How are bad credit credit cards different from other cards?

Credit cards for bad credit work just like regular credit cards – they're plastic, contactless, and come with an account number and 16-digit card number. They also have Section 75 protection and can be used to spend just the same way. The main differences are in elligibility, APR, and credit limits. Credit cards for bad credit usually have more flexible requirements, making it easier to get approved if your credit history isn’t perfect. However, you may face higher interest rates and lower credit limits compared to standard cards.

Why get a credit card for bad credit?

If you have bad credit, a credit card designed for people with poor or no credit can help you improve your credit score over time. These cards are usually easier to get approved for, but often have higher interest rates and lower credit limits. To show lenders that you’re a responsible borrower, make sure to stay within your credit limit and pay your bills on time. Going over your limit, paying late, or missing payments can hurt your credit score. Using a bad credit credit card responsibly can make you eligible for a better deal next time you apply for credit. Why should I check my eligibility before applying for a bad credit credit card? Checking your eligibility before applying helps you see if you’re likely to be approved without affecting your credit score. This way, you can avoid multiple applications that might lower your score. An eligibility checker gives you a better idea of your chances and helps you apply knowing you’ll be accepted. This also allows you to choose the best card for your situation, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary hard credit checks.

Why should I check my eligibility before applying for a bad credit credit card?

Check your eligibility before applying helps you see if you’re likely to be approved without affecting your credit score. This way, you can avoid multiple applications that might lower your score. An eligibility checker gives you a better idea of your chances and helps you apply knowing you’ll be accepted. This also allows you to choose the best card for your situation, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary hard credit checks.

What is the lowest credit score to get a credit card?

There isn’t a specific lowest credit score that guarantees approval for a credit card, as requirements vary by lender and card type. Generally, credit cards for poor credit or those designed for people with poor credit histories have more flexible requirements. If you have a low credit score, you might still qualify for these types of cards. Using an eligibility checker can help you understand your chances without affecting your credit score.

What’s the difference between bad credit and no credit?

Bad credit indicates past issues managing credit, while no credit means you have little or no credit history. Both scenarios can make getting credit harder, but lenders might view them differently. If you have no credit: You haven’t used credit products like loans and credit cards. Small steps like joining the electoral roll and having your name on a household bill can make you more likely to be accepted for a credit card. If you have bad credit: You've had past issues managing credit, like missed payments, defaults, or high amounts of debt. Improving your chances of being accepted for a card could include paying down debts, reducing your credit utilisation, and checking your report for mistakes.

How does bad credit affect you?

Having bad credit can make it harder to borrow money or get approved for things like credit cards, loans, or mortgages. Even if you are accepted, you might be offered higher interest rates or lower credit limits. Bad credit can also affect other areas of life, such as: Renting a home – some landlords carry out credit checks. Utility bills and phone contracts – providers may ask for a deposit if your credit score is low. Employment – a small number of jobs, especially in financial services, may include a credit check. The good news is that bad credit doesn’t last forever. By making payments on time and managing your money carefully, you can rebuild your credit score over time.

Credit Cards for Bad Credit

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39.9% APR Representative (variable)

Intelligent Lending Ltd (credit broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender.

Ocean rated Exceptional on Feefo with over 3,379 reviews.

What is a credit card for bad credit?

This type of credit card is designed for people who are new to borrowing or have faced money struggles in the past.

These cards can help you rebuild your credit score and show lenders you can borrow responsibly — as long as you stay within your credit limit, and make your payments on time.

Keep in mind that missing payments could negatively impact your score.

How to apply

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What is bad credit?

Bad credit simply means your score has room to improve. It can happen if you’ve missed payments or haven’t borrowed before, but it’s not permanent.

If you have a poor credit score, it could be down to a few things like:

New to borrowing

You might be new to the UK, just turned 18, or haven't needed to borrow before. If lenders can't see how you'd manage credit, it can work against you.

Struggling with payments

If you've missed or been late with payments for money you've borrowed, your score can take a knock. However, if you get back on top of your payments, your score can recover.

Too much debt

If you're using most of your available credit, or you've applied for multiple financial products in a short time, it makes lenders cautious about lending more.

CCJs, IVAs & bankruptcy

These happen when debts become unmanageable. County Court Judgements, IVAs, or bankruptcy are serious but not permanent – they don’t define you forever.

FIRST 6 MONTHS

Initial wins

Use your card responsibly  (+95 points)
Keep your card spending low  (+40 points)
Register to vote  (+60 points)

6 MONTHS - 2 YEARS

New opportunities

You may quality for better credit card rates
Mobile contracts without deposit
Personal loan applications get easier

2+ YEARS

Major milestones

You may qualify for a mortgage
Better loan rates
Premium cards available

Estimate based on CredAbility user data analysed over 6 months as of May 2025. Points earned may vary.

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39.9% APR Representative (variable)

Bad credit doesn't have to be permanent - these credit cards are designed to help you turn things around. Use it carefully - pay on time and stay within your limit - and you'll show future lenders that you can manage credit well.
Fiona Peake,Personal Finance Writer

Need help with debt?

Life can take a twist when we least expect it. If you’re struggling with debt, talk to your lender straight away to see if there’s anything they can do to help. For more information and free, impartial advice, get in touch with:

Citizens Advice	MoneyHelper
National Debtline	StepChange
MoneyWellness

Citizens Advice	MoneyHelper
National Debtline	StepChange
MoneyWellness

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Got questions?

Whether you're accepted for a credit card depends on the provider's criteria and your personal situation. This includes your credit history. The better your credit history, the more likely you are to be accepted.

But even if you have bad credit, you might still be approved for a card that is designed for your circumstances.

We have an eligibility checker that tells you how likely you are to be approved. This checker uses a soft search, which doesn’t affect your credit score. So, you can check your eligibility before applying without any risk.

If you then apply and aren’t approved, wait 3-6 months before applying again. During this time, work on improving your credit score and use an eligibility checker before trying again.

The Ocean Credit Card starts with a minimum credit limit of £200 and can go up to £1,500. The exact limit you receive depends on your credit history and financial situation. We keep the credit limit lower to help you build your credit without taking on too much debt.

If you use your card responsibly, you might qualify for higher credit limits in the future. Just remember, a larger limit can mean a bigger balance, which could take longer to pay off and may increase your interest costs.

The APR you’re offered depends on your personal situation. For the Ocean Credit Card, the representative APR is 39.9%, which means at least 51% of our customers receive this rate or lower.

It’s important to only borrow what you can afford, as missing payments can seriously affect your credit history. If you want to qualify for better interest rates, you might consider building up your credit history before applying for a credit card.

You can check your eligibility with us before you start your application. This will show you whether you’re eligible, without impacting your credit score. You’ll also be able to see your guaranteed APR and credit limit if you’re pre-approved.

The eligibility checker gives a strong idea of your chances of approval, provided that all the information you’ve given is accurate.

Negative marks on your credit record stay for up to 6 years. Over time, the impact on your credit score should lessen if you manage your credit responsibly. This even includes serious actions like a default or a CCJ.

During this period, you can improve your score by paying bills on time, registering on the electoral roll, and limiting the number of credit applications you make.

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What is credit card pre-approval and how does it work?

Last updated 14th May 2026

Reviewed by: Matt Waller

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This page has been reviewed to ensure it is accurate and compliant with FCA guidelines.

For more information on our fact-checking process, read our editorial policy.

Credit Cards for Bad Credit

See if it’s a yes in 60 seconds

What is a credit card for bad credit?

How to apply

Check your eligibility

We’ll tell you if it’s a yes

If accepted

Your credit. Made simple.

What is bad credit?

New to borrowing

Struggling with payments

Too much debt

CCJs, IVAs & bankruptcy

How long does it take to improve your credit score?

Initial wins

New opportunities

Major milestones

Need help with debt?

Let's make it a yes

Got questions?

Can you get a credit card with a CCJ?

What is credit card pre-approval and how does it work?

Can my credit card get declined?

What happens when debt is sold to a collection agency?

What are priority bills?

What is a financial association?

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