Can you get a credit card with no credit check?
The short answer is no — every UK credit card lender has to run a credit check before they can approve you. But that doesn't mean you're out of options. If your score is low, or you've never borrowed before, there are still practical ways to move forward without damaging your score further.
This guide walks you through what to expect, what to watch out for, and where to go next.
5 min read
In a nutshell
- Most credit cards require a credit check – but you can still explore options like prepaid cards or use eligibility checkers that don’t impact your credit score.
- Watch out for risky 'no credit check' offers – some lenders charge high fees or aren’t regulated, so always check they’re authorised by the FCA.
- Credit builder cards can help you move forward – they’re designed for people with poor or no credit, and can improve your score if you use them responsibly.
- You can boost your chances before you apply – by checking your credit report, registering to vote, reducing debts, and using eligibility checkers first.
What is a credit check?
A credit check is when a lender looks at your credit report to help them decide whether to lend to you. It shows how you've handled borrowing in the past, including:
- Any missed or late payments
- Your current borrowing, like loans or other credit cards
- Whether you've had any CCJs, defaults or insolvencies
- Your credit utilisation (how much of your available credit you use)
Most credit card companies carry out a hard credit check when you apply. This leaves a mark on your credit report that other lenders can see. Too many hard checks in a short space of time can affect your score.
What is the difference between a soft and hard credit check?
There are two types of credit check, and understanding the difference can help you protect your score.
A soft credit check is a light look at your credit report. It doesn't affect your score and only you can see it — other lenders can't. Soft checks are used for things like eligibility checkers, background checks, and when you check your own credit report.
A hard credit check is a full review of your credit history. It's recorded on your credit report and is visible to other lenders. Hard checks are carried out when you formally apply for credit, such as a credit card, loan, or mortgage. Most hard checks stay on your file for 12 months.
One hard check is unlikely to have a big impact on your score. But several in a short space of time can make lenders think you're struggling financially, which can affect your chances of being approved.
Are there any exceptions to the credit check rule?
In most cases, no lender will skip a credit check — but there are a couple of exceptions worth knowing about.
Prepaid cards
Prepaid cards aren't credit cards, but they can be a useful option if you're trying to avoid a credit check. You load money onto them and spend only what you've added — there's no borrowing involved, so most providers don't need to run a credit check.
Some prepaid cards also help you build your credit score by reporting your usage to credit reference agencies, but not all do. It's worth checking before you apply.
Credit builder cards with eligibility checkers
You can't skip the credit check altogether, but many lenders now offer eligibility checkers. These use a soft check that doesn't affect your credit score.
You answer a few questions about your income and credit history, and the tool tells you how likely you are to be accepted. If things look good, you can choose to go ahead with a full application, which would then include a hard credit check.
Ocean Credit Card
See if it's a YES before you apply
- Up to £3,000 credit limit
- Checking won't affect your credit score
- Get a response in 60 seconds
39.9% APR APR Representative (variable)
Intelligent Lending Ltd (credit broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender.
Are no-credit-check credit cards safe?
Be careful if you see a company advertising a "no credit check credit card" — especially if it's not a well-known lender. Some may charge high upfront fees, come with unfair terms, or even be scams.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Asking for money before you've been approved
- Guaranteeing approval, no matter your situation
- Not being regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Poor online reviews or hard-to-find contact details
Always check if the company is authorised by the FCA before you apply. You can do this for free on the FCA Register.
What are your options if you have bad credit or no credit history?
Whether your credit score is low or you simply haven't borrowed before (meaning you may have a thin file), you still have options. It's worth knowing that these are two slightly different situations.
Bad credit means you have a credit history, but it includes things like missed payments, defaults, or CCJs. Lenders can see this and may consider you a higher risk.
No credit history means there isn't enough information on your file for lenders to assess you — not because you've done anything wrong, but because you haven't used credit before. This can apply if you've just turned 18, recently moved to the UK, or haven't used credit in a long time.
In both cases, a credit builder card can be a good place to start. These are credit cards designed for people with poor or limited credit history. They usually come with:
- A low credit limit (often between £200 and £1,500)
- A higher interest rate than standard cards
- The chance to improve your credit score over time
If you use the card carefully — making payments on time and staying within your limit — it shows lenders you can borrow responsibly, which can help your score improve.
Tips to improve your chances of being accepted
Before applying for a credit card, there are a few steps that can help.
- Check your credit score and report. You can do this for free with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion . Look for any errors and get them corrected if needed.
- Register to vote. Being on the electoral roll helps lenders confirm your identity and address, and can give your score a small boost.
- Use an eligibility checker. This helps you avoid applying for cards you're unlikely to get, which protects your score from unnecessary hard checks.
- Reduce your existing debts where you can. A lower credit utilisation can improve how lenders see you.
- Get your name on household bills. Having a mobile phone contract or utility bills in your name can help show lenders you manage money responsibly — this can be particularly useful if you have little or no credit history.
What to do if you're declined for a credit card
Being turned down can feel disheartening, but you're not alone — and it doesn't mean you're out of options.
Here's what to do next:
- Don't apply again straight away — this could add more hard checks to your file and damage your score further
- Check your credit report to understand why you may have been declined
- Try other ways to build credit, like paying bills on time, or paying off small debts
- Speak to a money advice service or check what free, personalised support is available to you
Where to get help
If you're unsure about your options or struggling with debt, these free and confidential services can help:
You've got more options than you might think
Most credit card companies will run a credit check before approving your application. But if your credit score is low — or you don't have one yet — there are still safe and realistic options to help you move forward. From credit builder cards to prepaid cards, and soft-check tools that protect your score, there are choices available to you, and support if you need it.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
