Credit Builder Card

Boost your credit score with a credit builder card.

Boost your credit score with a credit builder card.

  • Free eligibility check
  • Checking won’t affect your credit score
  • Get a response in 60 seconds
39.9% APR Representative (variable). Ocean Credit Card.

Intelligent Lending Ltd (credit broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender.

Making payments and staying within your credit limit can help build your credit. Not doing so could harm it.

Making payments and staying within your credit limit can help build your credit. Not doing so could harm it.

Ocean customers say Excellent 4.8 out of 5 based on 2,920 reviews

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The application process was very easy and professionally administrated. I received excellent communication all through the process. Mr Roberts

'It's been a very smooth experience.'
It's been a very great experience and amazing service. Trusted customer

'Quickly sent card. No problems at all. I recommend it.'
I highly recommend. Mr. Wojcik

What is a credit builder card?

A credit builder is a type of credit card that can help you build (or rebuild) your credit score by showing lenders you’re able to borrow responsibly. If you have poor or thin credit, or have been refused credit in the past, a credit builder card may be right for you.

Credit limits on these cards tend to be lower and more manageable than on mainstream credit cards – but the interest rate is often higher.

Credit card lifestyle image

How does a credit builder card work?

How does a credit builder card work?

The better your credit score, the more lenders can trust you’ll repay what you borrow. To build your score using a credit card, you need to borrow responsibly. You can do this by:

1) Spending under a quarter of your credit limit 
As the borrowing limit on a credit builder card is typically on the low side, you may need to start with small purchases. After consistent, responsible use, you can ask the lender to increase your credit limit.

2) Making your repayments on time, every time.
Always aim to pay your card back in full each month, as you'll owe interest on any balance remaining. A Direct Debit is useful for keeping up with repayments, it will automatically pay the owed amount from your current account.

After following these steps, you could see your score improve within months. This means when you borrow money in future, like for a mortgage or car finance, you may be able to get a better rate.

Credit card lifestyle image

Who are credit builder cards for?

You may be eligible for a credit builder card if you have:

Bad credit

If you have:

  • Missed or late payments to credit providers (like loans and other credit cards)
  • CCJs (County Court Judgements)
  • Defaulted accounts
  • Past IVAs or bankruptcy
A credit builder card can help you show lenders that you’re on top of your finances. This means it can improve your credit score, putting you in a better position to borrow in the future.

Thin or no credit

If you haven’t borrowed much in the past, then you’ll have little-to-no credit history.

This means that lenders can’t see how you manage your finances and are less likely to lend to you.

Using a credit builder card to make small purchases and repaying the amount in full every month can help build your score.

39.9% APR Representative (variable)

How to get an Ocean Credit Builder Card

To apply for a credit card, follow our easy step-by-step process:

  1. Check your eligibility - Complete our simple form.
  2. Apply online - Get a yes or no in 60 seconds.
  3. If accepted - You’ll receive your card within 10 days.

Check my eligibility

No impact on your credit score

How to build your credit score

Along with responsible use of a credit card, there are other steps you can take to get your credit score in a good place. These include:

Add your name to household bills - ensure your repayments are associated with your credit file.

Pay all bills on time, each month - this shows lenders that you’re a responsible borrower.

Check for mistakes - check your credit report regularly with all three credit reference agencies ensures you can correct any mistakes quickly.

Remove old financial ties - any financial ties could have a negative impact on your credit score, if they have had financial difficulties themselves.

Space out credit applications - use eligibility checkers first to see how likely you are to be accepted.

Once you’ve taken these steps, you can check your credit score for improvements with the three main credit reference agencies. You can check your Equifax report for free (for life) with our member-only platform, CredAbility.

For more ways to build credit, visit our guide on 45 ways to improve your credit score.

Don’t wait, know if you’ll be accepted before you apply with QuickCheck

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Zubin Kavarana

Making and paying off small purchases on a credit builder card can be an effective way of building up a good credit history. Providing they are paid off in full and on time each month, they can improve your credit score and chances of getting better rates in the future.

Zubin Kavarana, Personal Finance Writer

How could we help you?

Ocean has provided access to loans, credit cards and mortgages to people across the UK since 1991. In this time, we’ve pre-approved more than a million people, offering products and advice to suit their circumstances.

  • All credit histories considered
  • Check your eligibility without affecting your credit score
  • Save time finding the right loan deal

You can learn more about Ocean on our about us page.

Written by: Josephine Haagen

Edited by: Helen Fox

Reviewed by: Matt Waller

Last updated

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