Know if you're accepted before you apply with QuickCheck

  • Get credit - up to £1,500
  • QuickCheck won’t affect your credit rating
  • Get a fast response in 60 seconds

39.9% APR Representative (variable)
Intelligent Lending Ltd (Credit Broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender

Check Now

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Got a job?

If you’re employed in the UK, this will definitely go in your favour. If lenders can see that you’ve got a regular income, they’ll know that you’ve got a set amount of money every month that you’ll be able to put towards credit card repayments. Some cards will have a minimum income that you’ll have to earn in a year to be able to qualify – so if you’re in a steady job, this will improve your chances.

However, if you don’t have a job or you only work sporadically, it could be a bit trickier to find a lender. There are still credit cards you’ll be able to get, but it will mean that the range is a bit more limited and you may not get the rate you want.

“you need to start building up a history of using credit in the uk...”

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Building credit history

To make it easier for you to be able to borrow, you need to start building up a history of using credit in the UK. Start by opening a UK bank account or – if you can’t get accepted for one – an account with the Post Office or an alternative provider. You’ll then be able to sign up for your credit report from one of the three main credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax or TransUnion .

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Quick credit history fixes

Building a UK credit history takes time and you’ll need to start from scratch as you can’t carry over any credit history from other countries. However, there are a few things you can do to start making a positive change to your credit history.

First off, put the household bills in your name and pay them by Direct Debit. Gas, electricity and water bills now show up on your credit history and if you’re paying these regularly, lenders will start to see you as someone who manages their finances responsibly.

You should also try to avoid applying for credit that you’re not going to get accepted for. Every time you make a credit application, it shows up on your credit history. Making lots of applications within a short space of time can make you seem desperate for credit and can scare potential lenders away. Check the likelihood that you’ll be accepted for a particular credit card before you apply with a credit card eligibility calculator, like Ocean QuickCheck.

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Ocean Credit Card

Another way you could start to improve your credit rating is with the Ocean Credit Card*. It’s specifically designed for people who need to build their credit history, whether they’ve had problems with borrowing in the past or they’ve just not got any history of using credit.

With a relatively small initial credit limit, you’ll be able to borrow a manageable amount that you then ensure you repay in full each month. This will demonstrate to lenders that you’re a responsible user of credit, which could help improve your credit history.

It's important to remember that missing or making late payments could harm your credit rating.

*39.9% APR Representative (variable)

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Fees and interest rate

The Ocean Credit Card has an initial credit limit of £200 to £1,500 and an interest rate of 39.9% APR representative variable. You’ll only pay interest on any balances that you hold for longer than 56 days, so pay it off before this time and it won’t cost you anything. By using your credit card responsibly and clearing it in full every month, it could mean that you’ll find it easier to get accepted for credit in the future.

You can apply online for the Ocean Credit Card or if you want to read more information about how it works, check out the application page.

Know if you're accepted before you apply with QuickCheck

  • Get credit - up to £1,500
  • QuickCheck won’t affect your credit rating
  • Get a fast response in 60 seconds

39.9% APR Representative (variable)
Intelligent Lending Ltd (Credit Broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender

Check Now