Using a credit card can be a helpful way to build your credit score. It gives you control over how much you spend and repay, helping to show lenders that you can manage borrowing well. That's why it's important to build good habits early, like paying on time and not spending too close to your credit limit.

A good credit score can be helpful for life’s big money moments, like getting a mortgage, taking out a loan, or buying a car. It can also help with smaller things, like getting a mobile phone contract. So it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your score.

If you want to understand credit scores better before you try to improve yours, take a look at our helpful guide: What is a credit score?opens in a new tab

Building your credit score

There are a lot of factors that can affect your credit scoreopens in a new tab, but the good news is that some of the more important factors can be handled via responsible credit card usage, such as:

• Make payments on time - Paying your credit card bill on time shows you’re responsible with borrowing, and can help your credit score improve over time. To make it easier, you could set up automatic payments or get reminders by text or email.

Lenders want to see that you can make regular payments on time. It’s an important part of what they’re looking for.

• Pay off the balance in full each month - Try to only spend what you know you can comfortably pay back in full at the end of the month. This helps you stay on top of your credit utilisation and also helps you avoid paying interest.
• Avoid spending close to your credit limit - Credit scores take into account your balance (what you have spent) and credit limit (the maximum amount you can spend) to work out your ‘credit utilisation’. If you always spend close to your credit limit and leave an unpaid balance on your card each month, it can look like you are reliant on credit.

It’s important to remember that not using a credit card responsibly, like missing payments or spending beyond your means, could harm your credit score.

A simple way to use a credit card to build credit

One of the best ways to build your credit score is to use your card regularly for everyday essential spending and then pay it off in full each month. This shows good money habits and could help to build your credit score over time.

You could use your credit card for things like:

• Weekly supermarket shopping
• Fuel

The idea is to use your card for essential things that you’d usually pay for instantly with cash or your debit card. That way, you know you can pay it back before your bill is due.

Can I get a credit card with a low credit score?

It’s possible to get a credit card even if you have a low credit score or no credit history. Some providers, including Capital One UK, offer credit cards for those with a low scoreopens in a new tab. Whether you’re looking to improve your credit score or to get started on your credit journey, there are options available to you.

The Capital One Classic Cardopens in a new tab comes with a 34.9% APR Representative Variable and starts with a credit limit we think is manageable for you. Then, if you use the card responsibly over time, you may be offered a higher limit.

You can check your credit eligibilityopens in a new tab with our QuickCheck tool and get a clear yes or no answer without any impact on your credit score.

How long does it take to build your credit score?

Building your credit score takes time and patience. It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you start with good habits (like paying your balance in full each month), you’ll be demonstrating the right factors for an improved credit score.

Take a look at our credit builder credit cardopens in a new tab and get started on building your credit score today.

Find out more about your credit score

This blog is designed to act as a helpful starting point for understanding your credit score. Follow the links to find out more:

• Credit scores explainedopens in a new tab - Your guide to your credit score
• What can affect your credit scoreopens in a new tab - Stay on top of what could impact your score
• Credit score mythsopens in a new tab - Debunking common credit score myths to help you focus on what matters
• For the latest information on credit scores and reports from the UK's three main Credit Reference Agencies, check out these guides provided by Experianopens in a new tab, TransUnionopens in a new tab and Equifaxopens in a new tab.