What is a graduate credit card?
Even though people often search for “graduate credit cards,” there isn’t a special card that only recent graduates can apply for. Instead, banks offer a few types of cards that naturally suit people who are just starting out. These include student cards, credit-builder cards, and entry-level cards.
Student cards are designed for people at university but some banks allow recent graduates to apply if they still meet the basic criteria. Credit-builder cards are made for anyone with little or no credit history, so many new graduates fit this group. Entry-level cards are simple, no-frills credit cards that you can apply for once you have some income.
Can a graduate get a credit card?
Yes it’s possible for graduates to get a credit card. Banks mainly check that you are over 18, live in the UK, and have some form of income. That income might be a graduate job, part-time job or other regular payments. Lenders also look at your credit history, if you have one, to see if you usually pay bills on time.
If you don’t have much credit history yet, that’s completely normal. Most graduates start from scratch, and many credit cards are made for beginners. You might get a lower credit limit at first, but this can grow over time if you use the card well.
What do lenders look at?
When you apply, lenders check a few simple things:
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Your age and UK address confirm you’re eligible.
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Your income helps the bank decide whether you can afford the card.
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If you already have a credit history, they’ll look at how you’ve managed past bills or borrowing. If you don’t have a history yet, that’s fine — it just means the lender may offer a smaller limit.
All of this helps the lender make sure the credit card is affordable for you.
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Fiona Peake
Personal Finance Writer
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
