Can I get a credit card without a credit check?
A successful application for a new credit card when you have little to no credit history – or a poor one at best – can be a big challenge. In this guide, we’ll explore whether it’s possible to avoid credit checks when you apply for cards. Find out what you can do if your credit history isn’t in great shape and discover ways to improve your credit score.
A successful application for a new credit card when you have little to no credit history – or a poor one at best – can be a big challenge. In this guide, we’ll explore whether it’s possible to avoid credit checks when you apply for cards. Find out what you can do if your credit history isn’t in great shape and discover ways to improve your credit score.
60-second summaryWant a quick breakdown of whether you can apply for a credit card without checks? Here’s what you need to know:
If this is enough info for now and you'd like to see if you’re eligible for any cards, use our eligibility checker. |
Do I need to go through a credit check to get a credit card?
This one really is simples...it’s a yes. If you want to get a credit card, you’ll have to go through some form of credit check. But you can get an idea of your likely success by using a soft search eligibility checker.
These online tools, offered by many lenders and comparison sites (including Compare the Market), will:
- Carry out a top-level check of all the info on your credit report
- Not be visible to any other lenders
- Help you understand your chances of being accepted for credit before you make a full application
- Not harm your credit score or lower your chance of success.
Our full guide goes into more detail about what happens with a soft credit check.
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Bear in mind… A soft search doesn’t always guarantee you’ll be accepted for a credit card. It's important to read all the eligibility criteria carefully before you make a full application. |
Which credit card has guaranteed approval?
When you’re presented with a guaranteed approval credit card – or ‘pre-approved credit card’ – it isn’t quite what you might think.
It’s actually a term used to describe a card that the lender thinks you’re very likely to successfully apply for, based on its own eligibility criteria and what it already knows about you. But being pre-approved doesn’t always mean you’ll definitely get the card. The credit card provider will still need to do more checks on your borrowing history.
I've done a soft credit search. What’s next?
Once you decide to go ahead and apply for your chosen credit card, you’ll need to pass what’s called a hard credit check. This:
- Looks through your full credit report and history
- Leaves a ‘hard’ inquiry that other lenders can see
- Could affect your credit score
- Can stay on your record for up to two years
Credit card options if you have a bad credit score (or have none whatsoever)
If you don't think you'll qualify for a standard credit card, here are some alternatives you could consider.
Credit builder credit cards
Credit builder cards are sometimes also known as credit cards for bad credit. This is because they’re designed to help you if you’ve a low credit score or have never taken out credit.
- If approved, you’ll typically get a credit limit between £100 and £1,500
- Interest rates on these cards tend to be higher but you can avoid any interest if you pay your balance in full each month
- Keep paying your card on time and you can build up a positive credit history. This can open the door to better credit deals in the future
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Quick tip... Credit builder cards often come with stricter conditions as they’re designed for people seen as higher risk by lenders. Make sure you read all the T&Cs carefully. |
Prepaid credit cards
Prepaid cards work like a pay-as-you-go debit card. You load on cash and can then use them to pay in most places. Here’s how they can be useful:
- Unlike a credit card, a prepaid card typically doesn’t need a credit check
- It may help improve your credit score
- You can only spend the money you’ve added onto the card so it can be a great way to budget and avoid getting into debt
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Bear in mind... Be aware that some services, such as hotels and car rentals, don’t accept prepaid cards. |
What to do if you’re rejected for your credit card application
Rejection can be disheartening – but it’s not the end of the road...
- First, stop and reflect – don't hurry into making another application as lenders may see this as a sign that you’re desperate for credit.
- Find out why they said no – make the most of free access to your credit report to check for any issues or errors that might have led to the decision. The big three credit reference agencies (CRAs) are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
- Don’t apply for more cards immediately if you can possibly avoid it – multiple hard searches in a short space of time can damage your score further, so it’s best to wait at least six months before trying again. During this time, you can focus on building up your credit score, as explained below.
- Ask for help if needed – charities such as StepChange offer free financial advice if you’re struggling with debt or credit issues.
Ways to build your credit score before applying for a credit card
A good credit score increases your chances of being accepted and helps you get better deals. So, if you’re able to work on boosting your credit worthiness before looking at cards – or following a rejection – here are a few ways to do it:
- Get on the electoral roll – registering to vote helps lenders confirm your identity. Visit Gov.uk to register on the electoral roll.
- Check your credit report for errors – make the most of free tools such as Experian or Equifax to check your report is up to date and get any mistakes corrected.
- Pay bills on time – whether it’s utility, phone, or subscription payments, make sure they’re made promptly. Missed or late payments can hang around on your score for up to six years.
- Get your name on the bills – having your name on the utility bills shows responsibility and can help to boost your score.
- Avoid making multiple applications – a hard search is added to your credit file each time you apply for credit. Making lots of applications close to each other can make you appear needy and be flagged up as a credit risk to lenders.
For an in-depth breakdown of the different steps for building credit worthiness, head to our guide on how to improve your credit score.
Allie Simpson - Personal finance and insurance specialist
With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, Allie is an expert in personal finance and insurance products. She’s spent her career helping others quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters.
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