Credit Building Cards

In normal circumstances, if you have a low credit score or a 'thin' credit rating you may struggle to get a standard credit card. However, many credit card issuers recognise that some people may have changed circumstances and are now able to build a credit rating. For those people issuers provide a credit card to accommodate this need, but at a price. Read more...>

Product Name	Balance Transfer Intro	Purchases Intro	Representative APR (variable)	Rewards

Barclaycard Initial
n/a
0%
3 mths
29.9%
APR
Rewards

0% on Purchases for 3 months! Offer ends 31st May
Manageable credit limits £250-£1,000
Suitable if you have had missed payments or have had CCJs over 12 months ago

Representative Example: 29.90% APR representative (variable). Based on a credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 29.90% p.a. (variable)

Capital One Classic
n/a
n/a
34.9%
APR
No Rewards

60 second application response - credit limit up to £1,500
Most popular credit building credit card
Best for applicants who want to build or rebuild their credit rating

Representative Example: 34.9% APR representative (variable). Based on a credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 34.94% p.a. (variable)

aqua
n/a
n/a
32.9%
APR
No Rewards

Credit limit up to £1,600
Manageable monthly payments
Best for applicants who want to rebuild their credit rating - not currently open to those new to credit

Representative Example: 32.9% APR representative (variable). Based on a credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 32.95% p.a. (variable)

Vanquis Visa
n/a
n/a
39.9%
APR
No Rewards

Fixed credit limit to help you stay in control
Free fraud monitoring
Best for applicants who want to build or rebuild their credit rating

Representative Example: 39.9% APR representative (variable). Based on a credit limit of £1,000 and a purchase rate of 39.94% p.a. (variable)

Credit Strengthening Cards

Credit card issuers tend to offer credit building cards to customers at higher rates of interest than standard credit cards (to reflect the increase risk of non-payment they are exposed to). However, despite these higher rates credit building credit cards can be a great first step on the road to building or rebuilding ones credit score. This can, in turn, enable's customers with a good history of credit management to access better products.

If you have a good credit history; these products are almost certainly not your best option and you should consider alternative credit cards. If you have already been declined for credit by one of the issuers above you should consider a credit building prepaid card.

Top Tips for Credit Building Cards

Even if you have previously been refused for a standard card you may be able to get a credit building card
These cards are ideal if you have credit problems over 12 months old, are new to credit or self employed
The credit limit will start out low but can increase
Pay your bill on time and you will improve your credit score.
Interest rates are high so, if possible, pay off your bill in full each month
Read our blog on how to compare credit building cards

Money

Insurance

Utilities
- Gas & Electric
- Broadband

Product Offers
Please ensure that you fully read the terms & conditions of any product or policy before you decide to proceed and are fully aware of the total costs and the benefits and any exclusions or limitations applicable to the product or plan.

Please note that the product links will take you direct to the Issuer or Insurer's site direct and we cannot be held responsible for the information which they provide within their own sites. On some comparison tables we use a star rating which rates products by visitor popularity.