Easy to Obtain Credit Cards UK

Whether you need to get:

• a credit card quickly; or
• a card even though your credit history is poor or not perfect; or
• a decision on whether someone will give you a credit card

this guide has ideas on companies for you to approach. 

Instant Approval Online Credit Cards

Some credit card companies offer instant or almost instant decisions.  Cards advertising this (subject to there being no queries etc) include:

• Capital One Classic
• Tesco Bonus
• Mint
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Nationwide
• Egg

An instant or very quick decision is, of course, great but for most people knowing when they will actually receive a card is also important.  The companies listed below give the following guidelines about when you will usually receive a card assuming that there are no issues or queries relating to your application.  Note that some of the times are quoted in working days – that excludes the weekends and Bank Holidays.

Credit Cards with a Poor Credit History

If you are concerned that you have a poor credit record, consider applying for the cards listed below.  Many of these are marketed as “easy to obtain credit cards”.  UK borrowers with poor credit records now have a larger range of cards which may be available to them than ever before.

• Capital One Classic VISA
  
• Aqua Cards
  
• Vanquis Card
• Extreme Cred - Prepaid card

Do You Have a Poor Credit History?

An adverse credit history would include one or more of:

• County Court Judgements (CCJs)
• Late payments – credit cards, loans or household bills
• Defaults
• Bankruptcy

A credit card company may also be concerned if:

• You are not registered to vote at the address stated on your credit card application
• You have made a large number of applications for credit cards
• You have not previously had any credit.

Guaranteed Approval PrePaid Cards

Prepaid cards available in the UK include:

• Extreme Cred

Pre-paid credit cards are not really credit cards but a form of debit card.  They work in a similar way to pre-paid phone cards.  You sign up for a card and then top up the card with money which you can spend using the card.  There is usually an initial fee to pay when you sign up.
             
There is no risk of you getting into debt with a pre-paid card, so the application process is usually very straightforward and some companies even guarantee approval.  Prepaid cards can work very well for people who have had debt problems and have found it hard to obtain a credit card or indeed would prefer not to have a credit card

Prepaid cards are also be useful for parents who want their children to have a taste of managing budgets without the risk of getting into debt.  The cards can usually be topped up in a number of ways so, in an emergency, a parent could top up a child’s card remotely.  Ideal if, for example, a student on a gap year needs money quickly.

© Local Service Guide Limited 2007 Easy to Obtain Credit Cards UK