Compare Credit Building Cards
Compare our selection of credit building card deals in the table below. These credit cards are aimed at those looking for their first credit card and those wishing to rebuild and improve their credit rating. When you find the card you are looking for click on the “see deal” button to go straight to the provider and apply for your new credit card.
Credit Building Cards
Tesco Bank Foundation Clubcard Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£250 | £1,500 | 27.5% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 27.54% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 27.5% APR (variable)
Vanquis Chrome Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£250 | £4,000 | 24.7% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a rate of 24.7% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 24.7% APR (variable)
Marbles Classic Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£100 | £1,200 | 24.8% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 24.8% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 24.8% APR (variable)
Aqua Advance Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£250 | £1,200 | 34.9% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 34.91% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
Aquis Visa Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£250 | £4000 | 29.8% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a rate of 29.84% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 29.8% APR (variable)
Capital One Classic MasterCard
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£200 | £1500 | 34.9% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 34.94% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
Barclaycard Initial Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£150 | £1200 | 34.9% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 34.9% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
Fluid 9 Month Balance Transfer Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£300 | £2,000 | 29.9% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a rate of 29.94% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 29.9% APR (variable)
Opus Classic Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£250 | £1,200 | 39.9% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 39.9% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 39.9% APR (variable)
Asda Cashback Start Credit Card
| Provider | Minimum Credit Limit | Maximum Credit Limit | Representative APR | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£100 | £600 | 34.9% APR Variable | See Deal |
Representative example: When you spend £600 at a rate of 34.9% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Tesco Bank Foundation Clubcard Credit Card See Deal |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 27.54% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 27.5% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Vanquis Chrome Credit Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a rate of 24.7% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 24.7% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Marbles Classic Credit Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 24.8% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 24.8% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Aqua Advance Credit Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 34.91% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Aquis Visa Credit Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a rate of 29.84% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 29.8% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Capital One Classic MasterCard Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 34.94% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Barclaycard Initial Credit Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 34.9% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Fluid 9 Month Balance Transfer Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a rate of 29.94% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 29.9% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Opus Classic Credit Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a rate of 39.9% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 39.9% APR (variable)
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
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Asda Cashback Start Credit Card Send Enquiry |
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Representative example: When you spend £600 at a rate of 34.9% (variable) per annum, your representative APR is 34.9% APR (variable)
About “Bad Credit” Credit Cards
When you apply for a credit card, the company will calculate a credit score for you. This is designed to reassure them that you are a responsible borrower and will be able to repay what you owe. Credit scores are calculated using data from several sources including credit rating agencies, your application and any past information they have on you. People who have a high credit score are seen as lower risk customers and are more likely to be given a credit card, often at a lower rate of interest. If you do not have a strong credit score, finding a credit card can be challenging. Here is our guide to the top credit cards for bad credit scores.
Benefits of “Bad Credit” Credit Cards
If you use these cards correctly – paying off the balance on time, every month – a “bad credit” credit card will help you rebuild your credit history and increase your credit score. Over time you should be able to increase your credit limit and negotiate lower Representative APRs. Eventually you should be able to switch to a mainstream credit card with even lower rates and introductory offers.
Downsides of “Bad Credit” Credit Cards
The main downside of bad credit credit cards is the high ARP/Representative APRs they carry. As a result they should never be used as a form of borrowing. Only spend as much as you can afford to payoff at the end of each month or you’ll find your debt spiralling out of control as the interest charges mount up. Failure to manage a “bad credit” credit card properly will result in an even lower credit score from which you may never be able to recover.
Credit Card Jargon Buster
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Annual Fee
A small number of credit card companies charge a yearly fee for having their credit card. This is a set fee charged whether you use the card or not. Thankfully annual fees are still quite rare in the UK. Check your T’s and C’s or contact your credit card provider for more information.
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APR
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is a handy way to compare the costs associated with different credit cards. It is calculated as the annual rate of interest divided by 12 months. It also includes any monthly or annual charges on top of the basic interest rate.
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Balance Transfer
Balance transfer credit cards allow you to move your debt from a credit card, store card or loan to another credit card. Balance transfer cards are attractive as they usually offer either a 0% interest-free period (giving you time to pay off your debt) or a lower rate of interest for a period of time. If for example, you have debt on one credit card that’s attracting a high rate of interest you will likely be able to reduce your monthly charges by moving to a new balance transfer card. Be aware however that there is often a fee attached to moving your debt to a new balance transfer card. This is usually a percentage of the amount being transferred. For example, if you transfer a balance of £2,000 with a 3% fee, the opening balance on your new credit card will be £2,060.
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Cash Advance
Most credit cards give you the option of withdrawing cash in the form of a cash advance. You can withdraw cash at most ATM machines. The interest charged on cash advances are usually higher than you would be charged for making purchases and the interest is usually charged from the moment you take the money. It is not advisable to use this feature unless absolutely necessary.
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Cashback
A cashback or reward credit card will allow you to earn while spending money on your credit card. Cashback is usually offered as a % of the money spent and is added as credit to your card, or taken of the balance of money owed. Rewards can come in the form of airmiles, nectar points or clubcard points.
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Charges
Your credit card provider will usually apply charges if you miss a payment, make a payment later than required or go over your credit card limit. You’ll find details on the various charges applied to your account in the T’s and C’s or on your credit card statement.
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Credit Limit
Your credit limit is the amount of money you are able to spend on your credit card. All credit cards come with a limit and the amount offered to you by your credit card issuer depends on your credit rating and the card you have applied for. Over time you can apply to have your credit limit increased when you have demonstrated a track record of making payments on time. If you go above your credit limit you will incur extra fee’s and your credit rating may be affected.
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Credit Rating
Your credit rating is calculated by a number of Credit Reference Agencies in the UK. It is a score used by financial institutions to assess your suitability for a credit card, loan, mortgage and other financial products. It is a reflection of how well you have managed your finances over time. If you have regularly applied for financial products and have made the required payments on time (credit card payments, mortgage payments, loan repayments etc) you will have a higher credit score. It is also helpful if you are on the Electoral Roll. You can request a Credit Report from a number of companies in the UK including Experian, Equifax, Clearscore and Noddle.
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Direct Debit
A Direct Debit is a simple tool used to make monthly repayments to your credit card company. When you sign up for a new credit card, the lender will ask you to complete a form that instructs your bank to allow your credit card company to collect money from your account on a monthly basis. Direct Debits are a very good tool to use as they help you to avoid missing making payments and incurring fees.
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Interest Free Period
Most credit cards give you an interest-free period on purchases. This is a set period of time from the date on which you receive your monthly statement. Interest-free periods are usually between 44 and 55 days depending on the date you made the purchase.
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Introductory Rates
Many credit cards offer 0% or lower interest rates for a set period when you sign up for a new credit card. These offers apply to purchases and balance transfers and can be a useful way to help you get your finances sorted. Introductory rates last between 3 months and 40 months. As long as you adhere to the T’s and C’s on your account and continue to make the minimum monthly repayments no interest will be charged on the balance for the duration of the introductory period. Make sure to clear off your balance before the introductory period ends to avoid being moved to a higher interest rate when the introductory period ends.
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Legal Protection
One of the great benefits of paying for purchases with your credit card is the legal protection offered in the UK. If you spend more than £100 in a single transaction in-store or online, a credit card gives you better legal protection than debit cards or cash payments. For example, if the product you have received is faulty, the service you paid for was not provided or if the provider has gone bust, you are covered by these legal protections.
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Minimum Repayment
This is the amount of money you must pay each month when you have an outstanding balance on your credit card. It is usually calculated as a small % of the money owed. This is the minimum repayment required but by only paying this minimum amount each month you will not be reducing the balance owed by a significant amount and attracting higher interest charges. We recommend paying off the full amount on a monthly basis where possible.