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Capital One credit cards
Compare a range of credit cards from Capital One
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker not a lender. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident.
Who is Capital One?
Capital One is one of the world’s biggest credit card providers. It was founded in 1994 in the USA, when the Signet Financial Corporation decided to spin off its credit card division. It then expanded its operation to the UK in 1996. Capital One cards are designed for people with low credit scores or an existing credit card debt.
What types of cards do Capital One offer?
With Capital One, you can choose from two types of card – a credit builder card or a balance transfer card.
Credit builder: The ordinary Capital One card is a credit builder card. You’ll start off with a low credit limit, but twice a year you could have the opportunity to increase the amount you can borrow. There’s no annual fee however the card comes with a high APR, so if you don’t pay off your balance each month you could get trapped in rising debt.
Balance transfer card: Capital One’s balance transfer card offers 0% interest while you get your finances in order. The interest-free period on purchases is for three months and you pay 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 18 months. The card’s credit limit goes up to £8,000 and there’s a maximum 3% transfer fee.
How to pick the best Capital One credit card?
The best Capital One credit card will depend on your financial situation and needs. Consider these scenarios when looking for a new Capital One credit card:
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Want to improve credit score: If your credit score needs work, then Capital One’s credit builder card was made with you in mind. Consider this card if your main aim is to boost your credit rating.
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Want to pay off debt faster: You can bring all your debts together in one credit card balance with Capital One’s balance transfer card. This can make it easier to manage your debt and lower the overall interest on your payments.
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Am I eligible for a Capital One card?
As Capital One credit cards are aimed at people with a low credit score, they’re one of the easier credit cards to get. To be eligible for a Capital One card, you’ll need to meet the following criteria*:
18 and over
Have some history of managing credit in the UK
May still be eligible even if you have had CCJs or defaults in the past
Are on the electoral roll
Have not declared bankruptcy in the past 12 months
*Meeting the criteria does not guarantee acceptance
How to compare credit cards with MoneySupermarket
Comparing credit cards couldn’t be easier with MoneySuperMarket. Our eligibility checker tool will show you the cards you’re most likely to be approved for – and we'll protect your credit using a soft search.
How long does it take to get a Capital One credit card?
Capital One will let you know if you’ve been accepted for a card within seven to ten days of receipt of your application. Assuming you’re approved, you should then receive your Capital One credit card within seven to ten business days. This may be quicker when you apply online or over the phone.
Can I get a Capital One credit card with bad credit?
You may be able to. Not least because Capital One offers a credit-builder card that’s tailored to people with impaired credit ratings and should be comparatively easy to get.
As you might suppose though, you’re likely to be offered a lower credit limit and a higher APR than standard credit cards. But on the upside, provided you use your Capital One credit-builder card responsibly and make all your repayments on time and in full, you should see your credit score improve.
In turn, that should mean you’re eligible for a wider range of cards in future.
How can I contact Capital One?
You can get in touch with Capital One on 03444 812 812, if you’re ringing from a UK number. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7am - 9pm and Saturday & Sunday 8am - 5pm.
You can also send a secure message via the Help section of the Capital One website.
Pay off as much as you can – in full if possible
It’s best to pay off your entire credit card balance every month if you can afford to – this way you won’t pay interest and you can avoid building up debt. If you can’t afford to pay off the full balance, you must pay off at least the minimum monthly payment – ideally more.
Don’t miss payments
Avoid missing credit card payments – credit card providers will often charge a penalty if you miss a payment and you also risk harming your credit score.
Set up a direct debit to pay your credit card balance
Setting up a direct debit could be a good way to ensure you pay off at least the minimum amount of your credit balance each month.
Don’t apply for new credit cards too often
Each time you make an application for a credit card, it leaves a record – known as a ‘hard search’ - on your credit report. Too many applications can make lenders think you are in desperate need for credit and your application may be rejected.
Get credit cards that offer rewards
Some credit cards have extra benefits that reward you when you use them a certain way. While some of them can be tempting, it’s better to get a credit card that will give you rewards for the way you spend already.
For example, an airmiles credit card. or one that earns you Avios travel-related points, is only going to be useful if you’re a regular flyer, but if you’re a regular shopper at a particular high street store, there might be a credit card that gives you cashback for shopping there.
Be careful when travelling overseas
If you’re planning to use your credit card overseas, check whether or not you’ll be charged for doing so. Many credit cards charge fees for foreign transactions, so it can be a good idea to look for a card that won’t charge you for using it abroad.
Don’t use your credit card for cash withdrawals
Some credit cards will charge a fee if you use them to take cash out of a cash machine, and on top of that you’ll be charged interest from the moment you receive your money. Avoid using your credit card for cash withdrawals unless it’s an emergency.
Protect yourself from fraud
Credit card fraud, like any fraud, is serious – you should always take care when using your credit card and be careful where you keep it. Never tell anyone your PIN and regularly check your statements every month – or if your credit card has an app, check that regularly - to make sure there are no surprises.
Credit card deals comparison
If you’re applying for a credit card, you might be able to find a better deal if you look through offers from different providers before taking one out. With MoneySuperMarket you’ll be able to search through multiple credit card deals and compare them by a range of factors, including their interest rates and any benefits and rewards they come with.
All you need to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your financial situation, and our Eligibility Checker will show your chances of being accepted for different credit cards. This won’t affect your credit score, so you can run a check without any worries.
Once you know which card you want, you can normally apply by phone, online, or in person if the provider has a high street branch. However, when you do apply, the provider will usually run a hard credit check – which will show up on your credit report – to confirm whether they’ll give you the card. If you’re accepted they’ll tell you your credit limit and interest rate, and soon you’ll be ready to start using your credit card.
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Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025 by
