How to apply for a credit card

The know-how behind the apply-now

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Your step-by-step guide

We walk you through the credit card application journey

Find the right card fit for you

Understand different card types and what could work for you

Check with confidence

See which cards you may be eligible for without affecting your credit score

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How do credit cards work?

A credit card lets you you borrow money to make purchases, up to a set credit limit.
Pay off the balance in full each month and you won’t pay interest
If you only make a partial or minimum payment, you’ll be charged interest on the remaining balance (unless you have a 0% credit card)
Used well, a credit card can help build a positive credit score
Missed payments or falling into debt will have have the opposite effect and make it harder to borrow in the future.

How do I choose what credit card is best for me?

The type of card you choose will depend on what you want to use it for.

Goal	Card type	Pros	Cons
Spread the cost of a large item/items	0% purchase credit card	- Great way to spread the cost of large purchases - No interest to pay for a set time if you clear the balance before the 0% offer finishes - Section 75 could cover purchases between £100 and £30,000	- Interest jumps up to the standard rate once the 0% period ends - Temptation to spend beyond your means - 0% offers are usually for new customers only
Clear debt	0% balance transfer credit card	- Lets you move high-interest debt to a 0% offer - Consolidates debt into one place - Zero-interest periods can last for up to two years or more	- You’ll usually need to pay a balance transfer fee - Unless you’ve got a combo deal, new spending builds up interest - Interest kicks in at the standard rate once the deal ends
Build or improve your credit history	Credit builder credit card	- More chance of being accepted versus other cards, though still not guaranteed - Helps boost your credit score over time if used well	- You’ll usually be offered a lower credit limit - Interest rates will be higher
Earn rewards on everyday spending	Rewards credit card	- Earn cashback, points, vouchers or air miles simply by buying things on your card - Rewards are available from a range of brands	- Possibility of rewards could entice you to spend more - May come with extra fees and high interest rates
Manage spending while studying	Student credit card	- Can help with budgeting while studying - Gives you the opportunity to build a credit history - Some cards offer rewards or cashback	- Interest rates are often higher - Credit limits are usually lower

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Did you know?

Balance transfer cards are our most-applied-for type of credit card, making up 36% of customer applications. They’re followed by purchase cards at 23%, and combined balance transfer and purchase cards at 14%².

What should I consider before applying for a credit card?

Before you apply for a credit card, ask yourself:

Can I manage a credit card?

Credit cards can be handy, but it's important not to spend more than you can afford to repay.

What is my credit score?

Your credit score can affect which cards you're offered, how much you can borrow and the interest rate you'll get.

Can I meet the minimum repayments?

You’ll need to be confident you can make at least the minimum monthly repayments.

Missing payments could harm your credit score and lead to extra charges.

Will I get the advertised interest rate?

The ‘representative APR’ must be offered to at least 51% of people who apply. But that means up to 49% of people could pay more.

The actual interest rate you’re offered will depend on your financial situation.

What rewards can I get for using the credit card?

Some cards offer cashback or rewards. But interest rates can be high on these (as much as 85.8% APR), so they may only be worthwhile if you can pay off your balance in full each month².

What our expert says...

"Applying for a credit card tends to go more smoothly when the choice is tied to a clear need rather than a vague search for extra spending room.

"Checking eligibility and comparing the shape of different offers first can help people avoid unnecessary applications and keep the decision more measured."

Sajni Shah, Personal finance expert

What do I need to check before I apply for a credit card?

Check your credit score

It's worth checking your credit score before you apply. This can help you spot any errors that might affect your chances of being accepted.

The three main UK credit reference agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Check your eligibility

Applying for cards leaves a mark on your credit file, so it's a good idea to check your eligibility first.

Our eligibility checker can show how likely you are to be accepted for different cards without affecting your credit score.

Compare rates and fees

Once you've shortlisted a few cards, compare their interest rates and any fees they charge.

APR (annual percentage rate) gives an idea of the overall cost of borrowing over a year (including interest, fees and charges) if you don't repay your balance in full. The rate you're offered will depend on your personal circumstances.

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

What information will I need to fill in my credit card application form?

When you apply for a credit card, the lender will usually ask you for your:

Current UK address (plus previous addresses for the past three years)
Email address and phone number
Gross annual income
Bank account number and sort code.

Applying online will usually mean less paperwork, and you may be asked:

To answer a few important security questions so the lender can verify your identity
For information about your monthly outgoings, to find out whether you can afford to take on any new debt
To provide more proof of ID, which may mean heading your nearest branch with your ID or posting a certified copy to the lender.

Quick tip

Some cards now give 100% pre-approval, which means you’ll definitely be accepted if you pass fraud checks and the information you’ve given is correct.

How do I apply for a credit card?

Applying for a credit card online is usually quick and straightforward.

Choose which type of card you want

Go to our credit card comparison page and select how you want to use the card (for example spend with 0% interest, build your credit score etc).

Provide your personal details

You’ll need to share information such as your salary and other household income. Lenders use this to check whether you can afford the credit.

See which cards you could be eligible for

We’ll run a soft search on you which won’t show up on your credit record. This enables us to tell you which cards you're most likely to be offered if you apply.

Apply for a card

Once you’ve found a deal and interest rate that you think could work for you, you can click through to the lender’s website to make a formal application.

Start using your new card

If you’re accepted, some lenders will give you a digital card that you can use on your phone (through Apple Pay or Google Wallet) straight away. Others will need you to activate your physical card first – this will usually arrive within 10 working days.

What will impact my eligibility for a credit card?

Being approved for credit depends on whether you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. This will usually involve a range of factors, including:

Check your credit card eligibility

Your age

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old to qualify for a credit card

Your financial history

Most lenders will ask that you haven’t:

- Been declared bankrupt

- Had any individual voluntary agreements (IVAs) or county court judgments (CCJs) against you in the past six years.

Your income

Credit card providers want to see that you have a regular income and can afford the repayments

Check your credit card eligibility

Did you know?

The average income of customers who apply for a balance transfer credit card is £47,166. Their average age is 42².

FAQs

How do credit card companies make a decision?

Credit card providers will usually look at:

Whether you meet their eligibility criteria
Your credit history and credit score
Your income
Whether you can afford the repayments.

What should I do if my credit card application is declined?

If your application gets declined, don’t despair – and don’t make lots of new applications straight away as this could dent your credit score.

Instead:

Contact the provider to find out why you were declined
Address any issues and, if needed, take steps to build up your credit score before applying again.

What credit cards can I get with bad credit?

If you have bad credit, a credit builder card could be an option, though it depends on your financial circumstances.

These cards are designed for people with a low credit score and:

Can help you build your credit history when used responsibly
Often come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates
Could help you access a wider range of cards in the future.

How can I check if I’m eligible for a credit card for poor credit?

Using our online eligibility checker, you can get an idea of the sorts of credit cards you could be eligible for.

Just share a few details and we’ll run a simple soft credit check on you. This won’t affect your credit score and shows you the cards you're most likely to be accepted for.

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Reviewed 07 Jul 2026 by Sajni Shah Personal finance expert

Sajni is passionate about finding money products to help you make great financial decisions. She keeps track of the latest trends and evolving markets to find new ways to help you save money.

Methodology

¹Based on Trustpilot ratings (July 2026).

²Correct as of June 2026.