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The Aqua Reward Credit Card is no longer open to new applications. This page preserves a summary of the card for historical reference, followed by information on credit builder cards currently available in the UK.

About the Aqua Reward Card

The Aqua Reward Credit Card was notable as the only credit builder card in the UK market to combine cashback rewards with no foreign transaction fees, making it useful both for building credit and for use abroad.

The card earned 0.5% cashback on all purchases, capped at £100 per year. Cashback was paid annually into the cardholder's account, provided at least the minimum payment had been made on time every month throughout the year. A single missed payment resulted in losing all cashback earned that year. Credit limits started at between £250 and £1,200, making the annual £100 cap unlikely to be reached in practice.

The card charged no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad, which was unusual among credit builder cards. Cash withdrawals, however, attracted a higher rate of interest accruing immediately, plus a cash fee, making ATM withdrawals costly.

As with all credit builder cards, the high purchase APR (39.94% variable representative APR at the time of closure) meant the card was only cost-effective for cardholders who cleared their balance in full each month. Carrying a balance quickly outweighed any cashback earned.

The Aqua Reward was issued by NewDay Ltd. The card was withdrawn from new applications and is no longer available.

Credit builder cards currently available in the UK

The UK credit builder market in 2026 has no direct equivalent to the Aqua Reward; that is, no credit builder card currently combines cashback rewards with no foreign transaction fees in the same way. The options below cover the main cards available for those with limited or poor credit history.

Always make sure you can afford repayments before applying for any credit card. Credit builder cards carry higher-than-average interest rates; carrying a balance will result in interest charges that typically outweigh any rewards earned.

Aqua Classic Credit Card

The Aqua Classic is a credit builder card from NewDay, available to those with poor credit histories including those with late payments, the self-employed and those with low incomes. Initial credit limits fall between £250 and £1,200. The card offers free text alerts for nearing the credit limit and the potential for credit limit increases with good financial management. The Aqua Classic does not offer cashback rewards. The representative APR is 39.9% variable.

Representative example: Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 at a purchase rate of 39.9% p.a. (variable) with no annual fee, the representative APR is 39.9% variable.

Tesco Foundation Credit Card

The Tesco Foundation Credit Card is Tesco Bank's entry-level card designed for those with limited credit history. It earns Clubcard points on eligible spending: 1 point per £4 spent in Tesco and on Tesco fuel (excluding Esso), plus 1 point per 2 litres of fuel purchased, and 1 point per £8 spent outside Tesco. Points exclusions apply. There is no annual fee.

Representative example: Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.9% p.a. (variable) with no annual fee, the representative APR is 29.9% variable.

Vanquis Credit Builder Card

Vanquis specialises in lending to people with impaired credit histories and will consider applicants with poor or no credit history, including those who are unemployed. The card has no annual fee and the maximum credit limit can reach up to £3,500, depending on individual assessment. Vanquis does not currently offer cashback rewards on standard purchases. The representative APR is 42.9% variable.

Representative example: Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 at a purchase rate of 42.9% p.a. (variable) with no annual fee, the representative APR is 42.9% variable.

Capital One Classic Credit Card

Capital One has a long track record in the UK credit builder market and accepts applicants with poor or limited credit history, offering credit limit increases based on payment behaviour. The card has no annual fee and no cashback rewards. The representative APR is 34.9% variable.

Representative example: Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 at a purchase rate of 34.9% p.a. (variable) with no annual fee, the representative APR is 34.9% variable.

Marbles Credit Card

The Marbles Credit Card is also issued by NewDay and aimed at those with weaker credit histories. It does not offer cashback rewards. The representative APR is 34.9% variable.

Representative example: Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 at a purchase rate of 34.9% p.a. (variable) with no annual fee, the representative APR is 34.9% variable.

A note on using credit builder cards effectively

Credit builder cards carry higher interest rates than standard cards. They are generally only useful for building credit if the balance is cleared in full each month. Carrying a balance means paying interest that outweighs any benefits. Setting up a direct debit for the full balance each month is a practical way to ensure payments are made on time.

Using an eligibility checker before applying shows your likelihood of acceptance without leaving a hard search on your credit file.

If you are struggling with existing debt, free impartial advice is available from StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice.

Card details correct as of July 2026. Terms, APRs and availability are subject to change; always verify current details directly with each provider before applying. This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. ClearScore is a credit broker, not a lender.