Can I get a credit card?

Key takeaways

• Eligibility varies widely depending on age, income, credit history, and existing financial commitments – there’s no single rule for approval 
  

• Checking your eligibility first is important, as soft searches won’t affect your credit score but full applications can leave a footprint 
  

• If you’re declined, you still have options, including credit-builder cards and steps to improve your credit profile over time

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 what makes the difference and what you can change will help with credit card approval and getting the best deal possible.

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 can vary widely, from under £10,000 a year for some cards to £30,000 or more for certain premium products.

• 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. A low credit score or a lack of credit history can be a significant barrier to getting a credit card. This can affect people who are very young, new to the country, or have simply never borrowed money before.

What information do I need to apply for a credit card?

When applying for a credit card, you will typically need to provide personal and financial details such as your full name, address history, date of birth, employment status, annual income, and bank account information.

Lenders use this information to assess your affordability and creditworthiness. Having accurate and up-to-date details can help avoid delays or potential rejection during the application process.

What credit card is easiest to get approved for?

Credit-builder credit cards are generally the easiest to get approved for, as they are designed for people with limited or poor credit history.

These cards typically have lower credit limits and higher interest rates, but they can help you build or improve your credit score if used responsibly.

Standard credit cards usually require a stronger credit history, while rewards or premium cards often require good to excellent credit and higher incomes.

Where can I check my eligibility for a credit card?

You can check your eligibility for a credit card using MoneySuperMarket’s free Eligibility Checker, which is automatically activated when you compare credit cards on the site.

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.

• 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 provided 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.

While your credit score is an important indicator, lenders also consider factors such as your income, existing debts and overall financial history when assessing an application.

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 help secure deals from basic credit cards up to the cards with the best rates. Our guide explains more about different credit agencies and how credit scores are calculated.

Can I get a credit card with no credit history?

Yes, it is possible to get a credit card with no credit history, although your options may be more limited. This often applies to younger applicants, people who have recently moved to the UK, or those who have never borrowed money before.

Credit-builder cards are usually the most suitable option, as lenders are more willing to accept applicants with no borrowing record. Successfully managing a card can help you build a credit history over time.

Why should I check my eligibility?

Checking your eligibility before applying protects your credit score, because each full credit application leaves a footprint on your file and too many in a short period can lower your rating.

MoneySuperMarket's soft search to check eligibility doesn't affect your credit report and filters results to show the types of cards you're likely to be approved for.

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.

How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?

Approval times vary depending on the lender and your circumstances. Some applications receive an instant decision, especially if your financial profile is straightforward.

In other cases, lenders may need to carry out additional checks, which can take a few days. Once approved, your physical card is typically sent by post and may take around 5–10 working days to arrive.

What are my other options if my application is declined?

If your credit card application is declined, there are still options available to you:

• 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 your 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.

• Savings: Not an immediate solution, but building a savings pot over time – ideally earning interest – can help fund essential purchases without relying on credit.

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Our expert says…

You may be able to get a credit card even with a limited or poor credit history. There are products such as credit-builder cards designed for people in this situation, though they often come with lower limits and higher interest rates.

If you are struggling to get approved, it is worth taking time to improve your financial profile rather than making repeated applications. Lenders assess your overall creditworthiness across all forms of borrowing, so a weak credit record can also affect loans, mortgages and even mobile phone contracts. Improving your credit health can therefore have wider long-term benefits.

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.