It can be difficult choosing a credit card if you’re not sure what to look for. However, applying for a credit card can be simple if you know what your needs are before you apply. Read our credit card application guide below to help you apply.
Reasons for getting a credit card
Before you choose a credit card you should be sure about what you need. There are a number of reasons you might need a card:
- Transferring a balance from another card
- Using it for purchases.
- Rewards or cashback
- Spending money abroad
It can be more difficult choosing a card if you have a poor credit score (or no credit score at all), although some banks and credit card companies offer cards to specifically help you build your credit score.
What do you need to apply for a credit card?
When you apply for a credit card, you are most likely to be asked for the following details:
- Personal Information: Your name, your date of birth to confirm you are above 18 and your contact details.
- Address: Credit card providers ask for your current address. They can ask for your previous address if you have moved in the last 3 years.
- Income & Outgoings: Your employment status, income and outgoings so lenders know you can afford your payments.
It can be difficult choosing a credit card if you’re not sure what to look for. However, applying for a credit card can be simple if you know what your needs are before you apply. Read our credit card application guide below to help you apply.
Things to consider before applying for a credit card
Once you know your needs, the next thing is to choose a credit card. When you are applying for a credit card, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration.
APR: APR (Annual Percentage Rate) refers to the total cost of your borrowing on a card for a year. This is the interest you would be charged for using a specific credit card. APR is a good way to compare different cards. The APR that most credit card providers advertise is the one that they offer to majority of their customers.
Minimum Payments: Every credit card will have some minimum payment that you must pay every month, as long as your balance is not zero. If you cannot pay the full balance amount, you must at least make your minimum payment. Therefore, you should always know how much it is and when it's due.
Credit Limit: The credit limit is the maximum amount available to you on a credit card. Credit card providers offer you a credit limit based on your credit profile so that you don't end up borrowing more than you can afford. Ensure that the card you apply for offers you the credit limit you are seeking.
Other Charges: Credit card providers might charge you with some fee if you are late with your payment, miss a payment or go over your credit limit. Therefore, you must know about the other fees or charges you might have to pay.
Improve your credit rating with a Vanquis credit card
Using our credit cards responsibly can help people with no credit – or bad credit – to rebuild their credit rating. Better still, our cards help people rebuild their credit simply and safely, in ways that suit them.
Don’t forget: to build your credit rating and be considered for credit limit increases, always use your card sensibly. That means staying within your credit limit and paying your monthly minimum payment on time. If you don’t do these important things, it could harm your credit rating and make it more difficult to get credit.
Take a look at our range of credit cards
Why choose a Vanquis credit card?
Simple: because we’re a company you can trust. At Vanquis, we’re part of the Vanquis Banking Group and we’ve been helping people like you to manage their own money for more than 140 years. So far, we’ve already helped over 4 million people on their journey to better credit. Why not apply online today and join them?
We work hard to make sure that our credit builder credit cards are easy to apply for and simple to manage. Don’t want to take our word for it? Check out our Trustpilot reviews to read what our customers say.
Above all, we’re honest and responsible when it comes to credit builder credit cards, and we only offer them to people who we think will be able to afford the repayments. That means you can choose us with confidence.
5 easy steps for building your credit rating with a Vanquis credit card
- Use your credit card responsibly
- Always stay within your credit limit
- Pay at least the minimum payment due on time, every month. If you can only make the minimum payment each month, it will take you longer and cost you more to clear your balance. To reduce the amount of interest you get charged, whenever it’s possible we recommend that you pay as much as you can, not just the minimum payment
- Keep your other accounts paid on time and always in order, including credit cards, loans, catalogues, mobile phone and mortgages
- Don't take on too much debt elsewhere: you should always be able to afford the debt that you have
Read more on improving your credit score >
Apply for a Vanquis Credit Card
Our online application process couldn’t be simpler or more secure. It even begins with a 60-second eligibility ‘soft’ check, giving you an initial decision without wasting your time or damaging your credit file.
Perhaps you're on a low income or retired? Or you've run into difficulties and been left with bad credit or a poor credit history? You may simply have no credit history at all?
At Vanquis, we carefully assess the personal situation you’re in right now, rather than just turning you away based on the past. That’s how we help find the best credit card for you.
Representative34.5% APR (variable)
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Top features of the Vanquis Credit Card
Atailoredcredit limit
As a new customer, you'll start with a tailoredcredit limit with room to grow. After your 5th statement, you may be eligible for a credit limit increase with further increases every 5 months subject eligibility.
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A simple online credit card application process
It's quick and easy to apply for a Vanquis credit card. Use our simple eligibility checker and we may be able to give you a decision in just 60 seconds., We’ll then process your application and let you know the next steps.
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Help when you need it
We offer responsible, reliable and sympathetic support whenever you need it. You can view our FAQs to find a quick answer to your question or if you need to speak to someone, our UK-based Customer Service team are here for you.
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