Log in Looking for credit cards for bad credit? Perfect for credit building Guaranteed credit limit Check your eligibility with no impact to your credit score Check my eligibility This won't affect your credit score Representative example: Amount of credit £1,200. Interest rate: 34.0% pa (variable) Representative 34.0% APR (variable) Bad credit credit cards Bad credit credit cards are aimed at borrowers who may have a less than perfect credit score, or who are yet to build their credit rating. If you're just starting out on building your credit score, it may seem scary and complicated, but improving your credit profile is actually straightforward. If you’ve never had a credit card or never borrowed money, you’re seen as more risky – even if you’ve always managed your money well. In these circumstances, a bad credit credit card could work in the same way as a credit-builder card, that is to say, it will allow you to build your credit profile. By starting out with a small credit limit, and making your payments on time, every time, you will slowly build your credit. Perhaps you have had outstanding debt in the past - a few missed payments here, or an unexpected expense there – these things can easily impact a credit score. And it can be even more frustrating when your score means you can’t get the credit you need. Apply for a credit card for bad credit from 118 118 Money with confidence Use our Eligibility check to find out what credit limit we'll offer you before you apply, without affecting your credit rating! Check my eligibility This won't affect your credit score What are credit cards for poor credit? Credit cards for poor credit, also known as credit cards for bad credit, are exactly what they say – credit cards for people who are deemed to have bad credit, or a low credit score. Missed payments? If you’ve missed payments here and there on existing cards, loans or things like your mobile phone, then your previous payment history means you are likely to have a lower credit score, and could be classified as having bad credit. Paying very little off existing credit cards only ever paying the bare minimum off your existing credit cards can have a negative impact on your credit score and stop you credit-building efficiently. You can increase your Direct Debit payment to pay off more than your minimum monthly payment, and if you can afford to do this, you should. Had other financial difficulties? Having difficulty with debt such as county court judgements (CCJs) or becoming bankrupt will result in you having poor credit. These will fall off your credit file after 6 years. Been a victim of fraud? Even being a victim of identity fraud can have an impact on whether you are perceived as having bad debt or poor credit. Make sure you regularly check your credit file to ensure the information there is correct and if you spot anything suspicious, reach out to the credit reference agency for further information. No or very little credit history? Also, not having any credit at all means you are a higher risk to lend to, as there is nothing to base a lending decision on, so a credit card to start building your credit history can help improve your credit rating. Not all lenders will reject you or penalise you for having this type of credit history. There are many out there who will provide credit cards for poor credit, should you have any of the circumstances mentioned above. Guaranteed Rate, Credit Limit and Zero Fees* Credit card for poor credit rating No fees Check your eligibility with no impact to your credit score Check my eligibility *We do not charge any fees. However, third party vendors may have their own charges. An example of this is an ATM where a usage fee could apply. How do credit cards for poor credit work? If you decide to take out a card for poor credit or a credit-builder credit card, it will give you an opportunity to improve your credit score and build your credit history from scratch, or to rebuild your credit if you’ve had some financial difficulties with your borrowing in the past. Your payment history for your new credit card will be reflected in your credit report, thus helping you build or rebuild your credit. It is important to remember that if you only make your minimum monthly repayments, or continuously carry a high balance, it may hinder you if you are trying to improve your credit rating. Getting into the basics of credit cards - they allow you to buy things ‘on credit’. They are a form of borrowing. You’ll get an agreed credit limit, and can make purchases up to this credit limit; then you’ll get a monthly bill for everything. It’s ideal to pay everything off each month - if you’re unable to do so, there will be a minimum repayment you can make; but ideally you should make more than the minimum repayment. If you don’t pay off your full balance every month, then you will pay interest at a rate agreed when you take the card out. It is a good idea to set up a Direct Debit as soon as you can when, or after you take out your card. This means you'll be sure to make your monthly repayment on time, every time, providing you have the funds available in your bank account. Some credit cards for poor credit also allow you to make cash withdrawals, but this can be at a different rate to the purchases you make, and you might have to pay a fee for each withdrawal you make. You can compare various bad credit credit cards by looking at their representative example, and the pre-contractual documents provided during the application journey (such as a Summary Box). This will allow you compare the credit limit, interest rate and representative APR. Introducing something totally different Finally, there's a credit card that's as unique as you are. The 118 118 Credit Card – guaranteed rate credit card - is a credit card for people with less than perfect credit that comes with no fees and no hidden charges – just one single, simple interest rate. Unlike other credit cards, you’ll find it easy to use and understand. And it can help build up your credit if you stay within your limit and make at least the minimum payment each month. You can use our Eligibility check to find out what credit limit we'll offer you before you apply. What makes the 118 118 Credit Card different? Instead of mysterious and unexpected extra costs added to your statement each month, or various interest rates being charged on your balance depending on the transaction, you’ll know exactly what’s what with the 118 118 Credit Card. With its simple flat interest rate, no other fees, and a guaranteed credit limit, we’re here to offer what no other credit cards for people with poor credit can. Because life is full of surprises. Your monthly credit card statement shouldn't be one of them. One simple interest rate for purchases, cash, balance transfers and money transfers. No fee for balance transfers. Get one simple interest rate. Interest free period for up to 51 days, so long as you pay off your balance in full each month. Guaranteed Credit Limit. Guaranteed APR. Guaranteed Zero Fees. Apply for a credit card for bad credit Want to apply for a credit card for bad credit with 118 118 Money? You can try our eligibility check first to see if you’ll be accepted before you apply – and it won’t affect your credit rating. Read what our customers think about us Credit Card FAQs Who is the 118 118 Credit Card for? Who is the 118 118 Credit Card not for? What can you use the 118 118 Credit Card for? What will my minimum repayment be each month? What credit limits are available? What does a representative example show me? But will I be accepted? Can I get a credit card for bad credit? Can I do a balance transfer? What about a money transfer? Will I have to pay an annual fee? Can I get cashback on a credit-builder card? Is having too many credit cards bad for your credit score? Still have questions about getting bad credit credit cards from 118 118 Money? Want to apply for a credit card for bad credit with 118 118 Money? See if you’ll be accepted before you apply and find out what credit limit we will offer you without affecting your credit rating! Check my eligibility Loans Why Our Loans Are Different Loans Calculator Loans FAQs Bad Credit Loans Online Loans Quick Loans Personal Loans Debt Consolidation Loans No-Guarantor Loans Easy Ways to Pay Credit cards Guaranteed Rate Credit Card Credit Cards For Bad Credit Balance Transfer Credit Cards Interest Free Credit Cards Credit Card FAQs Our company Contact Us News Careers FLA Anti-Slavery Statement Brexit FAQs Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Sitemap Complaints s172 Statement Any questions? Give us a bell. Loans 08000 118 000 Monday to Saturday: 8am - 7pm Sunday: 9am - 5pm Bank Holidays: 9am - 5pm Credit cards 08000 118 222 Monday to Saturday: 8am - 7pm Sunday: 9am - 5pm Bank Holidays: 9am - 5pm Grab our app 118 118 Money is the trading name of Madison CF UK Limited. Company No: 08393840. Registered office: Euston House, 24 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1DB. VAT number: 242 5953 01. Madison CF UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 741774). Madison CF UK Limited is also authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 for the provision of payment services. You can confirm our registration on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website or by contacting the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768. 118 118 Money is a member of the FLA (Finance and Leasing Association) and subscribes to its lending code. Credit is subject to status, affordability and credit checks. Credit is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Terms and conditions apply. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies settings Accept All Cookies