What Credit Score Do You Need for a Credit Card UK?
Quick Answer:
**There's no single minimum credit score, but general guidelines are: credit builder cards accept scores from 300+, standard cashback/rewards cards need 670-720+, and premium cards require 720-850+.** UK lenders use Experian (0-999), Equifax (0-700), or TransUnion (0-710) scores, plus additional factors like income and credit history length.
📋 In This Guide
UK Credit Score Ranges Explained
Unlike the US (which uses a standard 300-850 FICO score), the UK has three main credit reference agencies, each with different scoring systems.
The 3 UK Credit Scoring Systems
Experian (0-999)
Most widely used by UK lenders. Free to check via Experian app or MSE Credit Club.
Equifax (0-700)
Free to check via ClearScore app.
TransUnion (0-710)
Free to check via Credit Karma app.
💡 Important Note
Different lenders use different credit reference agencies. Your Experian score might be "Excellent" (950) while your Equifax score is only "Good" (540) because they hold slightly different information about you. This is normal. Check all three to get a full picture.
Credit Score Requirements by Card Type
Here's a realistic breakdown of what credit scores typically work for different card types in 2024:
Credit Builder Cards
Experian
300+
Equifax
200+
TransUnion
300+
Designed for people with bad credit, no credit history, or rebuilding after bankruptcy/CCJs.
Typical Features:
- • Low credit limits (£50-£500)
- • High APR (30-40%)
- • Higher acceptance rates
- • Examples: Aqua Advance, Capital One Classic, Vanquis
Student Credit Cards
Experian
500-600+
Equifax
350-420+
TransUnion
450-520+
Specifically for students with limited/no credit history. More lenient than standard cards.
Typical Features:
- • Credit limits £200-£1,200
- • APR 18-35%
- • Proof of student status required
- • Examples: Barclaycard Forward, NatWest Student
Standard Cashback/Rewards Cards
Experian
670-720+
Equifax
450-500+
TransUnion
550-600+
Entry-level rewards cards offering 0.25-1% cashback or basic points. Need fair-to-good credit.
Typical Features:
- • Credit limits £1,000-£5,000
- • APR 18-25%
- • Basic cashback/rewards
- • Examples: Tesco Clubcard, Amazon Platinum
Balance Transfer / 0% Purchase Cards
Experian
720-800+
Equifax
480-550+
TransUnion
580-620+
0% promotional rates on balance transfers or purchases. Require good credit and stable income.
Typical Features:
- • Credit limits £2,000-£15,000
- • 0% for 6-29 months (then 20-25% APR)
- • Balance transfer fee 2-4%
- • Examples: Virgin Money, MBNA, Barclaycard
Premium Rewards Cards
Experian
850+
Equifax
580+
TransUnion
650+
High cashback rates, travel perks, lounge access. Require excellent credit and high income (£30k-£50k+).
Typical Features:
- • Credit limits £5,000-£50,000+
- • Annual fees £0-£500+
- • 1-3%+ cashback or premium travel rewards
- • Examples: Amex Platinum, Barclaycard Avios Plus
What Else Lenders Check (Beyond Your Score)
Your credit score is important, but it's not the only factor. Lenders perform a full credit check and assess multiple criteria:
1. Income and Employment
Lenders want to know you can afford repayments. They check:
- •Annual income (employment, self-employment, benefits, pension)
- •Employment stability (how long in current job)
- •Type of employment (permanent vs temporary)
2. Credit Utilization
How much of your available credit you're using. Calculated as:
(Total Credit Used ÷ Total Credit Available) × 100
✅ Good
Under 30% utilization looks responsible
❌ Bad
Over 75% suggests financial stress
3. Payment History
Your track record of paying bills on time:
- ✓No missed payments in last 6 months: strong positive signal
- ✗Multiple missed payments: major red flag
- ✗Defaults/CCJs: significantly reduce approval chances
4. Credit History Length
Longer credit histories are viewed more favorably. A 30-year-old with 10 years of credit history will have better chances than an 18-year-old with the same credit score but only 6 months of history.
5. Recent Credit Applications
Too many applications in a short period looks desperate and reduces approval chances.
⚠️ Rule of Thumb:
Wait at least 3 months between credit card applications. Multiple rejections damage your score further.
6. Residential Status
Homeowners and long-term renters (3+ years at address) are seen as lower risk than those who move frequently. Electoral roll registration also helps.
How to Check Your Credit Score for Free
Checking your own credit score via these services doesn't affect your credit rating (it's a "soft search").
Experian
0-999
Most widely used by UK lenders. Essential to check.
Free Access:
- • Experian app
- • MSE Credit Club
Equifax
0-700
Used by many banks and building societies.
Free Access:
- • ClearScore app
TransUnion
0-710
Used by some major lenders and fintech companies.
Free Access:
- • Credit Karma app
💡 Pro Tips
- →Check all three scores—they can vary by 100+ points
- →Review your full credit report for errors (wrong addresses, fraud, etc.)
- →Use eligibility checkers BEFORE applying to see your approval odds
- →Monitor monthly—scores update regularly as your credit file changes
How to Improve Your Approval Chances
Quick Wins (1-3 months)
- ✓Register on electoral roll at your current address
- ✓Correct any errors on your credit file
- ✓Reduce credit utilization below 30%
- ✓Close old unused accounts you don't need
- ✓Use eligibility checkers (soft search) before applying
Long-term Strategy (6-12 months)
- →Pay all bills on time, every time (set up Direct Debits)
- →If you have bad credit, get a credit builder card and use it responsibly
- →Avoid applying for credit unless necessary
- →Stay at the same address for 12+ months if possible
- →Build credit history length (older accounts are valuable)
If You Keep Getting Rejected
Don't panic and apply everywhere—this makes it worse. Instead:
1. Wait 3-6 months
Let recent applications fall off your credit report's "search" section
2. Request your credit file
Check for errors, fraud, or issues you can fix (e.g., wrong addresses)
3. Start with a credit builder card
Use it for 6-12 months to build history, then try for better cards
4. Consider a guarantor
Some lenders accept guarantors (parents, partners) for applicants with thin credit files
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 500 a good credit score UK?
It depends on which agency. On Experian (0-999), 500 is "Very Poor" and limits you to credit builder cards. On Equifax (0-700), 500 is "Good" and should qualify you for standard cards. Always check which scoring system is being used.
Can I get a credit card with a 600 credit score?
Yes, likely. With an Experian score of 600 (Poor-Fair range), you should qualify for credit builder cards and possibly entry-level student cards. You won't get balance transfer or premium rewards cards, but you can build your score up with responsible use.
Does checking my credit score lower it?
No. Checking your own score via free services (ClearScore, MSE Credit Club, etc.) is a "soft search" and doesn't affect your score. Only "hard searches" from actual credit applications affect your score. Check as often as you like.
How long does it take to build credit from nothing?
With a credit builder card or student card, you can build enough credit history for standard cards in 6-12 months. Excellent credit typically takes 2-3+ years of consistent, responsible credit use. The key is making all payments on time and keeping utilization low.
Why was I rejected despite a good credit score?
Credit scores aren't the only factor. You could be rejected due to: low income, unstable employment, too many recent credit applications, not being on the electoral roll, high credit utilization, or the lender's internal affordability criteria. Request a reason from the lender.
Which credit score do lenders use in the UK?
It varies by lender. Some use Experian, others use Equifax or TransUnion. Many use multiple agencies. The lender won't tell you beforehand which they use, so it's best to check all three scores and keep them all healthy.
🎯 Key Takeaways
No Single "Minimum Score"
Requirements vary by card type: credit builders accept 300+, standard cards need 670-720+, premium cards require 850+.
Check All Three Agencies
UK uses Experian (0-999), Equifax (0-700), and TransUnion (0-710). Your scores will differ across each.
Score Isn't Everything
Lenders also check income, employment, credit utilization, payment history, and recent applications.
Use Eligibility Checkers
Soft searches show your approval odds without affecting your score—always check before applying.
Find the Right Card for Your Score
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