It is all too easy to mess up your credit history, but some of the best credit card deals can help you repair it by showing lenders that you know how to handle your plastic.
Credit cards for bad credit charge APRs ranging from 25% to more than 60%, depending on your credit history, against 18.9% on most standard cards. However, if you clear your balance in full and on time each month, you will never have to pay it.
Credit cards to build credit must be handled carefully, but if you make every single minimum monthly repayment, and stay within your limit, you can slowly improve your credit score, and switch to a standard card later. Lenders can also help you understand your credit score. Be warned, missing just one payment could make obtaining credit harder in future. Here are our top choices for those needing a little repair work.
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Vanquis Bank® Chrome Credit Card
Good for: Credit repair with a low APR
Those with past credit problems are resigned to paying sky-high APRs, if they can get credit cards at all. Vanquis Bank’s Chrome Credit Card is a welcome exception, offering a low representative APR of just 24.7%, to those with a limited credit history or past problems. On most other credit cards for bad credit, APRs start at 35% and can soar to 60%. Vanquis says it focuses on each applicant’s current credit situation and recent history, rather than dwelling on past mistakes. One of the best credit cards for bad credit, this could help you build a brighter financial future.
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Introductory offer |
0% interest on purchases for first three months |
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Credit limit |
Between £250 and £1,000, subject to status, potentially rising to £4,000 |
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Representative APR on purchases
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Variable APRs from 24.7% to 59.9% m be reduced after a year if you manage card sensibly |
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Credit requirement |
Based on individual merit and credit scoring. Applicants who have been turned down in the past considered |
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Extra benefits |
Mobile app banking, SMS and email payment and statement reminders, online banking |
Barclaycard® Initial
Good for: New borrowers or those with past credit problems
Sometimes having no credit history can almost be as big a problem as having a poor credit history, as lenders don’t know how to judge your application.
If you’re in that awkward position, Barclaycard Initial can get you started. One of the best credit cards to build credit, it is designed for people with limited or no credit history, as well as those with prior problems. It also numbers among the UK’s 0% purchase credit cards, with no interest charges for the first three months (avoid the temptation to rack up more debt you cannot repay). Initial representative APR start at 34.9% but may reduce after a year, so long as you make your minimum payments on time and stay within your credit limit.
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Introductory offer |
0% interest on purchases for first three months |
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Credit limit |
Between £150 and £1,200, subject to status |
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Representative APR on purchases
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34.9% variable, subject to status and credit checks. May be reduced after a year if you manage card sensibly. |
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Credit requirement |
Earnings over £3,000, must be employed, not have been made bankrupt in the last six years, maximum one CCJ, no recent missed bill payments |
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Extra benefits |
Free text and email alerts to help you stay on track, manage your money through a mobile app, exclusive entertainment perks |
Aqua® Classic
Good for: Credit cards to build credit winner
The Aqua Classic credit card is one of the more straightforward credit cards for bad credit, open to those with a bad credit history, money problems in the past or on low incomes, as well as the self-employed. Maximum credit limit is £1,200, although if you handle your card sensibly Aqua may increase this pretty quickly. Extra features can also help you understand your credit score, and make every monthly payment.
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Introductory offer |
None |
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Credit limit |
Between £250 and £1,200, subject to status, with a potential increase on your fourth statement |
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Representative APR on purchases
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35.9% variable up to a maximum 59.9%, depending on credit record |
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Credit requirement |
Will consider applicants with a bad credit history, money problems in the past, or just not a huge amount of money coming in |
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Extra benefits |
Text reminders so you should never miss a payment |
