Your First Credit Card

Getting your first credit card

Getting your first credit card is a big step and a new responsibility. At Mintify, our mission is to make understanding credit simple. We break down complex terms and offer transparent information so you can understand the basics before you apply.

Key things to know:

• First time credit cards are designed for those with limited or no credit history, or even a low credit score.
• They typically come with lower credit limits and higher APRs.
• Your limit and rate are based on your income, employment, and overall financial profile.
• The low credit limit helps keep your borrowing manageable.
• The higher interest rate reflects the added risk for the lender.
• You can check your eligibility using a free eligibility checker without any impact on your credit score.

What is a credit ccore?

A credit score is a number based on your financial history that helps lenders assess how likely you are to repay what you borrow. It’s not a universal number; different lenders may use different scores or assess your credit file in their own way. Your score reflects factors like the credit you’ve taken out, how reliably you’ve made repayments, and whether you’ve missed any payments in the past. In short, it helps lenders decide whether to offer you credit and under what terms.

Each of the UK’s main credit reference agencies has its own scoring range:

• Equifax: 0 (poor) to 1,000 (excellent)
• Experian: 0 (very poor) to 999 (excellent)
• TransUnion: 0 (very poor) to 710 (excellent)

When you apply for credit, a lender will usually check your file with one or more of these agencies. Based on your credit report and the details in your application, the lender creates its own internal score to assess how risky it would be to lend to you.

A lower credit score may mean you’re only eligible for higher interest products, such as credit builder cards or personal loans with higher interest terms. But each lender has its own approval criteria so being rejected by one doesn’t mean others will do the same. If you are approved, using your credit card responsibly by making payments on time and staying within your credit limit is key to improving your credit profile.

Improving your credit score: Pay off your credit card balance in full each month. It is helpful to see your credit card as a method of payment and not extra money for you to spend. By paying off in full each month, you will be able to improve your credit score.

Applying for your first credit card

Applying for your first credit card can feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t borrowed before. Most lenders check your credit history to decide whether you’re likely to repay what you borrow  and without much of a credit history, they may consider you a higher risk.

That’s where first time (starter) credit cards, also known as credit builder cards, can help. These are designed for people with limited or no credit history and are often easier to qualify for than standard cards. They usually come with:

• Lower credit limits
• Higher interest rates (APRs)

Used responsibly by repaying the balance on time and ideally in full each month, they can help you build your credit profile and improve your chances of being approved for better products in the future.

How to get your first credit card

When applying for your first credit card, your chances of being approved depend on a few factors; mainly your personal circumstances, the type of card you apply for, and the lender’s criteria. Some credit cards are only available to those with a good credit score, so if you have a poor or limited credit history, it’s best to look at credit building cards designed for first-time applicants.

The good news is that applying for your first credit card is usually simple and can often be done entirely online. You’ll typically need to provide:

Date of birth

Valid email and mobile number

Check your eligibility first

Before you apply, it’s smart to check your chances of approval with a soft credit search which won’t affect your credit score. With a free eligibility checker, you can:

1. Enter a few basic details
2. Get an instant result based on a soft search
3. See which cards you’re more likely to be accepted for in under 60 seconds

If you decide to proceed, the lender will then carry out a hard credit check, which appears on your credit report and may impact your score if repeated frequently.

Different types of credit cards

While most credit cards work in a similar way, different credit cards are designed for specific needs. Here are some of the most common types of credit cards in the UK and how they work:

Rewards and Cashback credit cards

These cards offer perks like:

• Cashback on purchases
• Loyalty points like Nectar or Tesco Clubcard points
• Retail vouchers or discounts

The rewards are usually tied to how much you spend or where you shop. They can be great if you pay your balance in full every month but overspending just for rewards can lead to unnecessary debt. If you decide to apply for a rewards or cashback credit card, make sure any points earned are aligned with your everyday spending habits.

These cards usually come with higher APRs because many of them have annual fees attached to them so if you don’t intend on paying off your credit card in full each month, be fully aware of the interest you will be paying monthly.

Travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are ideal if you spend in foreign currencies or travel frequently. They often offer:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Points or miles toward flights or hotels
• Better exchange rates than debit cards

These cards can save you money abroad, but like all credit cards, they need to be used wisely especially when budgeting for trips. If you’re new to credit, you might be more likely to qualify for a credit builder card like Zopa which has no fees on foreign transactions.

Balance Transfer cards

Balance transfer cards, like Aqua’s Balance Transfer card let you move existing credit card debt onto one card, often with a 0% interest offer for a set period of time. When used properly, benefits can include:

• Simplified repayments
• Pay down debt faster without interest charges
• Avoid juggling multiple card bills

If this is your first credit card, a balance transfer card might not be relevant unless you already have existing credit card debt.

Tips for using your first credit card

If you’ve just been approved for your first credit card, it’s important to use it responsibly from the start. Here are some practical tips to help you build good credit habits and avoid common mistakes:

Start small and stay in control

Begin by making small, manageable purchases such as a subscription, travel card top-up, or weekly groceries. This helps you:

• Understand how credit card billing cycles work
• Manage your repayments with ease
• Reduce the risk of overspending or missing a payment

Always pay on time

Making your credit card payments on time is one of the most important habits to build.

• Late payments can lead to fees and interest charges
• They may also harm your credit score
• Setting up a direct debit can help ensure you never miss a payment

Track your spending

Keep a close eye on your credit card activity so you know exactly what you owe

• Use your mobile banking app or online portal
• Check your monthly statement for accuracy
• Set spending alerts if your card offers them

If you can, pay off your full balance each month. This helps:

• Avoid interest charges
• Build a strong credit history
• Stay in control of your finances

Using your first credit card wisely is the foundation for accessing better credit deals in the future. Build the right habits now, and your future self will thank you.

Frequently asked questions