments. Capital One rewards you with up to two optional credit balance increases per year if you display good card management. 

5. Aqua Classic Credit Card

Aqua Classic Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £250

Representative % APR (variable)

34.9% APR

• Smart credit limits from £250 – £1,200.
• Build better credit with expert support in the Aqua app.
• Ability to build your credit score, if you manage your account well.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 34.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 34.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

The Aqua Classic Credit Card allows you to check your eligibility in 60 seconds with no impact on your credit score, and you'll gain access to Aqua Coach, which helps you improve your credit score. This card's credit balance is personalised, from £250 to £1,200. As Aqua gets to know you and as you demonstrate good card management, your credit limit may increase.

Depending on when you apply for this card, you could take advantage of their promotional offers for interest-free periods on purchases. Interest-free terms aren't guaranteed but are something to look out for. You can stay in control of your repayments with text alerts to help you keep up with good card management.

Credit Cards for Bad Credit Scores: Buying Guide

In this section, we dive into the different credit card types and which factors to consider when deciding which card is best for you.

What is a Credit Card?

A credit card is similar to a debit card: you use a card to make purchases in the same way. However, with a credit card, you use a line of credit. When you open an account, you have an agreed credit limit based on your credit history. You must pay back the balance or the minimum amount each month.

You must pay the balance plus interest when you use your credit card. In the UK, the average interest rate is 22.2% APR. However, interest rates and limits vary between credit card companies, and your credit score can impact the interest rates percentage and balance amount.

There is no such thing as easy credit cards. You're not about to have one handed to you, but there are credit cards designed for bad credit and applicants with a limited credit history. Some applications are easier than others, but they'll all run credit checks and have their own requirements you'll have to meet.

There are different types of credit cards varying in function and purpose. You can do most things on a credit card, like making purchases, balance transfers, and using them abroad. However, if you get a balance transfer card, you may be offered better APR rates than you would for using your regular credit card to transfer balances.

The different types of credit cards:

• Purchase cards: the sole purpose of this credit card is to make purchases and spread the cost. Most providers offer an interest-free period, so you can shop without worrying about paying interest.
• Balance transfer cards: if you've got a credit card with high APR rates, you can use this type of credit card to transfer the balance to one with lower rates. These cards usually have interest-free periods, allowing you to pay off the balance without paying any extra interest.
• Money transfer credit cards: with this credit card, you can transfer the balance to a current debit account to pay overdrafts.
• Travel cards: although you can use your standard credit card to travel, you can apply for a travel-specific credit card. You may get better deals and some rewards with travel miles for using your card abroad.
• Credit builder cards: these cards are designed for credit building and usually come with a low credit limit to help turn a low credit score into a perfect one.

What to Look Out for when Finding the Right Credit Card

When finding the right credit card suitable for your needs, we recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

• Eligibility: some credit card companies will have an eligibility checker you can use before starting the application process that only takes a few minutes. An eligibility check will save you time and lessen the hard searches made on your credit report.
• Affordability: if you were to use your balance all in one go, could you pay it back without worrying? If you think you'd struggle to make repayments, you should rethink getting a credit card.
• Credit limit: when opening a credit card account, you'll be offered a balance of up to £1,500. You can build your credit score and balance by using your credit card and repaying the balance on time.
• Annual fees: always check the annual fees for credit lines as they differ between credit lines and providers.
• APR rates: interest rates will vary between credit cards and providers; look for the one with the lowest so you don't have to pay lots of interest.
• Features: some cards offer rewards and discounts; this is something to consider if you want to make the most of your credit card purchases.

Final Thoughts on Credit Cards for Applicants with Bad Credit History

Now you're prepared to start applying for a credit card.

With one of our top picks, you can build your credit score, and soon enough, you'll be on your way to higher credit limits and more financial opportunities.

Before you go, we've got some helpful tips on improving your credit rating:

• Get to know your credit file: check if you've got bad credit with any of the top UK credit reference agencies: the most popular are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. You can see your credit line, score, and all the information about your credit history.
• Repay on time: avoiding late payments and paying back the balance in full each month is the easiest way to improve your credit score.
• Limit the number of credit applications: if you've made many applications in a short space of time, this will hurt your credit score.
• Close unused credit accounts: shows lenders you won't overstretch yourself when borrowing. Too many credit accounts can reflect poorly on your credit file, so it would be best to close them if you're not using any. Equally, having too many credit cards will reflect poorly on your credit file.
• Affordability checks: when you borrow money using a line of credit, you must know you can repay what you use. Late or missed repayments can hurt your credit file.
• Eligibility checker: save your credit file from having negative marks from credit checks by doing an eligibility checker; most card companies will have one. Try to pre-empt rejection by reading up on the terms and conditions when you apply for credit. Depending on the credit card company, they may have an eligibility checker that doesn't affect your credit score.
• Use credit responsibly: getting a new credit card can be exciting, but remember to repay whatever you use.

Now you're ready to use your card sensibly and upgrade your bad credit score to a good credit score.

Related Guides:

• What is a Credit Card?
• Best Interest-free Credit Cards
• How to Get Your First Credit Card: Tips & Advice
• Best Prepaid Travel Cards