Compare First Credit Cards

Compare the best first credit cards for people with no credit history on offer in the UK and the first time credit card that gives you the best deal on spending. Our best first time credit card comparison makes it easy to find the starter credit card that will charge you the lowest interest rate so building your credit history is easy and affordable.
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New to CreditMinimum IncomeInterest Free PeriodMinimum RepaymentInstant DecisionRepresentative APR  
%£(Variable) 
Promoted Results
NatWest
Platinum Card (Online)
£10,000
56
days
1%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
Vanquis
The Visa Card
£0
56
days
4.5%£539.9%
Representative Example: Representative 39.9% APR variable. Based on £1,000 credit limit & annual purchase rate 39.94% p.a. variable.
Suitable if you are new to credit, have had CCJs or have bad credit history. Can apply for up to £2,000 credit.
NatWest
YourPoints World MasterCard
£10,000
56
days
1%£516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
1 point for every £1 spent. Use towards flights, holidays and brands like M&S, Boots and Amazon. 2500 bonus points when you join, and every year thereafter.
Santander
Credit Card
£7,500
56
days
1%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
Manage your accounts online anytime of day. Manage your card on the go with the mobile app for the iPhone or iPad.
Aquis
Visa Card
£0
56
days
3.5%£529.8%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 29.8% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,000 your representative APR will be 29.8% (variable).
AA
Rewards Credit Card
£0
50
days
1%£2516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
Earn Reward Points every time you spend, earn double on fuel. Redeem on a range of products including shopping vouchers and cash back.
Halifax
All in One Card MasterCard
£0
56
days
1%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
The APR and length of the promotional offer are dependent on your personal circumstances.
Halifax, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 1YZ.
Sainsbury's Bank
 
Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card
£0
56
days
2.25%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
RBS
Platinum Card
£10,000
56
days
1%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
Virgin
Atlantic White Card Account
£0
46
days
1%£2517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
3000 bonus Flying Club miles on first spend, plus 1 mile for every £1 spent.
Santander
123 Credit Card
£7,500
56
days
1%£522.8%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 22.8% (variable)+£24 fee p.a
3% cashback on National Rail and Transport for London (TfL) travel. Plus you can still earn 3% Cashback at major petrol stations.
RBS
YourPoints World MasterCard
£10,000
56
days
1%£516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
1 point for every £1 spent Use towards flights, holidays and brands like M&S, Boots and Amazon. 2500 bonus points when you join, and every year thereafter.
Virgin
Atlantic Black Card Account
£0
46
days
1%£2552.1%
Representative Example: 18.9% p.a. variable on card purchases. This is equivalent to 52.1% APR representative variable based on a credit limit of £1,200. Annual fee of £140 is payable.
6,000 bonus miles with your first card purchase.
Lloyds TSB
Advance MasterCard
£0
0
days
1%£511.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 11.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 11.9% (variable).
Lloyds TSB, 25 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HN.
M&S Bank
M&S Credit Card
£0
55
days
2.25%£516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
Tesco Bank
Clubcard Credit Card for Purchases
£5,000
51
days
1%£2516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
Capital One
Classic MasterCard
£0
56
days
1%£534.9%
Representative Example: 34.9% APR representative variable. Based on £1,200 credit limit & annual purchase rate 34.94% p.a. variable.
The minimum payment is an amount equal to the total of (i) 1% of the outstanding balance on your account; (ii) interest applied to your account in that month; and (iii) all Default Sums incurred in that month.
Capital One
Classic Extra
£0
56
days
1%£534.9%
Representative Example: 34.9% APR representative variable. Based on £1,200 credit limit & annual purchase rate 34.94% p.a. variable.
The minimum payment is an amount equal to the total of (i) 1% of the outstanding balance on your account; (ii) interest applied to your account in that month; and (iii) all Default Sums incurred in that month.
Lloyds TSB
Premier Duo Avios without Premier AVA
£0
56
days
1%£523.7%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 13.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 23.7% (variable)+£50 fee p.a
You could get 20,000 Avios - enough for a return flight, when you successfully apply for the Duo Avios and spend £500 a month for the first three months. T&C's apply.
Virgin
Balance Transfer Credit Card
---
£0
50
days
1%£2517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
Tesco Bank
Clubcard Credit Card for Balance Transfers
---
£5,000
51
days
1%£2516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
MBNA
Everyday Credit Card
---
£0
50
days
1%£2512.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 12.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 12.9% (variable).
0% on balance transfers for 18 months from the date your account is opened (1.99% handling fee). For this great rate your balance needs to be transferred within the first 60 days of your account opening
SAV Credit Ltd
aqua Advance Card
---
£0
51
days
1%£534.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 34.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 34.9% (variable).
Simply keep to your credit limit, make repayments when due and watch your interest rate drop to 19.9% APR (variable).
NatWest
Platinum Low Fee BT
---
£10,000
56
days
1%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
Nationwide
Credit Card (Balance Transfer - Online)
---
£5,000
56
days
1%£2515.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 10% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 15.9% (variable).
RBS
Platinum Low Fee BT
---
£10,000
56
days
1%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
Sainsbury's Bank
 
Sainsbury's Cashback Credit Card
---
£0
56
days
2.25%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
5% cashback on Sainsbury's shopping for the first 3 months from account opening (capped at £50 per month). £5 cashback each month when you spend at least £250 per month on Sainsbury's shopping and at least £250 per month elsewhere.
Halifax
Balance Transfer Card 25/3
---
£0
59
days
1%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
The APR and length of the promotional offer are dependent on your personal circumstances.
Halifax, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 1YZ.
MBNA
Rate for Life
---
£0
50
days
1%£2516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
This rate is available on transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. Handling fees of 1.5% (balance transfers and money transfers) apply.
Barclaycard
Initial Credit Card
---
£0
56
days
2.25%£529.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 29.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 29.9% (variable).
Sainsbury's Bank
 
Sainsbury's Nectar Low Rate Credit Card
---
£0
56
days
2.25%£57.8%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 7.8% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 7.8% (variable).
Collect 10 Nectar points per £1 on Sainsbury's shopping for the first 3 months from account opening (capped at £1,000 spend per month). After the first 3 months collect 4 points per £1 on Sainsbury's shopping.
Lloyds TSB
Duo Avios Credit Cards
---
£0
56
days
1%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
You could get 15,000 Avios - enough for a return flight, when you successfully apply for the Duo Avios and spend £500 a month for the first three months. T&C's apply.
SAV Credit Ltd
aqua Classic Card
---
£0
51
days
1%£529.7%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 29.73% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 29.7% (variable).
Representative 29.7% APR available for a limited time only.
Helps build your credit rating, and now track changes with FREE reports and alerts worth up to £80 per year. Get a response in 60 seconds.
SAV Credit Ltd
aqua Classic Card (39.9%)
---
£0
51
days
1%£539.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 39.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 39.9% (variable).
Helps build your credit rating, and now track changes with FREE reports and alerts worth up to £80 per year.
Lloyds TSB
Platinum Purchase Card
---
£0
56
days
1%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
NatWest
Visa Low Rate Credit Card
---
£10,000
56
days
1%£59.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 9.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 9.9% (variable).
Sainsbury's Bank
 
Sainsbury's Cashback Low Rate Credit Card
---
£0
56
days
2.25%£57.8%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 7.8% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 7.8% (variable).
5% cashback on Sainsbury's shopping for the first 3 months from account opening (capped at £50 per month)
Shout
Visa
---
£9,600
---
10%£25627%
Representative Example: If you spend £300 on a purchase transaction at the start of your agreement, and incur total monthly charges of £540 over a period of 20 months your representative APR will be 627% (variable).
The NEW shout Visa Credit Card. For people who want credit to be simple, clear and affordable
Bank of Scotland
 
Platinum Balance Transfer Card
---
£0
56
days
1%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
Full Results
NatWest
Platinum Card (Online)
£10,000
56
days
1%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
Vanquis
The Visa Card
£0
56
days
4.5%£539.9%
Representative Example: Representative 39.9% APR variable. Based on £1,000 credit limit & annual purchase rate 39.94% p.a. variable.
Suitable if you are new to credit, have had CCJs or have bad credit history. Can apply for up to £2,000 credit.
NatWest
YourPoints World MasterCard
£10,000
56
days
1%£516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
1 point for every £1 spent. Use towards flights, holidays and brands like M&S, Boots and Amazon. 2500 bonus points when you join, and every year thereafter.
Santander
Credit Card
£7,500
56
days
1%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
Manage your accounts online anytime of day. Manage your card on the go with the mobile app for the iPhone or iPad.
Aquis
Visa Card
£0
56
days
3.5%£529.8%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 29.8% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,000 your representative APR will be 29.8% (variable).
AA
Rewards Credit Card
£0
50
days
1%£2516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
Earn Reward Points every time you spend, earn double on fuel. Redeem on a range of products including shopping vouchers and cash back.
Halifax
All in One Card MasterCard
£0
56
days
1%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
The APR and length of the promotional offer are dependent on your personal circumstances.
Halifax, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 1YZ.
Sainsbury's Bank
 
Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card
£0
56
days
2.25%£517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
RBS
Platinum Card
£10,000
56
days
1%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
Virgin
Atlantic White Card Account
£0
46
days
1%£2517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
3000 bonus Flying Club miles on first spend, plus 1 mile for every £1 spent.
Santander
123 Credit Card
£7,500
56
days
1%£522.8%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 22.8% (variable)+£24 fee p.a
3% cashback on National Rail and Transport for London (TfL) travel. Plus you can still earn 3% Cashback at major petrol stations.
RBS
YourPoints World MasterCard
£10,000
56
days
1%£516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
1 point for every £1 spent Use towards flights, holidays and brands like M&S, Boots and Amazon. 2500 bonus points when you join, and every year thereafter.
Virgin
Atlantic Black Card Account
£0
46
days
1%£2552.1%
Representative Example: 18.9% p.a. variable on card purchases. This is equivalent to 52.1% APR representative variable based on a credit limit of £1,200. Annual fee of £140 is payable.
6,000 bonus miles with your first card purchase.
Lloyds TSB
Advance MasterCard
£0
0
days
1%£511.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 11.95% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 11.9% (variable).
Lloyds TSB, 25 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HN.
M&S Bank
M&S Credit Card
£0
55
days
2.25%£516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
Nationwide
Credit Card (Purchases)
£5,000
56
days
1%£2515.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 10% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 15.9% (variable).
AA
Members Reward Credit Card Ex/C
£0
50
days
1%£2516.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
AA
Members Balance Transfer Credit Card Ex/C
£0
50
days
1%£2517.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 17.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 17.9% (variable).
actionaid
Flat Rate Visa Credit Card
£10,000
59
days
2%£512.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 12.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 12.9% (variable).
actionaid
Standard Visa Credit Card
£10,000
46
days
2%£518.9%
Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 18.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 18.9% (variable).
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How to Get Approved for Your First Credit Card

Much has been written about the problems with getting credit cards if you've had financial problems like bankruptcy in the past, but the difficulties experienced by those completing their first credit card application aren't so well documented.

Although it might sound strange, lenders are often as cautious – and in some cases more so – about providing credit to individuals who are applying for a first time credit card.

This is because there is simply nothing for them to base their assessment on; if you haven't borrowed money before a lender cannot judge whether you present a secure or risky investment.

Therefore, for those applying for their first credit card no credit history can be a major stumbling block. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that there is no way forward.

Prepare for your first credit card application

If you are hoping to get your first time credit card for a specific purchase, planning well ahead of the event might mean you end up paying less in the long term.

Realistically, the first card you apply for may not provide you with the most competitive rates. However, if you have prepared well enough in advance, this shouldn't matter.

Apply for a credit building credit card and use your card regularly – no matter what the interest rate is – and repay it in full every month before the due date. By adopting this technique you will find that not only will you not have to pay a penny in interest, but you will very quickly notch up a good credit rating allowing you to apply online for another card, at a more competitive rate, having boosted your chances of acceptance.

When it comes to using your first credit card to build credit repaying your balance in full and on time should be your primary focus, not spending or borrowing more money than you can pay off in one go.

Your first credit card limit is also likely to be relative low; another reason why it is essential to plan in advance. There are many cards which are ideally suited for a first timer, you just have to pick the option that's right for you.

Boosting your credit rating

Of course, adopting the above method to try and get your first credit cards will be of no use whatsoever if you don't stick to the normal rules.

This means making sure you are on the electoral roll, checking there are no errors, inaccuracies or omissions in your credit history and that your name is not incorrectly linked with another individual who has financial problems.

If you choose a credit building credit card suitable for first time applicants and make sure you repay your balance on time, don't pay less than the minimum and keep the rest of your credit rating in tip-top condition, it won't take long before you will qualify for some of the better credit card deals on the market.

You can compare the credit cards available to first time credit card holders in our first credit cards comparison table.

Credit Card Comparison

View all credit card reviews.

Alternative Credit Cards

You may want to compare the above credit cards with the following.

MBNA Rate for Life

  • Limitless cash credit limit is offered.
  • Get an initial balance transfer rate of 5.9 percent from the credit card.
  • A £5 minimum bal transfer fee is available.
  • Get 1.4566% mthly balance transfer rate.
  • 16.9 percent representative APR is offered.
  • Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).

HSBC Commercial Card

  • A 15.9% cash credit rate is available.
  • 15.9 percent representative APR.
  • Max balance transfer fee of £0 is available.
  • A 0 percent balance transfer fee is available.
  • Representative Example: 15.9% APR representative variable. Based on £1,200 credit limit & annual purchase rate 15.9% p.a. variable.

Lloyds TSB Business Credit Card Ex/C

  • This credit card has a representative APR of 22.4 percent.
  • The credit card offers a 16.3% cash credit rate.
  • Business Credit Card Ex/C offers a mininmum annual turnover of £0.
  • This credit card has 1 years minimum trading duration.
  • Representative Example: 22.4% APR representative variable. Based on £1,200 credit limit & annual purchase rate 16.3% p.a. variable.

RBS Business Credit Card

  • Initial balance transfer fee of 0%.
  • You can have the benefit of mininmum annual turnover of £0.
  • Limitless max annual turnover is offered.
  • A balance transfer fee of 0 percent is available from RBS.
  • 23.2% representative APR is offered with Business Credit Card.
  • £0 max balance transfer fee is available with Business Credit Card.
  • Representative Example: 23.2% APR representative variable. Based on £1,200 credit limit & annual purchase rate 16.9% p.a. variable.

Capital One Aspire Business

  • This credit card offers a 16.9% average balance transfer rate.
  • Customers have the benefit of standard cashback rate of 0.5 percent.
  • 0 percent bal transfer fee is available with Aspire Business.
  • Aspire Business offers a representative APR of 16.9 percent.
  • Representative Example: 16.9% APR representative variable. Based on £1,200 credit limit & annual purchase rate 16.94% p.a. variable.

MBNA Platinum Credit Card

  • A minimum balance transfer fee of £5 is offered by MBNA.
  • 60 days initial balance transfer window is offered with this credit card.
  • New customers will get mthly balance transfer rate of 1.4566 percent.
  • Balance transfer fee of 5%.
  • Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).

fluid Balance Transfer Card

  • The fluid credit card has a mthly purchase intro rate of 0 percent.
  • You get unlimited maximum intro balance transfer fee.
  • Take advantage of an introductory balance transfer window of 60 days from the credit card.
  • Get a representative APR of 16.9 percent from this credit card.
  • This credit card gives a 0% initial purchase rate.
  • Enjoy an initial purchase duration of 3 months from the credit card.
  • Representative Example: The annual purchase rate is 16.9% p.a.(variable) so if you spend £1,200 your representative APR will be 16.9% (variable).
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