Can I get a credit card?

Key takeaways

• Check your eligibility first to avoid credit score damage from rejected applications

• Pay bills on time, register on the electoral roll, and consider credit builder cards

• Pay bills on time, register on the electoral roll, and consider credit builder cards if a poor credit score is reducing your options

Credit cards can play a useful role in helping you manage your spending, whether that’s spreading the cost of a large purchase, clearing debt, or earning rewards every time you make a purchase.

But the type of credit card you can get, and the kind of deals you can access, are heavily influenced by your personal circumstances. Understanding these are important to managing your finances.

Can I get a credit card?

Eligibility for a credit card is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Various personal factors come into play when financial institutions decide whether to grant you a credit card.

• Age: You must be over 18, and in some cases 21, to qualify for a credit card

• Income: A steady employment and a minimum annual income are often required, with the threshold varying by provider. Specific income requirements for credit card eligibility may range from £7,500 a year to £30,000 or more.

• Financial history: Past financial missteps like bankruptcy or a County Court Judgment (CCJ) may disqualify you from obtaining a credit card.

• Credit score: A low credit score or a lack of credit history can be a significant barrier to getting a credit card. The impact of a non-existent credit history on credit card eligibility is also a critical factor.

Where can I check my eligibility for a credit card?

When you compare credit cards with MoneySuperMarket you’ll automatically use our free Eligibility Checker tool. This will tell you your chances of being approved for different card deals.

The tool requires you to input personal details to create a profile and then provides a personalised eligibility score out of 10 for each card.

Importantly, this search won't harm your credit rating. A perfect 10/10 rating means pre-approval and a guaranteed card, subject to the accuracy of the details you provide, with the credit limit being the only unconfirmed part.

How can I improve my chances of being accepted?

There are several strategies that can enhance your chances of credit card approval when applying.

• Check your eligibility before applying: Using the Eligibility Checker can prevent damage to your credit score from rejected applications

• Look at your credit report: Use MoneySuperMarket's Credit Score to check that there are no errors on your credit report before applying

• Pay off outstanding debts: Reducing your debts can lower your credit utilisation ratio, improving your chances of approval because it looks like your finances are not as stretched

• Build a credit history: Used responsibly, more accessible credit builder credit cards can also help build your credit score

• Get your application right: Accuracy with the personal information provide is crucial to avoid unnecessary rejection

What credit score do you need to get accepted for a credit card?

There's no specific credit score that guarantees acceptance; it varies by credit agency and other financial factors.

Here at MoneySuperMarket, we use TransUnion’s credit rating system for consumers using our Credit Score credit check tool, with a top score of 710.

Scores between 566-603 are fair, 604-627 are good, and 628-710 are excellent, which can secure basic or the best credit card deals. Our guide explains more about different credit agencies and how credit scores are calculated.

Why should I check my eligibility?

Credit applications leave a footprint on your credit file, and too many applications can lower your credit score.

MoneySuperMarket's soft search doesn't affect your credit report and filters results to show likely approvals.

The Eligibility Checker helps you see the types of cards you're likely to get without impacting your credit score.

How does the eligibility checker work?

To use the Eligibility Checker, you need to provide personal details like your name, address, income, bank, residential status, and marital status.

You can specify the type of card you're interested in or view all cards you're likely to be offered.

The Eligibility Checker then uses these details to make a prediction on the likelihood of acceptance for different credit deals without leaving a mark on your credit file.

The service includes major providers like Capital One, Virgin Money, and Barclaycard.

What are my other options if my application is declined?

If your credit card application is declined, there are still options available to improve your chances in the future.

• Credit builder credit card: Designed for those with poor or no credit, these cards won’t allow you to borrow as much as other credit cards, but can help build a credit score

• Overdraft options: Going into the red on your current account could be viable, but you need to be approved and aware of the interest rate you face for being overdrawn. You could ask your bank for a better rate or consider switching providers who might offer a 0% overdraft rate.

• Personal loans: Suitable for financing large expenses, but require the ability to make monthly repayments and are influenced by credit score.

Other useful guides

MoneySuperMarket offers guides on various credit card topics, including:

• How many credit cards can you have?

• How to transfer a credit card balance

• How to improve your credit score

• How to apply for a credit card guide 

Compare credit cards with MoneySuperMarket

Comparing credit cards on MoneySuperMarket is straightforward and tailored to your financial situation. You can compare offers by interest rate, rewards, and acceptance likelihood, allowing you to apply with confidence.

MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker – this means we’ll show you products offered by lenders. We never take a fee from customers for this broking service. Instead, we are usually paid a fee by the lenders – though the size of that payment doesn’t affect how we show products to customers.