Credit Building Credit Cards
Credit builder credit cards are designed to help improve your credit score while offering access to manageable credit limits. The Mintalists have reviewed and ranked the best credit builder cards in the UK as of August 2025. Each card is evaluated based on its representative APR, eligibility flexibility, and features that support responsible credit use helping you find the best option to start building or repairing your credit. This is intended for general information only and does not constitute financial advice or a personal recommendation. Product suitability will depend on your individual circumstances.
Best Credit Building Credit Cards
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 all Credit Building Credit Cards in the UK
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of credit builder credit cards available in the UK, allowing you to compare features and interest rates. This information is sourced directly from financial institutions and updated daily to help you make informed decisions. Where available, you can check your eligibility through our partners without affecting your credit score.
Representative APR
34.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
34.9% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
34.90% (variable) p.a.
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 34.90% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 34.9% APR (variable).
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
34.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
0% for up to 3 months, then 34.94% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
0% for 18 months, then 34.94% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 34.94% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 34.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
34.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
34.94% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
34.94% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 34.94% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 34.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
35.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
35.94% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
35.94% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 35.94% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 35.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
35.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
0% for up to 3 months, then 35.94% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
35.94% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 35.94% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 35.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
39.9% (variable) p.a.
Purchases
39.94% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
39.94% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 39.9% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 39.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
39.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
39.94% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
39.94% (variable) p.a. (2.90% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 39.94% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 39.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
39.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
39.94% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
39.94% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 39.94% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 39.9% APR (variable).
Representative APR
48.9% APR (variable)
Purchases
48.9% (variable) p.a.
Balance Transfers
Not Available
Account Fees
£0
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, with a purchase rate of 48.9% (variable) p.a., most accepted customers get a rate of 48.9% APR (variable).
Showing 1-10 of 24 cashback credit cards
What is a Credit Builder credit card?
A credit builder card is a type of credit card designed to help people improve or establish a credit history. They typically come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates, but can offer a valuable opportunity to build your score when used responsibly.
Who are Credit Builder cards for?
Credit builder credit cards are designed for people looking to improve, build, or establish their credit history. They may be suitable if you:
- Have little or no previous credit history in the UK
- Have recently moved to the UK and have not yet built a UK credit profile
- Have a lower credit score or have experienced financial difficulties in the past
- Have been declined for mainstream credit cards and are looking for alternative options
- Are working to recover after missed payments, defaults, County Court Judgments (CCJs), or entering a debt solution
Credit builder cards typically have higher interest rates and lower credit limits than standard credit cards. Using them responsibly, such as making payments on time and staying within your credit limit, can help you demonstrate positive borrowing behaviour and gradually improve your credit score.
They may not be suitable if you already have a strong credit history or if you’re unable to repay your balance in full, as interest charges can be high.
Am I eligible for a credit builder card?
To apply for a credit builder credit card, you’ll typically need to:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be a UK resident with a permanent address
- Not be currently bankrupt or subject to an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
Meeting these basic criteria does not guarantee approval. Card providers will assess your individual circumstances, including your credit history and ability to repay, as part of their application process.
Mintip: You can use a free eligibility checker to see which cards you’re more likely to be approved for, without affecting your credit score. This can help you avoid unsuccessful applications and protect your credit file.
Find the right Credit Card for you
Does not impact your credit score
Find out which credit cards you’re eligible for
33.7% Representative APR (variable)
Mintify Limited, trading as Mintify, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited who is acting as a credit broker, not a lender.
Using credit builder cards responsibly
Credit builder cards can help you improve your credit history over time, but only if used carefully and consistently. Consider the following responsible borrowing practices:
- Make at least the minimum payment on time every month: Missing payments can harm your credit score and may result in additional fees or penalties.
- Stay within your credit limit: Exceeding your limit can negatively impact your credit record and may lead to declined transactions or additional charges.
- Aim to repay your balance in full each month: This helps you avoid paying interest on your purchases and keeps borrowing costs under control.
Before applying for or using a credit builder card, it’s important to understand:
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR): This represents the cost of borrowing, including interest and fees, expressed as a yearly rate. Credit builder cards typically have higher APRs than standard credit cards.
- Interest charges: If you carry a balance from month to month, you will be charged interest on the outstanding amount, which can add up quickly.
Credit builder cards are not suitable for borrowing large amounts or long-term debt management. They are designed to help you demonstrate positive borrowing behaviour and build your credit score gradually, through responsible use over time.
Remember: Failing to repay on time or borrowing more than you can afford may harm your credit record and lead to financial difficulties.