Learn to manage credit
Build good money habits by borrowing small amounts and paying them back on time
Credit builder credit cards
Improve your credit score with a credit builder credit card.
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker not a lender. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident. Representative 29.9% APR
With responsible use you could start to improve your credit score in as little as
3-6 months
Average credit limit for MoneySuperMarket users looking to improve their credit score
£500^
What is a credit builder card?
A credit builder credit card is a type of credit card that's designed to help you to improve your credit score. Credit builder cards are for people with poor credit ratings who may find it hard to get a regular credit card.
Credit builder cards usually have lower spending limits and higher interest rates than other credit cards. Clearing your balance each month can help you can build a better credit score and improve your credit options in the future.
What are the benefits of using credit builder cards?
Using a credit builder card responsibly can bring several advantages:
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Boost your credit score
Show lenders you’re reliable and strengthen your credit score
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Access better credit deals
Responsible use shows lenders you’re reliable and strengthen your credit score
How to use a credit builder card to improve your credit score
To improve your credit score and avoid financial problems you should use credit builder credit cards responsibly.
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Pay with the card
Use it like any other credit card, but expect a lower limit
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Make monthly repayments
Pay on time and clear your balance to avoid interest
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See your credit score improve
Good repayment habits and keeping within your limit can boost your score over time
How long will it take my credit score to improve?
If you use a credit builder card you may start to see small improvements within 3 to 6 months.
Bigger changes usually take longer. If you’re starting with poor credit or no credit history it could take a year or more to build a strong score. If you’ve had serious credit issues in the past it could take even longer.
The key is patience and consistency. Regular repayments, low balances, and avoiding late payments will improve your creditworthiness.
How to choose the best credit builder card
Choosing a credit builder card is much like choosing a standard credit card. But with some key differences. Consider the following:
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Consider if you have debts to pay off
Some credit builder cards let you transfer existing debts (usually for a fee). You’ll then have a set period to clear the debt before you start paying interest
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Upcoming purchases
Some credit builder cards also offer 0% on purchases for a designated period. So look out for those offers if you’ve got a big-ticket purchase to make.
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Pay attention to the APR
After the introductory period ends, you could be paying anywhere between 20% or 35% interest on your outstanding debt. That’s a lot. So try and shop around for a low rate
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Perks on offer
Perks aren’t common with credit builder cards. But if you look hard enough you can find everything from a free subscription to Apple streaming services or reward points
How much do credit builder cards cost?
Along with offering comparatively low credit limits, credit-builder cards tend to charge higher rates of interest than standard credit cards.
According to our data from the past 3 months, the average APR for credit builder cards is 34.7%
Not surprisingly, that means borrowing on a credit-builder card can be quite expensive. So you’ll need to make sure you keep on top of your repayments.
Type of credit card | Average APR |
|---|---|
Interest free credit cards | 28.1%^ |
Travel credit cards | 30.0%^ |
Student cards | 34.3%^ |
Balance transfer cards | 27.8%^ |
Balance transfer and purchase cards | 27.8%^ |
Credit-builder cards | 34.7%^ |
Data from MoneySuperMarket, from the past 3 months.
How to build your credit score
If your credit score isn’t in the best shape, the good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here are some tips on how you can step up your score:
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Keep up with your repayments
The key to a strong credit score is proving that you’re a reliable borrower. You can do this by making your payments on time to show you can be trusted with credit
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Low credit utilisation ratio
Your credit utilisation ratio is the percentage of your total available credit you’re using. Keeping this rate low shows lenders you’re not too reliant on credit
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Correct any errors
You could have mistakes on your credit report dragging your credit score down. You can check your credit report with our Credit Score service and dispute any errors you find
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Verify where you live
Registering on the electoral roll is a small step you can take to build your credit score. Verifying where you live boosts your score because it proves you are who you say you are
Our expert says…
Got a problem securing credit? You're not alone...
According to credit rating agency Experian, some five million Britons have 'thin' or non-existent credit files, making it very hard for them to access credit.
The good news is that there are ways out of the problem. Used responsibly, credit-building credit cards are an easy way of improving your credit score.
The trick is to only borrow a small amount of money each month and pay the card off in full when you get your statement. This shows lenders you can handle credit sensibly.
Credit-building credit cards are easier to get than standard credit cards but typically have higher interest rates, so be careful to only borrow what you can afford to repay.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
How to compare credit builder credit cards with MoneySuperMarket
If you feel that a credit builder card could be right for you, the next step is to use the MoneySuperMarket Eligibility Checker to see what cards are available and your chances of being approved.
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Tell us what you want the card for
Once you’ve clicked through, we’ll ask what you need the card for. Select ‘improving my credit rating’, so we can show you credit builder cards
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We browse the market
We’ll sift through dozens of credit cards from across the market, and then show you the cards we think will help step up your credit score
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Pick the card you want
You’ll be shown a range of credit building cards, which you’ll then be able to sort according to APR, features and your chances of being approved
What are the alternatives to a credit builder card?
If you're unsure whether or not a builder credit card is the right option for you, here are some alternatives:
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Prepaid cards
Some prepaid card can help you manage your expenses and build your credit score when you top them up and use them regularly.
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Guarantor loans
A guarantor loan can be an alternative if you’re struggling to get a credit card. With someone you trust backing your repayments, you may be able to borrow more or at a lower rate than you’d get on your own.
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Loans for bad credit
Loans can offer access to funds, although they usually come with higher interest rates and stricter conditions.
Trusted Service Awards Winners
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
What is considered a bad credit score?
Credit scores are numbers that reflect how you manage and repay debt. A bad credit score is usually considered to be below about 550, though the exact definitions can vary depending on which credit scoring system is used. In general, this range is seen as “poor” or “very poor,” making it harder to qualify for credit or secure good rates, but even small improvements can help you move into a better category.
How can I build my credit score fast?
There’s no way to improve your credit score quickly. If you have a low score, it’s usually because your financial history and credit record shows you as having struggled with debt in the past. The best way to improve your credit score is to demonstrate better patterns of borrowing behaviour over significant periods of time. You’ll be able to borrow more money and get better rates of interest as you improve.
How do I get my first credit card with no credit history?
When you’re applying for your first credit card, you’re likely to have a limited or non-existent credit report. This can make you appear as a high-risk borrower as there is little or no evidence that you’ve responsibly borrowed money in the past.
Fortunately, there are still options open to you, but you might have less choice about the type of credit card you apply for.
Can I get a credit builder card if I'm unemployed?
If you're unemployed and on a limited income, it's still possible to get a credit builder card. Even if you've got an impaired credit rating.
However, the less good news is that you're unlikely to qualify for better interest rates and may be subject to a lower credit limit.
Can I get cashback and rewards on credit builder cards?
Some credit builder cards offer incentives. At the time of writing, for instance, you can get a free subscription to Apple streaming services, as well as points to spend in high-street stores. However, it's important that you consider the key selling points of the card, such as APR and balance transfers, before you let sweeteners influence your decision.
Will I have to pay an annual fee on a credit builder card?
Some credit builder cards do charge a fixed monthly fee to maintain the card. But most generally waive these. However, depending on the card you choose, you may have to pay fees to cover services such as cash advances, money transfers and balance transfers.
What is considered a bad credit score?
As with a good credit score, each credit rating agency and product provider will have their own range of credit scores and they all differ slightly.
Using MoneySuperMarket’s Credit Score can give you a good guide. Credit Score uses the TransUnion scoring system, which goes up to 710. A score of 550 or lower would be considered a low credit score.
What are the other types of credit cards?
Whilst you may be eligible for some other types of cards such as balance transfer credit cards, interest free and rewards credit cards, if your sole aim is to build your score then a credit building card is most suitable for you.
What happens if I miss a payment on a credit builder card?
Missed payments, or late payments, on a credit builder card can result in extra fees, as well as a reduction in your credit limit. Worst of all, it can cause significant damage to your credit score.
What is APR?
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and it represents how much it’ll cost to borrow money on a particular credit card. It’s calculated by taking into account:
Your interest rate
Additional fees and charges.
However, you might see the term ‘representative APR’ on adverts for credit cards – this means that the interest rate quoted only has to be offered to at least 51% of successful applicants, so it may not be the actual rate you get when you apply.
Do interest rates change?
Credit card providers can change interest rates at any time, so it’s always a good idea to stay on top of your credit balance. If you have a 0% offer on your credit card, this will only be for a set number of months so you should make sure you clear your balance before it ends, or transfer your remaining balance to another 0% card.
How do I apply for a credit card?
You can apply for credit cards online, either using MoneySuperMarket or going directly to the provider, or by calling them up or through the post. You can also stop by your bank or building society branch and apply in person.
How do I know what card to apply for?
First consider what you want to use the credit card for – cards come with different features that are useful for different purposes.
If you have a large purchase coming up, you might want to spread the cost with a 0% purchase card, if you fly a lot you might want an airmiles card, and if you want to transfer a balance to avoid interest payments, a balance transfer card could be ideal.
By comparing on MoneySuperMarket, you’ll be able to see a list of credit cards, so you can browse at will and choose which one suits you best.
Can I withdraw my application?
You’ll get a cooling off period of two weeks from when you receive your card, and you’ll have 30 days to pay off your balance. You can cancel by contacting your bank or building society, either by post, phone, online, or in-branch.
However, if you want to cancel your card after the cooling off period, your account balance generally must be zero.
What is my credit score?
Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness to credit lenders, based on an analysis of your credit history (your history of borrowing and paying back credit).
The higher your score, the more likely you are to be accepted for future credit applications. If your score is low, there are ways to improve it. MoneySuperMarket’s Credit Score lets you check your credit score for free and gives you tips on how to improve it.
What is a soft and hard credit search?
A soft credit search is a way of finding out which credit cards you’re most likely to be accepted for without your credit score being affected. This is usually done via a website such as MoneySuperMarket.
A hard search on your credit report is a mark left by a lender who has assessed your credit rating after you have applied for a credit card. Too many hard searches (often through multiple applications) may make lenders think you are desperate for credit so it’s best to limit your applications for credit in a short space of time.
How can I improve my credit score?
If you have a bad credit rating or you don’t have a credit history because you’ve never borrowed before, you might not qualify for the very best credit card deals. However, some credit cards are designed specifically for those who need to build up their credit score. Just be aware they often come with low credit limits and high interest rates.
However, if you use this type of card sensibly and always pay off your balance in full, you can improve your credit score so you’ll eventually be eligible for better credit cards.
What happens if I miss a repayment?
If you miss a repayment on your credit card balance, you likely have to pay a penalty fee. What’s more, if you have any type of promotional offer with your card, such as an interest-free deal, this may be cancelled, and a missed payment may have a negative effect on your credit score.
What if my application is rejected?
If you get rejected for a credit card, this will leave a mark on your credit report and could lead to further rejections in the future. It’s a good idea to use MoneySuperMarket’s Eligibility Checker to see how likely you are to be accepted for a card before applying to get it.
How do I get more credit?
You might be able to get more credit from your provider if you prove yourself to be a responsible borrower by repaying on time and never missing payments. Once you’ve established a good credit history, you might be successful when asking for a higher credit limit.
Can I pay off credit card debt early?
Unlike many loans and mortgages, you generally won’t be charged for making early repayments on your credit card – which means it’s a good way to get ahead of your balance.
Can I get a joint credit card?
You can’t get joint credit cards in the same way as bank accounts and mortgages, but you can add additional users to your own credit cards. However, you should remember that it’s still the primary cardholder’s responsibility to pay off the balance.
What is Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act?
The Consumer Credit Act was established in 1974, and under Section 75 the credit card lender is jointly responsible with the retailer or supplier for any goods or services you purchase with your credit card.
This means if those products are faulty, or if there was any contract breach or misrepresentation on the retailer’s part, you can claim from your credit card company as well as the retailer.
However, you can’t recover money from both sides, so it’s useful for when the retailer has gone bust or they won’t respond to your communication. You should be aware the purchase value must be more than £100 and not more than £30,000 for you to be able to claim.
How do I cancel my credit card?
You can cancel your credit card by contacting your lender, by phone, email, online, post, or in person if they have a local branch.
Learn more about building your credit score
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025 by
Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, to improve their credit rating through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, to transfer an existing balance through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, to have interest free spending through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, to spend abroad through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, for users with an employment status of Student through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, to transfer a balance & have interest free spending through MoneySuperMarket between September 2025 and November 2025.
Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards to improve their credit rating through MoneySuperMarket in November 2025, by the highest eligibility rating returned.