Easy to Get Credit Card

If you’ve been thinking about searching for a credit card, you might have wondered, ‘what’s the easiest credit card to get in the UK?’.

While we understand you may be apprehensive about a thin credit history, or perhaps a missed payment in the past, it’s important to point out that no credit card can be considered ‘easy to get,’ even if you have an excellent credit score. Any application for credit will be subject to careful affordability and credit checks put in place to protect customers.

Which credit cards are the easiest to get?

Again, we must stress that there are no ‘easy to get’ credit cards.

However, you may find that by researching the different types of credit cards available, you can narrow down your search and find the most suitable product for your circumstances.

Before you apply for a credit card, you must make sure you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria.

Who can get a credit card?

You may be eligible to apply for a credit card if you:

• Are over the age of 18;
• Are a UK resident. Please note that some providers may ask for three years’ worth of UK address history;
• Have a UK bank account with a valid debit card; and
• Have a regular source of income paid into your bank account.

When you make an application for credit, the provider will carry out an affordability check, which will give them an idea of how likely you are to be able to repay the money you borrow.

Check your chances before you apply

A credit card eligibility check could reveal your chances of approval before you apply.

The thimbl eligibility checker takes just 60 seconds and won’t impact your credit score.*

*If the checker indicates you could be eligible for a credit card and you choose to make a full application, the credit card provider will carry out a hard search. A hard search will remain on your credit file for up to 12 months and multiple hard searches within a short period of time could have a negative effect on your credit score.

Easy to get credit cards for bad credit

It’s important to remember that no credit cards are ‘easy to get’.

If you have poor credit history, you might find that your borrowing options are somewhat limited, although some providers specialise in credit cards for people with bad credit.

Bad credit credit cards could come with higher interest rates and, if successful, you might be offered a low credit limit.

Jargon buster: your credit limit is the total amount of money you’re able to borrow on a credit card. You should bear in mind that regardless of your credit limit, you should only ever spend what you need to and what you can afford to repay.

Easy to get credit cards for no credit history

Having no credit history is often referred to as having a ‘thin’ credit file. A thin credit file usually occurs if you have no record of paying bills or have never borrowed credit before. This may be especially common in younger people who have recently started out on their credit journey.

If you have a thin credit file and are hoping to establish your credit score, you might wonder where to start.

While some credit card providers require applicants to have an established credit history, others could be willing to consider your application.

Certain credit cards, such as credit builder credit cards, have been designed to help people do just that: build their credit score.

Is it easy to get a credit builder credit card?

If you’re searching for ‘easy to get credit cards’, you might wonder if you could be eligible for a credit builder credit card.

As previously mentioned, no credit cards are ‘easy-to-get’, and anyone applying must undergo an affordability check as part of a responsible credit provider’s application process. Some credit cards, like the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card, may be more suitable for people with a low credit score or thin credit history.

How do credit builder credit cards work?

A credit builder credit card, like thimbl, could work best when used alongside other credit-boosting methods, which we’ll talk about further down the page.

Here’s what you can expect from a credit builder credit card.

1. If approved for a credit builder credit card, use it to make essential, manageable purchases. Remember, never spend unnecessarily, and only use your card to pay for things you need and can afford to repay.
2. Make at least the minimum repayment amount due on your credit card statement each month. Where possible, you should aim to make more than the minimum repayment amount. You won’t be charged any interest if you repay your balance in full and on time every month.
3. Your repayment activity will be reported to the credit reference agencies (CRAs), and over time – providing that any other credit commitments have been managed responsibly – you could see an improvement in your credit score.

How can I improve my chances of being approved for a credit card?

If you’re struggling to find a provider willing to consider your application, you might wonder, ‘how do I get a credit card if no-one will approve me?’.

Working towards a healthier credit position could stand you in better stead when searching for a credit card.

There are several things you can do that could help to improve your credit score.

• Make sure your bills and any current credit commitments are paid on time.
• Get into a habit of checking your credit report regularly and report any incorrect or outdated information to your CRA.
• Register to vote. If you do ever need to apply for credit, being on the electoral roll will make it easier for potential lenders to verify you and your personal information, such as your current address.
• If you are approved for a credit card, be mindful of how it will affect your credit score. Making your repayments on time each month, staying within your credit limit, and keeping your credit card utilisation low could all improve your credit score over time, while a missed or late repayment will damage your credit score.

Jargon buster: credit card utilisation is the amount of money that you’ve borrowed and is usually shown as a percentage of your credit limit. If you’re aiming to improve your credit score, the lower your credit card utilisation, the better.

I can’t afford to repay my credit card; what can I do?

If you’re struggling to keep on top of your credit card repayments, you should contact your credit card provider as soon as you can.

They will appreciate the fact that you have been upfront about your situation and will be keen to work with you to put a plan in place moving forwards.

Facing up to money worries can be scary, but please know that reaching out and asking for help is the first step towards taking back control of your finances. Many of us will experience financial stress at some point; you have nothing to feel ashamed of.

Help is available

Whether you have concerns about the cost-of-living crisis or are hoping to talk to somebody about debt management, please know that you can access free, confidential advice and support through several organisations, including StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.