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A credit builder card is usually for people who want to improve their credit score or build their credit history.
It usually has a lower credit limit and may have a higher interest rate than traditional credit cards. But you can use it like a regular credit card and spread the cost of your everyday spending.
If you can make the regular monthly payments, on time and in full, you could see your credit score start to rise. And a better credit score could mean better offers for things like credit cards, loans or car finance, in the future.
If you want to build your credit history and start improving your credit score, a credit builder card can help.
Getting approved for credit cards can be difficult if you have no credit history. That’s because it’s not easy for lenders to assess how you’ve managed credit in the past. But, credit builder cards are designed for people who are just starting out with credit. Because they often come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates than other cards, the risk is lower for the lender. That means they’re more likely to approve your application.
If you’re wondering why you don’t have a credit score, it might be for one, or a few, of these reasons.
If you’ve had credit before (a loan, credit card, or car finance, for example), but you’ve not been able to keep up with the repayments, you’ve probably seen a drop in your credit score. By using a credit builder card responsibly, you can demonstrate to lenders that you’re capable of making payments on time. This can help improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting approved for other types of credit in the future. So, if you have a poor credit history, a credit builder card can be a great way to start building your credit and improving your financial future.
A credit builder card can help you show future lenders that you're able to manage money responsibly. Here’s how:
Making your monthly repayments, on time and in full, is one of the best ways to build your credit score. It’s recorded on your credit report for future lenders to see. If you’ve got a track record of paying back the money you borrow, you’re more likely to see better offers. That could look like lower interest rates or higher credit limits.
If you keep your credit usage low (we suggest keeping it between 10% and 70%) and spread evenly across all your cards, your credit score should improve over time. For example, if your credit limit is £500, then 'low' usage means spending (and paying back) between £50-£350 a month.
By making payments on time, and staying within your credit limit, you’ll build a track record of responsible credit use. This can have a positive impact on your credit score and improve your chances of getting approved for other types of credit in the future.
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.
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.
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.
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Credit builder cards can be great if you’re just starting out in the world of credit, or looking to improve your score.
You can improve your credit score by making repayments on time and in full.
You can spread the cost of your everyday spending.
The lower credit limit could be easier to manage when you’re new to credit.
It’s important to remember that you’re borrowing money when you use a credit card – and you’ll need to make repayments in line with the credit agreement.
These types of cards generally come with high interest rates.
Some cards have additional fees – that’s why it’s good to check the details before you apply.
It’s important you’re confident you can pay back what you owe – otherwise you could fall into debt.
You can apply in the same way you’d apply for any credit card.
The offers you’ll see are tailored to you.
We’ll ask you for some information to understand what you’re looking for and show you the credit cards you’re likely to be eligible for.
We’ll ask you for some information to understand what you’re looking for and show you the credit cards you’re likely to be eligible for.
We’ll show your approval chances when you search for a credit card – saving you time and effort.
You might have to give the lender some more information and then they’ll carry out a hard search against your credit history.
If you’re approved, it shouldn’t take long to get your card in the post. You’ll be able to use your new credit card as soon as you activate it.
*Pre-approval doesn’t always guarantee acceptance and is subject to lenders’ checks of your credit status.
If you’re not sure a credit builder card is right for you, there are some other options you might be eligible for.
Credit Unions are not-for-profit. There’s a cap on the amount of interest a credit union can charge (usually less than 50% APR). You need to meet their criteria – like living and working in the area. So, if there’s one near you, you could see if they’d be able to offer you a loan.
There are some alternative credit cards designed for people with bad credit. These can be similar to credit builder cards but might come with different features.
If you need a lump sum of money, you could look into loans designed for people with bad credit. You might have to pay more interest but, at ClearScore, we work with lenders who specialise in helping you find the right loan for your score.
Comparing your offers before you apply is a great way of seeing what’s available to you. You’ll get a better idea of what credit limits and interest rates you could be eligible for and what your approval chances are.
Your credit score is made up of all the things in your credit report. That means your payment history, how much of your available credit you use, how long you’ve had credit for and how often you apply for new credit accounts affect the number you see.
There isn’t a specific number that makes your credit score ‘bad’. Generally, the higher your score, the easier it is to get something like a credit card or loan.
That’s because lenders are more likely to lend money to someone with a track record of paying back the money they owe.
Things like missed or late payments, bankruptcy, and not being on the electoral roll can lower your credit score. If you’ve never borrowed before, you won’t have built up your credit history, so you might not have a credit score just yet.
Your credit score is a good indication of what's going on in your credit history. And your credit history can help you get things like credit cards, loans and car finance. It can even make it easier for you to rent property, get a mobile phone contract, or even get a job.
So, it’s important to keep an eye on your score and see what you can do to improve it.
There are some simple steps you can take to improve your score.
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.
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.
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.
It’s a good idea to wait about 6 months between credit applications (so you can show you’re borrowing responsibly).
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.
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.
Learn more about how to improve your credit score.
If you have a bad or low credit score, you could still get a credit builder 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 right credit card for your score.
Representative 34.6% APR.
There isn’t a specific number that means your credit score is bad but, generally, the lower your score, the more difficult it is to get a line of credit – like a credit card or loan. Learn more about what a good and bad credit score is and what score bands we use.
You can sign up to ClearScore to get your free credit score and report. And we’ll give you up to 10 weekly insights to help you improve your score.
No, you don't have to get a credit card to build your credit. Having a credit card and using it responsibly can be a convenient and easy way to build your credit history, while you spread the cost of your everyday spending. Check out these 10 easy steps to improve your credit score.
Yes, you can still get a credit card if you're unemployed or on Universal Credit. However, your credit history and financial situation will be considered when applying for a card, and it may be more difficult to get approved for a traditional credit card. A credit builder card may be a good option as they often have lower credit limits and are designed for people looking to improve their score.
You can also reach out to charities like StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice, if you’re worried about your finances.
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.
There are lots of credit cards out there – it’s important to find the right one for you.
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.
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.
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.
Credit cards for bad credit are designed for people who have a bad credit score or a poor repayment history and usually comes with a low credit limit or high interest rates.
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 credit cards mean you either won’t be charged for using your card abroad, or the fees will be low.
