Best Credit Builder Cards UK
In This Article
Find the right Credit Card for you
Does not impact your credit score
Find out which credit cards you’re eligible for
34.4% Representative APR (variable)
Mintify Limited, trading as Mintify, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited who acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
Best credit builder credit cards in the UK
Credit builder cards are designed to help you improve or establish your credit score while providing access to credit, even if you’ve previously been declined elsewhere.
The cards listed on this page are selected based on a consistent assessment framework that prioritises:
- Representative APR: As credit builder cards typically have higher interest rates, we place significant weight on the Representative APR when scoring each product.
- Starting credit limits: These can help support manageable borrowing and encourage responsible repayment habits.
- Features and benefits: Such as balance transfer options, cashback, rewards, or tools to help track your credit score.
- Fees and charges: Including any annual card fees, late payment fees, and foreign transaction fees, which can increase the cost of borrowing.
All cards are assessed impartially against this framework to support informed comparisons. However, the most suitable credit builder card will depend on your individual circumstances and credit history.
Below are some of the credit builder credit cards that rank highly when assessed against our transparent scoring methodology.
Representative APR
33.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
0% for up to 3 months, then 33.90% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
29.54% (variable) p.a.
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 33.90% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 33.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
29.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
29.9% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
29.95% (variable) p.a. (3.99% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 29.95% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 29.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
37.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
37.9% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
37.9% (variable) p.a. (fees apply)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 37.9% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 37.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
29.8% APR (variable)
Purchases
29.84% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
29.84% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 29.84% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 29.8% APR (variable).
Compare credit cards to build your credit score
If you’re new to credit, have recently moved to the UK, or are rebuilding after financial issues, finding the right credit card can be challenging. Our Mintalists have researched the best credit building cards for July 2025.
Key things to know:
- Credit builder cards help improve your credit score with responsible use.
- Making payments on time and keeping balances low are key to boosting your score.
- Eligibility checks can show which cards you’re likely to get without impacting your credit score.
- Paying off your full balance monthly avoids high interest charges common with credit builder cards.
- Using less than 30% of your credit limit can improve your credit utilization ratio and boost your score.
- Popular options include Aqua Balance Transfer, Capital One Classic, Vanquis Credit Builder, and Barclaycard Forward Credit Card.
What is a credit building card?
A credit building card is a credit card designed to help people improve or establish their credit score, especially individuals with limited credit history or past financial difficulties. Often called “bad credit” or “poor credit” cards, they typically have more flexible eligibility criteria than standard cards. When used responsibly, such as by making payments on time, these cards can help users build a positive credit record and improve access to better financial products over time.
How do credit builder cards work?
Credit builder cards work like standard credit cards, allowing consumers to make purchases up to a set limit, but typically have lower credit limits and higher interest rates. By staying within the limit and making payments on time, users can gradually improve their credit score. The key is to use the card carefully and pay off your balance in full each month since these cards typically come with higher interest rates and therefore a higher cost of borrowing.
How can my credit builder card help improve my credit score?
A credit building card can be an effective tool for improving your credit score, provided it’s used wisely. By making small purchases and paying off your balance in full, you can gradually build a stronger credit profile. Over time, this will open the door to better financial opportunities, including access to better credit cards and personal loans.
Never miss your repayment date.
Making payments on time can demonstrate your reliability to repay in a timely manner.
Stay within your credit limit.
Check your balance frequently to ensure you don’t go over. Ideally stay within a 30% credit utilisation ratio.
Pay off your balance in full each month
This is one of the best ways to avoid paying any interest and improving your credit score.
Check your credit report
Ensure there are no mistakes and that your information is accurate and up to date.
Benefits of improving my credit score
When applying for credit, lenders assess your creditworthiness through your credit score, which reflects your payment history and other factors. In particular, a higher score signals lower risk, increasing your chances of approval for credit builder cards, loans, or mortgages. Credit cards for low credit scores in the UK can help you build up your credit profile. The benefits include:
- Better approval chances: You’ll have more access to a variety of credit products, such as a rewards or cashback credit card.
- Lower interest rates: Lenders may offer you cheaper borrowing terms with lower interest rates.
- Personal loans products: You could qualify for personal loans, including car loans with better interest rates.
- Higher credit limits: With an improved score, you could qualify for larger borrowing amounts.
Find the right Credit Card for you
Does not impact your credit score
Find out which credit cards you’re eligible for
34.4% Representative APR (variable)
Mintify Limited, trading as Mintify, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited who acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
Who are credit builder cards for and am I eligible ?
Credit Builder cards are designed for people who want to improve or establish their credit score. You may be eligible if you:
- Have no credit history
If you’ve never had a credit card or loan before, a credit builder card could be a good first time credit card that can help you start building a credit profile. - Have a low credit score
If you’ve missed payments or had financial difficulties, using a credit builder card responsibly can help improve your score over time. - Are new to the UK
If you’ve recently moved to the UK and haven’t yet built a credit history, this type of card can help you get started. - Have been refused credit
If you’ve been denied credit in the past, a credit builder card may give you a second chance to prove your creditworthiness. - Are rebuilding your credit history after financial issues
If you’ve had defaults, CCJs, or entered a debt solution in the past, a credit builder card can support your journey to a better score.
How do I apply for a credit builder card?
Getting a credit builder card starts with an application but the good news is that these cards are often more accessible than standard credit cards. The first step is to take a free eligibility check which leaves no impact on your credit score. You usually can apply if you:
- Are 18 or over
- Live in the UK.
- Are not currently bankrupt or in an active Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
When you take a free eligibility check, you will need to fill in a few personal details. Then, a soft eligibility check is carried out. This won’t affect your credit score and will give you a personalised idea of which credit cards you are eligible for.
Are credit builder cards right for you?
Credit builder cards can be a useful starting point if you’re looking to improve your credit score or establish a credit history from scratch. But like any financial product, they work best when used carefully. Make payments on time, stay within your limit, and avoid carrying a balance where possible to minimise interest charges.
Before applying, always check the card’s fees, interest rates, and eligibility criteria. An ideal starting place is to take a free eligibility check to see which options are available for you without any impact to your credit score. Comparing options is the best way to find a card that matches your financial goals.
Our Mintalists are on a mission to help you explore credit building cards with transparency so you can take control of your credit future with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a credit card with no credit check?
Credit cards with no credit check are rare, but there are options for those with little or no credit history. Secured credit cards, student cards, and certain store cards are designed to help individuals with limited options. These often require a refundable security deposit or have specific eligibility criteria.
Can I get a credit card with bad credit?
Yes, credit builder credit cards are specifically designed for people with bad credit in the UK. When applying for a credit card with bad credit, it’s important to choose cards specifically for rebuilding credit. Starting with a free eligibility check is the best place to start as you will see which cards you quality for without getting a hard check on your credit file.
Can I get a credit card without a job?
Yes, it’s possible to get a credit card in the UK even if you’re not currently employed. However, your options may be more limited, and interest rates could be higher. Lenders look at more than just employment; they’ll also consider your credit history, overall financial situation, and whether you can reasonably afford the repayments.
There are potential limitations if you’re unemployed such as:
If your income is unsteady or limited, think carefully about why you’re applying for a credit card. If it’s simply to manage payments and you’re confident you can stay within your budget, it may be a useful tool.
But remember: credit card limits are not “extra money.” Every pound you spend is borrowed and must be repaid. At its core, a credit card is a form of debt, so it should be used wisely.
Are there balance transfer credit cards for bad credit?
Some balance transfer credit cards are available to those with bad credit, but they may come with higher interest rates. Consider Capital One Balance Transfer Credit Card which usually offers up to 18 months interest free on balance transfers. Check out the full list of credit cards to see what is on offer this (%%currentmonth%% %%currentyear%%) and remember to make sure you can pay off the balance within the introductory period to incur no interest.
Can I get a credit card as a student?
Yes, UK providers like HSBC Student Credit Card and TSB Bank Student Credit Card usually offer student credit cards to help students build credit early with lower limits and flexible approval criteria. Learn how to use your student credit card responsibly and ensure you do not end up in persistent debt.
What is a bad credit score in the UK?
A bad credit score in the UK typically falls below 561 on Experian’s credit rating scale. Scores below this range may make it harder to get approved for standard credit cards, but credit builder cards could still be an option.
How do I manage my credit builder card?
To improve your credit score, use your credit builder card for small purchases and pay off the balance in full each month. This way, you’ll build a positive payment history and avoid interest charges.
- Build Credit History: Responsibly manage your credit cards to build credit to establish a positive credit record.
- Make Payments on Time: Timely payments signal to lenders that you use credit responsibly.
- Keep Credit Utilisation Low: Aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit. In fact, lower credit utilisation can boost your credit score significantly.
Are there alternatives to Credit Cards?
Yonder offers a credit card aimed at modern consumers, particularly expats and those with limited credit history. Instead of relying on traditional credit scores, Yonder uses Open Banking to assess your financial health based on your income and expenses.
Moreover, Yonder reports your timely payments to major credit bureaus, helping to build your credit history similarly to other credit building cards. With no foreign exchange fees and a points-based rewards system for travel and experiences, Yonder is a flexible alternative. The application process is simple and completed via their app.
Prepaid cards are also another alternative. Prepaid cards are a helpful tool for managing your finances, especially if you’ve been declined for a bank account or want to limit your spending. Because you can only spend what you’ve preloaded onto the card, they offer a simple way to budget and avoid overspending.
There are also prepaid travel cards available, which are designed to help you save on foreign transaction fees when spending abroad. These cards can be a cost-effective alternative to using a standard debit or credit card while travelling.
How do I build credit in the UK?
There are several ways to build your credit score in the UK. Using a credit builder credit card responsibly is one of the most effective. Make payments on time, keep your balance low, and stay within your credit limit. You can also register on the electoral roll, avoid hard searches, and check your credit report for errors.
Find the right Credit Card for you
Does not impact your credit score
Find out which credit cards you’re eligible for
34.4% Representative APR (variable)
Mintify Limited, trading as Mintify, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited who acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
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The content presented here has been impartially gathered by the Mintify team and is offered on a non-advised basis for informational purposes only. We adhere to strict editorial integrity
Editor, Credit Cards: Michelle Blackmore
Last Updated: July 25, 2025