The method by which we assess this is called a credit score. The score considers how well you pay back any borrowed money and if you pay your bills on time. However, there are some instances where you will not have a good credit score or a credit score at all. Examples of these are:
You have had a bad employment history You have had a poor credit experience You have not had time to build up your credit history
A credit-building card is a low-limit credit card designed to help you create a credit history. They are usually less favourable than regular credit cards as they come with higher interest rates and fewer rewards.
Is It Worth Getting a Credit-Building Credit Card?
You should consider getting a credit-building card if you:
Have not lived in the UK for that long and want to start creating a credit score Are a student or recently turned 18 and want to build up a good score from the start Have had a history of poor money management Have experienced periods of unemployment Are self-employed or are incapable of providing your income Are planning for the future, and one day intend to take out a mortgage or loan
It is not the only method of building credit; however, it is effective if you keep up with all your payments. Building credit takes time and requires you to show that you can make sensible financial decisions that will work in your favour.
Card Features to Look for and Avoid
When choosing a credit card for bad credit, you will not find many that offer rewards such as air miles or cashback on all spends. Credit building cards are functional and are there to serve a purpose. However, it is still a competitive market; therefore, there are some features to look out for. The most important is the APR. Many credit card companies will offer different rates depending on circumstances. The better your credit score, the lower the APR. Find cards with the lowest or fixed APR rates and apply to those first. Many credit cards might also offer 0% windows either on interest or balance transfers. These windows offer some breathing space for you to work through or transfer other debts. The longer the window, the better it is for you. Even those with good credit scores often take advantage of 0% windows by opening a new card and transferring their existing balance over. If you have any CCJs, check which companies accept those applicants; some will accept one CCJ, others if it has been over a year. You will also need proof of address and income. The final feature to look for is any hidden costs or fees. The standard late payment fee in the UK is £12. Are some cards charging more or less? Do some providers offer flexible payment days? For those with bad or no credit scores, the choices are small. However, taking the first bank that will accept you is not a sensible financial choice. Thoroughly assess everything the credit card offers before making your applications. To qualify you to need to have lived in the UK for at least one year, have a regular income and be over the age of 18.
They do not offer any benefits or rewards but will increase your credit limit after five statements if you manage to keep up with your payments. You can apply for this card so long as you have a UK address, are not suspected of fraud and have no legal reason why you cannot get credit, such as bankruptcy.
Depending on your situation, you may also be entitled to:
18 months 0% balance transfer 12 months 0% interest on all purchases
Five Clubcard points for every £4 spent in-store One Clubcard point for every £8 spent elsewhere
There is also the offer to increase your limit if you maintain payments. You can keep up with your credit score by setting monthly notifications. To apply for this credit card, you need to have a UK address for at least three years and an annual income of at least £5,000.
To apply for this credit card, you need to have no more than one CCJ and have not declared bankrupcy in the past six years. You need an annual income of £3,000 and a permanent UK address for at least two years.
Aqua will consider applications from those who are self-employed, unable to prove they have a regular income and have had any CCJs.
The company also states that you have a higher chance of being accepted if you are on the electoral roll and have some credit history – even if they are CCJs.
To help build credit, Zopa has a tool called ‘safety net’, which keeps a portion of the credit limit locked away in case of emergencies. There are also zero charges for overseas use. However, if you want to apply, you need:
An annual income of £10,000 Two active lines of credit (for example, overdraft and phone contact) To be a UK resident for at least one year
To apply, you need to be 18 or over, living in the UK and not legally restricted from getting credit.
Money-lenders are now realising this and are providing an opportunity to rewrite credit histories. Regardless of the credit card you choose, to achieve a good credit score:
Always make your minimum payments Pay as much as you can, when you can Take advantage of money management tools Seek help if you need it Set financial goals and stick to them
WikiJob does not provide tax, investment or financial services and advice. The information provided is for general reference and you should not rely on it to make (or refrain from making) any financial decisions. Personal situations will vary. Always seek independent financial advice when choosing how to manage your finances.
