Credit builder card
Credit builder cards help you build your credit score. The interest rates can be high and the credit limit low, but you could start to see your score improve if you keep up with the monthly repayments.
Credit cards for bad credit
Get personalised credit card offers designed for people with a bad credit score
Representative 34% APR. ClearScore is a credit broker, not a lender, 18+, T&Cs apply
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Finding a credit card for bad credit is easy on ClearScore
1. Sign up
Get your credit score and report for free, forever. And log in to see your personalised offers.
2. Compare your offers
The offers you see are tailored to your score.
3. Apply for your credit card
We’ll tell you what your approval chance is so you can apply with confidence.
You could still get a credit card, even if you have a bad credit score. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll show you personalised offers.
What’s a credit card for bad credit?
It’s for people with a bad credit score
It’s designed for people who have a bad credit score or a poor repayment history.
People with low credit scores are deemed riskier for lenders to give money to, so this type of credit card usually comes with a low credit limit or high interest rates.
Some lenders specialise in credit cards for bad credit
There are specialist lenders that handle credit cards for bad credit, so you may not come across household names if you’re looking to apply for one.
It can help you build your score
If you can make the repayments, on time and in full, you could see your credit score improve. And a better score could mean better offers on credit cards in the future.
Getting a credit card when you’ve got a bad credit score
If you have a bad or low credit score, you could still get a credit card. You might be offered a lower credit limit and the interest rate might not be as good.
But, at ClearScore, we work with lenders who specialise in helping you find the best credit card for your score.
Representative 34.6% APR.
The different types of credit cards for a bad credit score
There are a few different types of cards out there – find the right one for you.
0% purchase credit card
Purchase cards are designed for large purchases – you’ll be able to spread the cost of your purchase, and some cards come with 0% interest (for a limited time).
Balance transfer card
Balance transfer cards let you transfer your existing credit card balance onto another card. They usually come with 0% interest periods. You could use one of these cards to consolidate your debt and pay it off within the low- or 0% interest period.
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The benefits of credit cards for bad credit
Credit cards for bad credit can help you spread the cost of your purchases and improve your credit score.
Your purchases (between £100 and £30,000) are protected – you could get a refund, replacement or repair if something’s damaged or faulty.
You could improve your credit score by making your monthly repayments on time and in full.
You’re more likely to be accepted for this type of credit card if your credit score is low.
The risks of credit cards for bad credit
There are some risks to think about before taking out a credit card.
Credit cards for bad credit usually come with high interest rates.
You’ll probably be offered a low credit limit – but that also means you’re not taking on too much debt.
Some cards come with an annual fee.
The application process
You can apply in the same way you’d apply for any credit card.
How can you improve your credit score?
There are some simple steps you can take to improve your score.
Register to vote
Once you’re on the electoral roll, lenders can more easily check for proof of address – which can also speed up your application for a credit card.
Fix mistakes in your report
If you spot any accounts you don’t recognise, or mistakes in your personal information, let the credit reference agency (like Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) know.
Put some bills in your name
This can be helpful when you’re new to credit. Opening a bank account and paying your bills by Direct Debit means you can start building your credit history.
Try not to apply for lots of credit at once
It’s a good idea to wait about 6 months between credit applications (so you can show you’re borrowing responsibly).
Keep your credit utilisation between 10% and 70%
Credit utilisation – which just means how much of your available credit you use every month – impacts your score. Keeping it between 10% and 70% can show you’re borrowing responsibly.
Pay on time and in full
If you think you’re going to miss a payment – for your credit card, loan or other expenses – let your lender know. That way, you can see what your options are in advance.
Improve your credit score with ClearScore
See what’s impacting your score
Missed payments, new accounts, hard searches and more – we’ll give you a heads-up so you can understand what's making your score move.
Get easy tips to improve it
Every week, we’ll give you up to 10 insights to help you get to grips with your report. They’re filled with easy tips that could help improve your score and get it back on track.
Feel more confident about your credit choices
From lower interest rates to higher credit limits or loan amounts, a higher credit score can give you access to better offers in the future.
We’ll show you offers tailored to you – and order them based on what might be right for you.
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Learn more about credit cards for bad credit
Frequently asked questions
Depending on your personal circumstances, you could be pre-approved for some credit cards. Remember – pre-approval doesn’t always guarantee acceptance and is subject to lenders’ checks of your credit status.
Credit card applications typically involve 2 types of credit searches. When you compare offers, lenders will do a soft search – that’s only visible to you and doesn’t have an impact on your score. When you apply, the lender will do a hard search. It’s common for a hard search to affect your credit score but, as long as you borrow responsibly, the impact should be short-term.
Learn more about hard and soft searches.
You could still get a credit card after filing for bankruptcy but your offers would be limited. Comparing your offers, before you apply, is a good way to see what your options are.
If you don’t have a credit score, you could still get a credit card, but your offers might be limited. You could look into a credit builder card, for example, to start building your credit history as you spend.
Yes – you can still get a credit card if you’re unemployed. A credit builder card might be a good option for you – comparing your offers is the best place to start.
Other types of available credit cards
There are lots of credit cards out there – it’s important to find the right one for you.
Credit builder cards
Credit builder cards help you build your credit score. The interest rates can be high and the credit limit low, but you could see your score improve if you keep up with the monthly repayments.
Balance transfer cards
Balance transfer cards let you transfer your existing credit card balance onto another card. You could use one of these cards to consolidate your debt and pay it off within the low- or 0% interest period.
Purchase cards
Purchase cards are designed for large purchases. You’ll be able to spread the cost over a few months – and the 0% interest period means you could save money on interest.
Rewards cards
Rewards credit cards let you earn things like cashback, points or air miles when you make certain transactions. The interest rates can be high and some rewards cards also come with a monthly or annual fee.
0% interest credit cards
A 0% interest credit card lets you press pause on paying interest. That means you can use it for something like your everyday spending or to do a balance transfer, without paying the interest on the balance you carry over every month.
Travel cards
Travel credit cards mean you either won’t be charged for using your card abroad, or the fees will be low.