If you've never had a credit card before, these first time credit cards could accept you without any credit history.
By answering just a few simple questions, you can see the cards you're likely to be accepted for
Protect your credit score
We use a 'soft search' credit check to find cards you're likely to be accepted for without affecting your credit score.
Matches you to the right card
We'll match you with cards that'll help you build your credit, so it won't matter if you haven't taken out credit before.
Peace of mind
Knowing your chances of getting approved means you're not going in blind, so you can apply with confidence.
You'll only find results from genuine companies. Our data experts check each company before we add them to our comparisons.
1
Compare credit cards
Use our table of offers to find a credit card that offers all the features you need with the lowest fees and interest rates.
2
Check your eligibility
Carefully review your chosen card's terms to make sure you fit its eligibility criteria, then get your proof of ID ready.
3
Apply for the card you want
Click "view deals" and fill out the application form on the provider's website. Then sit back and wait for a reply.
| CCJs Allowed | |
| Credit Rating | poor |
| History of Bankruptcy | not in last 12 months |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| UK Resident |
| CCJs Allowed | not in last 12 months |
| Credit Rating | poor |
| History of Bankruptcy | not in last 18 months |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| UK Resident |
| CCJs Allowed | |
| Credit Rating | poor |
| History of Bankruptcy | false |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Minimum Income | £15,000 |
| UK Resident |
| CCJs Allowed | |
| Credit Rating | poor |
| History of Bankruptcy | false |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Minimum Income | £15,000 |
| UK Resident |
| CCJs Allowed | |
| Credit Rating | poor |
| History of Bankruptcy | not in last 12 months |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| UK Resident |
| CCJs Allowed | |
| Credit Rating | poor |
| History of Bankruptcy | not in last 12 months |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| UK Resident |
| CCJs Allowed | |
| Credit Rating | poor |
| History of Bankruptcy | not in last 12 months |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| UK Resident |
We are classed as a credit broker for consumer credit, not a lender.
Our services are provided at no cost to you. We may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to, but this does not affect what you will pay for the product you choose.
A credit card is similar to a debit card, the main different is that when you make purchases using a credit credit you are actually borrowing money from the provider which issued the credit card.
The credit card provider will send you a bill for your spending at the end of the month. You can choose to pay off the entire balance, or pay the minimum required monthly payment. However, you will pay interest on the remaining balance that you don't pay off.
When you apply, the credit card provider will check your credit record to help them decide whether to give you the card or not.
If you have never borrowed money before, you will have nothing on your credit record. This means credit card companies will not have any information to work out how well you can handle your finances.
But don't worry. Everybody has to get their first credit card at some point, and while some providers may not accept you, there are those that will.
The above comparison table includes credit cards that may accept you even if you have never used one before.
For each card the table shows:
The representative APR (the interest rate the card may charge)
The interest rate on any purchases you make, including details of any interest free periods
For a first credit card, you want to look for the card that offers the lowest interest rate, and if possible any interest free period it offers.
Here is a closer look at how to get a first time credit card.
You should apply for a card that is likely to accept you instead of applying for several in one go. This is because seeing too many applications on your credit record can put lenders off.
Use our CardFinder to find out what cards you can get and improve your chances of being accepted when you apply.
Here is some more information on how to find credit cards that could accept you.
A credit card can be a smart way to spend, but only if you use it in the right way. Spending on a credit card creates debt, so you could run in to financial difficulty if you are unable to pay it off every month.
Before you apply for your first credit, make sure you understand a few key terms:
Representative APR
The rate you are actually offered may differ from the representative APR. This is only the advertised rate, which providers must offer to just 51% of successful applicants.
Introductory APR
Providers will often offer low (or even 0%) interest rates to bring in customers. Bear in mind that these interest rates will not last forever. You will be moved onto the standard interest rate once the introductory period ends.
Credit limit
The credit limit you end up with will depend on your credit history and financial situation. Sometimes you won't know the exact details until you have your card, but you may be able to request a higher limit.
Fees and charges
Missing a payment, exceeding your credit limit, withdrawing cash and some overseas spending will likely result in a penalty charge.
Minimum repayments
This is the minimum amount you must pay off each month, though it is always best to try and pay off your entire balance. Failing to meet the minimum payment could affect your credit score.
You should see your first credit card as a stepping stone to start building your credit history. Use it for everyday expenses and then pay off the full balance every month. Keep this is up for six months or more, and you'll eventually building up a credit history that will enable you to be accepted for more attractive deals.”Salman Haqqi (personal finance expert), Personal Finance Editor
Although you may not have a history of borrowing there are ways you can establish your self as someone who is responsible with their finances. Here are some things you can do:
Get on the electoral roll: Registering to vote provides proof of address, which can help improve your credit score
Opening a bank account: Managing a current account can help you establish yourself as financially responsible. You can set up direct debits to pay your bills such as you cell phone bill, gym membership, etc, and if you always have enough money to cover these expenses it can help in showing that you can be trusted with credit.
Pay your bills on time: Making payments by the due date goes a long way in showing that you'd be a trustworthy borrower.
Get a job and regular income: A regular salary will mean that you'll have the funds to repay any debt you incur, which should help your chances in being approved.
If you've been accepted for your credit card, there are a few things to watch out for to help get a better deal in the future:
A strong credit history will help you get accepted for a wider range of cards in the future, meaning you could get a lower interest rate, a higher credit limit or more tempting extra features like interest free periods or balance transfers.
If you use your starter card sensibly for several months, your credit record will look better to credit card companies. Make sure you always:
Here is how else you can build and improve your credit record
See which cards you are most likely to be accepted for without affecting your credit score
0% credit cards do not charge you interest on your purchases for a set period of time. They're commonly used for buying big, expensive products so you can spread out the cost.
More on using a credit card for interest free purchasesHere is how to improve your chances of getting accepted for a credit card.
Read MoreMasterCard and Visa work very similarly to one another. They are payment networks, which process payments when you spend using your credit, debit or prepaid card.
Read MoreChoosing the right type of credit card could save you money in interest, earn you rewards or help you get accepted. Here is how to pick the right one and where to find it.
Read MoreYou can take these steps to improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting accepted for credit in the future.
Read MoreIf you pay off your credit card every month you could make a profit on your spending with a cashback card. Here is how to pick a card and maximise what you earn.
Read MoreComparing credit cards could help you save money or get more rewards from your spending. Our award-winning credit card comparison service makes sure you get our best deals for 0% periods and more. Our aim is to provide you with the most up-to-date information, as well as useful tools and calculators so to help you make life's most important decisions and take control of your money.
We have always aimed to provide the best possible services to bridge the gap between our users and our clients. Over the years, we have been thrilled to be recognised by various prestigious bodies and organisations for those efforts.
Last updated: 16 May, 2022
