A credit card for
bad credit
- £200 - £1,500 starting credit limit that can grow over time
- Get a yes or no straight away, without affecting your credit score
- Rebuild your credit score by spending responsibly
34.9% APR representative variable.
Not using your card responsibly could hurt your credit rating, making it harder to get credit in future.
Check if you're eligible for the Classic Card
- 1
Fill in some details
Answer some questions to help us learn more about you and your finances.
- 2
Get a clear yes or no
We'll let you know if you're eligible straight away, without affecting your credit score.
- 3
Apply for your card
If you're eligible and you think the card's right for you, apply in one tap of a button.
What is bad credit?
'Bad credit' just means your credit history isn't as good as it could be. That might be because you've struggled with credit in the past, or simply that you've never used it at all.
A good way of seeing how your credit is doing is to look at your credit score. Credit scores are a representation of your credit history, and help lenders decide whether to accept you for a credit card or loan. Lots of people in the UK are turned down because of a bad credit score, so it's important to keep it up to scratch.
Can I still get a credit card with bad credit?
The good news is yes, you can. Some credit cards (like the Capital One Classic Card) are good if you're new to credit or you've had bad credit in the past. This is because the Classic Card starts you off with a credit limit that we think is manageable for you.
Then, as you spend responsibly and make payments, you may be offered the chance to increase your limit as time goes on. As you do all this, you'll be showing lenders that you can manage credit well, so your credit score will go up too.
Why could the Classic Card be a good option for people with bad credit?
Know if you'll be accepted before you apply
Start with a manageable credit limit
Rebuild your credit score over time
What causes bad credit?
There are two main reasons why you might have a bad credit score:No credit history
When you apply for a credit card, the lender will want to know that you can pay them back. Having a good history with credit shows you've borrowed responsibly in the past, which means a lender will know you're probably a reliable customer.
So in some cases, not borrowing money or not having a credit card can count against you and lower your score, even if you've never had trouble managing your money.
Problems with credit
If you've had problems with bad credit in the past, you could find it hard to get accepted for credit in the future. Common problems include:
- Being late with a credit payment or missing a payment completely
- Going over your credit limit
- Getting into debt, having a CCJ, or being declared bankrupt
Other factors that affect your credit score
Too many searches
If you apply for credit too many times, it might look to lenders like you desperately need money. This suggests that you might be a risky customer to lend to.
Electoral roll
The electoral roll helps lenders confirm your identity. If they don't know who you are, they can't check your credit history and confirm you've been managing credit in a responsible way.
Moving house regularly
Some lenders like to see stability in your financial history. If you move house often, it could suggest you have trouble paying your bills or that you can't settle down.
