Am I eligible for a credit card?

Usually, applying to a lender is the only way to know if you'll be accepted for a credit card. Yet that marks your credit file, and could affect your ability to get future credit. Our Eligibility Calculator uses a 'soft search' to calculate and show your chances of acceptance before applying.

How do lenders decide whether to give you a credit card?

You'll need to pass a credit check to get a credit card. This lets the lender work out how 'risky' you are to lend to, and takes into account your income and other financial commitments. It can then either accept or decline you. The criteria differs between lenders – you could be accepted by one but declined by another. So it’s better to use an eligibility checker to check your chances of acceptance before applying. If you go on to apply, any application will leave a mark on your credit report, even if you’re declined, which could affect your ability to get credit in future (this is especially true if you make multiple applications in a short time period). Read our guide to how credit scoring works for full info.

What are the pros and cons of owning a credit card?

Credit cards are useful if used well, but can be costly and damaging if used badly. The main advantages are that they: Can offer cheap borrowing or rewards Let you spread the cost of a purchase Let you transfer expensive debt to 0% (if you get a balance transfer card) Give you extra protection on purchases Can boost your credit history when managed well, meaning you're more likely to be accepted for credit in future. The main disadvantages are that they: Can lead to a build-up of debt if you can’t afford to repay what you borrow Charge interest if you don't clear your full balance each month Can damage your ability to get credit in future if you miss repayments - this is why we say to always pay at least the minimum repayment each month. Read more about the pros and cons of credit cards .

APR stands for ‘annual percentage rate’, and is is used by lenders to tell you the cost of borrowing. Where credit cards are shown as having a 'representative APR', it means only 51% of successful applicants must be given the stated rate. The other 49% could get a different rate (usually higher) – and some people will be rejected altogether. Lenders must tell you what the APR is before you sign a credit agreement. If you have a card at a special introductory rate (for example a balance transfer credit card at 0% for 28 months), you won’t pay the APR during this time. And if you pay your credit card off in full every month, you won’t pay the APR either. Read more about how interest rates work .

Can credit card interest rates change?

Most credit cards come with a ‘variable APR’, which means that the interest lenders charge on borrowing (ie the outstanding balance on a credit card) can go up or down, depending on market fluctuations. Your lender will have to tell you if they plan to change your credit card APR. You can get also 'fixed APR' cards, where lenders guarantee that they won’t raise or lower the rate for a fixed period of time, although these are less common and are usually have higher interest rates. Read more about how interest rates work .

What is credit scoring?

Credit scoring is a process used by credit card companies and other lenders to decide whether or not they want to lend to you. This process is largely based on information they get from the credit reference agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – who hold information about your credit history. They will also use data from your application form, and information from any accounts you've had with that financial firm in the past. Broadly, it means that if you’ve a history of repaying debts in full and on time, you’ll have a better chance of getting accepted than if you’ve a history of missed payments. Read more about how credit scoring works and how to check your credit report for free .

What if I have a bad credit score or no credit rating?

Having a bad credit score usually means you've not managed credit well in the past (or that you've had very little credit before). It could be that you have a history of missing payments, for example. And this is likely to mean your chances of getting approved for a credit card are low. And if you've no credit history at all – perhaps you’ve never borrowed – you could also find it difficult to get approved, as lenders will have no idea whether or not you’ll pay them back. It's like someone you don't know asking to borrow cash. There are ways to improve your credit history, or build it from scratch. Read more on how to boost your creditworthiness .

What happens if I miss a repayment on my credit card?

If you miss a repayment, or don't make the minimum payment amount on your credit card bill each month, you'll typically be charged a late payment fee of around £10, and it will be marked on your credit file for up to six years. This could mean your ability to get credit in future takes a hit.

What if I get rejected for a credit card?

You could get rejected for a credit card for a number of reasons – it’s a murky business as lenders are not required to tell you why they've decided to turn you down. It could be down to you having a bad credit history, or if they think you'll be risky to lend to. Unfortunately, if you're rejected for a credit card this will usually have an impact on your credit score – especially if you make multiple applications in a short space of time. That’s why we suggest using our credit card eligibility checker to check your chances of being accepted for a wide array of credit cards, without endangering your credit score.

Can I get a joint credit card?

Although in the UK you can't technically get a joint credit card, you can usually opt to have additional cardholders linked to your credit card account (most often a relative or family member). But as the main cardholder, you'll remain solely responsible for the debt, regardless of who's done the spending. So think carefully before adding any additional cardholders. If they go on a spending spree, even without your permission, you'll be the one responsible for making the payments and clearing the balance. You can find out more in joint credit cards explained .

Borrowing
Credit Cards

Credit Cards

How to find the right credit card for you

I know what type of credit card I need

If you know what card type you need, our eligibility calculator can tell you how likely you are to be accepted – without impacting your credit score. Yet if you're not sure, it's best to read more on credit cards – this page will help you find the right guide.

TRY OUR ELIGIBILITY CALCULATOR

What type of credit card is best?

The best credit card for you depends why you need it:

Cut interest with a balance transfer card
Spread costs with a 0% spending card
Get points/cash on a reward credit card
Rebuild with a bad credit credit card

And there are others too... our 'how do credit cards work' guide takes you through all the options.

See all credit card types

Watch: Martin Lewis explains credit cards

Credit cards are like fire – a great tool if used well...used badly, they can burn
Different types of credit card help you cut debt costs, spread the cost of a purchase, get rewards, or are good overseas
The right credit card for you depends on what you'll use it for
Always check your eligibility before you apply
How you manage your credit card will impact your ability to get credit in future

Watch the video, read a transcript, or...

See our full guide

Why use MoneySavingExpert's Eligibility Calculator?

When you apply for a credit card, the lender will use the info you give it in your application form about your financial situation and income, and info it gets on you from a credit check, to decide if it wants to lend to you.

Making an application will leave a mark on your credit report – even if you’re declined – which could impact your ability to get future credit. So before jumping in, it's better to use an eligibility calculator as these allow you to check how likely you are to get a card, without affecting your credit score.

Try our Eligibility Calculator

Always pay at least the minimum payment

Your monthly card statement will tell you the total balance you owe, the minimum repayment you must make and the due date. Missing the minimum payment will result in a late fee and a mark on your credit file for up to six years.

Yet only making the minimum repayment can keep you in debt for years and even decades. So, if you can, it's always best to pay as much off as possible. For more on how card repayments work, see our credit card minimum repayment calculator.

Credit card FAQs

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Credit Cards

How to find the right credit card for you

What type of credit card is best?

Watch: Martin Lewis explains credit cards

Why use MoneySavingExpert's Eligibility Calculator?

Always pay at least the minimum payment

Credit card FAQs

Credit Card Guides

How this site works

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