Those with bad credit are unlikely to be accepted for a top credit card, while those with excellent credit scores may have the whole range of top cards to choose from – but what about the middle ground? Having not-so-good credit or 'fair' credit can be more confusing than being at either end of the scale. It can be difficult to know which cards to apply for and what category of eligibility you fall into. In this article we explain how checking your eligibility before you apply can solve these issues. We also cover which credit cards are best for not-so-good credit and all the key information you should know before you apply.
What are credit cards for not-so-good credit?
Credit cards for not-so-good credit will suit people with a middling credit score or limited credit history who may struggle to qualify for the very top credit cards, but still want a card that offers rewards, cashback or other valuable features. These cards may be out of reach for people with bad credit or no credit history, while not being the best available option for those who can access most of the cards on the market. Having a good credit score means you should have a range of options available to you, while a bad credit score suggests your options may be limited and your application could be rejected. An application for a credit card could be declined if you have:
- not met a lender’s income requirements or eligibility criteria
- a limited credit history
- a history of late or missed payments, defaults, or county court judgments (CCJs)
- an IVA (Individual Voluntary Agreement) or Debt Management Plan
- made several credit applications in a short space of time
- been financially linked to someone who has a bad credit history, such as your spouse
If you have been consistently declined for credit cards in the recent past, a bad credit credit card may be the right option for you. Before you apply for a credit card, go to our 'The best way to check your credit score for free' page to make sure you understand your credit position and the simple steps you could take to improve it.
Which credit cards for not-so-good credit are best for you?
Comparing different credit cards is a key part of getting the best deal for you. Money to the Masses has helped to simplify this process by partnering with Creditec*, an online comparison service. You do not need to trawl through countless different provider websites hunting for the best cashback or lowest fees, as Creditec’s personalised search results will show you the key details you need to know in one place. Your tailored list will also feature the cards that you are more likely to be accepted for, cutting down the chance of any applications you make being rejected. Your search results are built using a soft credit search, so there will be no damage to your credit score. You can start your search by clicking this link*.
The best credit cards for not-so-good credit – September 2024
The credit cards below cover a range of different needs and offer a variety of different features. What they all have in common is that you can check your eligibility before you apply without affecting your credit score. This means that you can avoid fruitless applications for cards you are highly unlikely to get and rejections that can damage your credit score.
Keep in mind that while pre-approval is a great way to check how likely your application is to be successful, it is not a final answer. You are not guaranteed to be accepted because the provider will still need to confirm that the information it holds on you is correct, confirm your identity, and perform a hard credit check and fraud checks. For people looking for the best credit cards for not-so-good credit, checking eligibility before you apply and getting pre-approval is a great way to find out how good an applicant you are and what level of credit card you can get.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for any card listed here, including the first alternative option for each category, head over to our 'Best credit cards to build credit' page.
| Card name | Card category | Representative APR | Annual fee | Best features |
| Natwest Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card | All-round | 24.90% | £0 | 19 months interest-free for purchases and balance transfers (must be made within the first 3 months, 2.99% fee applies) |
| Barclaycard Platinum Purchase Credit Card - Check eligibility | 0% purchase | 24.90% | £0 | The longest interest-free period (for those with good credit scores), up to 21 months |
| Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer Credit Card - Check eligibility | 0% balance transfer | 24.90% | £0 | Up to 28 months interest-free for balance transfers (3.45% transfer fee) |
| Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card - Check eligibility | Money transfer | 26.90% | £0 | 12 months interest-free for money transfers (4% transfer fee) |
| American Express Cashback Everyday Credit Card | Cashback | 31.00% | £0 | New cardmembers get 5% cashback on purchases (up to £125) for the first five months of Cardmembership.
Cashback rate falls to 0.5% after the five months end, then rises to 1% once you spend £10,000. Minimum annual spend of £3,000 to qualify for cashback. Cashback credited to card balance after 12 months |
| American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card | Rewards | 88.80% | £195 (£0 in the first year) | 20,000 membership rewards points when you spend £3,000 in your first three months.
Plus 1 point for every £1 spent, 2 points per £1 for purchases made directly with an airline, 3 points per £1 for spending with American Express Travel |
| Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card - Check eligibility | Travelling abroad | 28.90% | £0 | 0% foreign transaction fee, 0% cash withdrawal fee and 0.25% cashback on purchases |
| Lloyds Bank Premium Low Rate Credit Card - Check eligibility | Low APR | 10.90% | £0 | Long-term low interest rate |
Our top all-round pick
Natwest Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card
- Best for: Flexibility. Offers a decent 19 months for both purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfers must be made within the first 3 months.
- Representative APR: 24.90% variable
- Interest-free period: 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for 19 months (Balance transfers are subject to 2.99% fee)
- Annual fee: £0
- Why we like it: This card offers excellent flexibility and a long interest-free period on both purchases and balance transfers. There is no monthly fee, however, those wishing to transfer a balance will be required to pay the 2.99% balance transfer fee. You can read more on the Natwest site here.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the Santander All in One Credit Card (Check eligibility*). For other best-buy all-round options, see our article 'Which are the best balance transfer and purchase credit cards?'.
Our top pick for 0% purchases
Barclaycard Platinum Purchase Credit Card - Check eligibility
- Best for: Balancing spreading the cost of large purchases with a balance transfer
- Representative APR: 24.90% APR after interest-free period
- Interest-free period: Up to 21 months (some successful applicants may get as few as 10 months) on purchases and 20 months for balance transfers (made within 60 days of account opening)
- Annual fee: £0
- Why we like it: Longest 0% purchase period, plus up to five months of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+ and Apple Arcade for free. You can read more on the Barclaycard site here.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (Check eligibility). For other best-buy 0% purchase options, see our article 'Compare the best 0% purchase credit cards'
Our top pick for 0% balance transfers
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer Credit Card - Check eligibility
- Best for: Transferring existing credit or store card debt
- Representative APR: 24.90% variable
- Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.90% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.90% APR (variable)
- Interest-free period: Up to 28 months
- Transfer fee: 3.45%
- Why we like it: This card offers a long interest-free period. You can read more on the Barclaycard site here. If you want a fee-free option, the Natwest Balance Transfer credit card is a good choice though with a shorter interest-free period of 13 months.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card (Check eligibility). For a fee-free option, the Natwest Balance Transfer Credit Card (Check eligibility) is a good choice too, though with a shorter interest-free period of 13 months. To see other balance transfer options, go to our article 'Best 0% balance transfer credit cards'.
Our top pick for money transfers
Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card - Check eligibility
- Best for: Those looking for the longest guaranteed interest-free period with a reasonable fee and APR
- Representative APR: 26.9% variable
- Interest-free period: 12 months
- Transfer fee: 4.00%
- Why we like it: It's a good all-rounder, with the joint longest interest-free period currently available and 0% interest on balance transfers for 28 months. You can read more on the Virgin Money site here.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the Tesco Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card (Check eligibility). For more details on money transfer cards and alternative options, read our article 'A complete guide to the best money transfer credit cards'
Our top pick for cashback
American Express Cashback Everyday Credit Card
- Best for: Fee-free cashback and perks
- Representative APR: 31.00% (variable)
- Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 31% (variable) per annum, your representative rate is 31.0% APR (variable)
- Cashback: 5% cashback on purchases (up to £125) for the first five months of cardmembership, if you have not held a personal American Express card within the previous 24 months. Cashback rate falls to 0.5% after the five months end, then rises to 1% once you spend £10,000. Minimum annual spend of £3,000 to qualify for cashback. Cashback credited to card balance after 12 months
- Rewards: Offers and discounts with selected travel and retail partners, as well as pre-release tickets to music, cinema and theatre through American Express Experiences
- Interest-free period: Maximum 56 days on purchases if you pay the full amount you owe on each statement date on time each month. No interest-free period on balance/money transfers or cash advances (subject to any interest-free promotional offer)
- Annual fee: £0
- Why we like it: American Express is known for its market-beating rewards schemes and this card does not disappoint, combining attractive cashback and rewards without the high annual fees attached to some of its other cards. If you are happy to switch cards after one year, check out the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card as the £195 fee is currently waived for the first year. You can read more on the Amex site here.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the Santander All in One Credit Card (Check eligibility*). Read more about the best cashback and reward credit card options in our article 'Which are the best cashback credit cards UK?'.
Our top pick for rewards
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
- Best for: Earning rewards points on your spending
- Representative APR: 88.80% (variable)
- Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 31% (variable) per annum with a fee of Year 1 - £0, Year 2 onwards - £195 per annum, your representative rate is 88.8% APR (variable)
- Rewards offer: 20,000 membership rewards points when you spend £3,000 in your first three months.
- Rewards rate: 1 point for every £1 spent, 2 points per £1 for purchases made directly with an airline, 3 points per £1 for spending with American Express Travel
- Interest-free period: Maximum 56 days on purchases if you pay the full amount you owe on each statement date on time each month. No interest-free period on balance/money transfers or cash advances (subject to any interest-free promotional offer)
- Annual fee: £195 (£0 in the first year)
- Why we like it: Although it has a high APR and annual fee, this American Express card offers a great deal of flexibility as you can use the points with numerous air miles loyalty schemes, as well as with a wide range of retailers. You can read more on the Amex site here.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card (Check eligibility). Find more of the best rewards credit cards on our 'Compare the best rewards credit cards in the UK' page.
Our top pick for travel
Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card - Check eligibility
- Best for: Earning as you spend abroad and in the UK
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Cash withdrawal fee: 0%
- Representative APR: 28.90% variable
- Perks: Earn 0.25% cashback on everyday spending (excluding balance transfers, money transfers, cash withdrawals, buying currency or travellers’ cheques or gaming-related purchases). Get up to 5 months of free Apple subscriptions when you take out a new card (subscriptions include Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+ and Apple Arcade)
- Why we like it: For those able to pay off the balance in full each month, this card allows you to earn cashback and enjoy rewards while also not charging foreign transaction fees. You can read more on the Barclaycard site here.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the Halifax Clarity Credit Card (Check eligibility). For a comprehensive review of travel credit cards, see our article 'Compare the best travel credit cards'
Our top pick for a low interest rate
Lloyds Bank Premium Low Rate Credit Card - Check eligibility
- Best for: Minimising charges if you can’t pay off the full balance each month
- Representative APR: 10.90% variable
- Balance transfers: 10.94% variable (5.00% fee)
- Purchases: 10.90% variable
- Annual fees: £0
- Why we like it: For those who choose not to switch between interest-free introductory offers, Lloyds Bank provides a consistently low APR for a long period, which allows you to budget more easily.
If you are unsuccessful in being pre-approved for this card, we think the next best option is the Tesco Bank Low APR Credit Card (Check eligibility). Find more of the best rewards credit cards on our 'Best low interest credit cards' page.
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- Find out what credit cards you are eligible for
- This will not affect your credit rating
- 26.5% APR Representative (variable)
How to make the most of credit cards for not-so-good credit
You can avoid any interest charges by paying off the balance on your card within the billing period, usually 56 days. This not only saves you money, but also boosts your credit score. Regular repayments in full will appear on your credit file and suggest to future prospective lenders that you can manage your finances well. You can read more about building your credit rating using a credit card in our article 'How to build your credit score with a credit card'.
Even if you are unable to get a top rewards or cashback card, you should make sure to maximise what your card does offer. For example, this may mean only shopping at the supermarket linked to the card, or making sure to spend the rewards points you earn in the most efficient way possible. That being said, avoid spending more money just to earn extra rewards points, as the points rarely outweigh the cost of the additional spending.
What to consider before getting a credit card for not-so-good credit
Getting a credit card for not-so-good credit can be a stepping stone to even better borrowing options, but there is still risk involved. While building up a good record of borrowing and repaying with a credit card will steadily expand your borrowing options, missing payments will quickly send you in the opposite direction. This means keeping to your credit limit and repaying the balance in full every month or by the end of any 0% period.
You should also make sure that you are getting the right card for your needs. A big-name credit card brand may seem attractive, but you should always think about how you plan to use it. Consolidating debt is for balance transfer cards, spreading the cost of spending is for purchase cards, and earning while you spend is for cashback and rewards cards. Some cards can cover multiple bases, but using a card for a different purpose than the one it is intended for can be an expensive error. You can learn more about the different types of credit card by reading our article 'Which credit card is best for me?'.
The pros and cons of credit cards for not so good credit
Here are the key pros and cons to think about before you apply:
Pros of credit cards for not-so-good credit
- Access credit for a range of different uses, from earning rewards to debt consolidation
- Use eligibility checkers to find out how likely you are to get the card you want without affecting your credit score
- Build a decent credit score into an excellent one
Cons of credit cards for not-so-good credit
- You may not be able to get the very best credit cards
- You are not guaranteed to get the card when you apply, even if you are pre-approved
- You may get the card you want but with a lower credit limit or shorter 0% period
Alternatives to credit cards for not-so-good credit
If you are unable to get pre-approved for any card featured on this page, you should check out our 'Best credit cards to build credit' page. These cards can help you build up your credit history and incrementally widen the range of cards you are eligible for. Alternatively, a bad credit credit card may be the right option if your credit score is very low. Go to our 'The best way to check your credit score for free' page to check your score and learn the simple steps you could take to improve it.
Another alternative is to choose not to borrow any money at all. Using a debit card will be cheaper than having to pay interest on a credit card balance and there are many benefits to using one for everyday spending. These can include cashback and rewards, plus sign-up incentives. You will also limit the possibility of getting into problematic debt, being charged for cash withdrawals or paying unexpected fees. Read our article ‘Best bank account switching offers, cashback & incentives’ to see what options are available.
If a link has an * beside it this means that it is an affiliated link. If you go via the link Money to the Masses may receive a small fee which helps keep Money to the Masses free to use. But as you can clearly see this has in no way influenced this independent and balanced review of the product.
