There are a bunch of different credit cards, so finding the best card for you depends on what benefits you’re seeking. Do you want to earn reward points or cashback on purchases, or are you just looking for a card to cover everyday purchases? If you’re a student, you may instead want to consider a dedicated student credit card.
If you’ve never had a credit card, your options might be slim, as the best credit cards are reserved for those with good credit history. But there are still a number of cards you could get approved for.
A rewards credit card gives you the benefits of a normal credit card, as well as making your spending go further in the form of reward points. It’s worth watching for rewards cards with a generous introductory offer and no annual fee. This means you can earn points on all your purchases at no extra cost, provided you pay off your balance in full each month.
Barclaycard Forward Credit Card
0%
Balance transfer fee
33.9%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
3 months
0% interest on purchases
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | UK resident for at least two years |
| Min. income | 3000 |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 2.99% (min. £2.99) |
If you plan to make a big purchase or have an upcoming expense, having more time to pay it off can make a huge difference to your overall finances. With a 0% purchase credit card, you can repay it over time without incurring additional costs.
M&S Bank Rewards Credit Card Mastercard
23.9%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
1 point
per £5 spent
1 point
per £1 spent with select partners
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Min. income | 6800 |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.99% |
| Cash advance fee | 2.99% (min. £3) |
If you have limited credit history, you’ll likely find that your credit card options are also limited. Credit builder credit cards are often a good first choice for those who don’t have much credit history. Credit builder cards help you build your credit score, which means you could then be eligible for more premium cards and better rates in the future.
However, as they’re aimed at those with limited credit history, credit builder cards often have higher APRs (annualised percentage rate) than other cards, which means it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month. If you don’t, you could end up paying a lot in interest payments.
Tesco Bank Foundation Card
29.9%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
Up to 56 days
Interest-free each billing period
£100
Minimum credit limit
| Availability | Available to new customers |
|---|---|
| Residency | UK residents |
| Min. income | 5000 |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 2.75% |
| Cash advance fee | 3.99% (min. £3) |
The complete beginner’s guide to credit cards
Whilst there are a number of different credit card types out there, having no credit history may limit your options. If you’re a student, you may have a higher chance of being accepted for a student credit card. If you aren’t a student but have limited credit history, a credit builder credit card might be a better option. However, in both cases, the interest rate is likely higher than a standard credit card.
As with any credit card, ensure you understand the terms and meet the eligibility requirements before applying. Using your credit card responsibly can help you improve your credit rating, increasing your eligibility for alternative credit cards down the line.
Use our calculator to find out how long it would take to clear your credit card balance by making the minimum required payments vs paying a fixed amount each month.
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