Credit Builder Card

Boost your credit score with a credit builder card.

  • See if it’s a YES without impacting your credit score
  • Improve your credit score
  • Credit limit of up to £1,500

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.

What is a credit builder card?

This is a type of credit card aimed at people with poor or thin credit, or for those who have been refused credit in the past. They tend to have lower, more manageable limits – but also often have a higher interest rate than most mainstream credit cards.

These cards can help you build (or rebuild) your credit score by showing you can borrow responsibly. You’ll need to make the repayments on time, each month, and stay within your credit limit to build up your score over time. Remember, not doing so can harm it further.

Who are credit builder cards for?

If you have a less-than-perfect credit score or a thin credit history, using a credit builder card can help you access funds. This might be if you have:

Bad credit

There are several reasons why you may have a poor credit score, including missed or late payments in the past. If used responsibly, a credit builder card can help to show lenders that you’re on top of your finances. It can also help to improve your credit score, putting you in a better position to borrow in the future.

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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 a score for you.

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Need a little help?

Learn more about credit cards

Why is my credit score so poor?

Should I get a loan or credit card if I have bad credit?

How to pay off credit cards with bad credit

How long does it take to get a credit card?

What can impact your credit score?

There are several factors that can influence your credit history, so understanding what can impact your credit score will help you to identify potential issues.

You can check your credit score with the three main credit reference agencies at any time, or you can check your Equifax report for free (for life) with our member-only platform, CredAbility.

The best ways to rebuild credit

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

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

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

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

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

How can I build credit with a credit card?

Using your credit builder card to make small purchases, and ensuring you make your monthly payments on time, every month can help improve your credit score. Remember, not doing so can harm it.

How to get an Ocean Credit Builder Card

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

Find out if you’ll be accepted before you apply using QuickCheck

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If it's a yes, go on to apply online with confidence

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Once approved, you’ll receive your card in the post within 10 working days

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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.