Offers a rewards scheme Access to your credit report and score Handy text and email alerts
The cards shown above are promoted picks, which means they’ve been chosen from among the partners we work with and are based on factors that include special features or offers and the commission we receive. In our credit cards comparison table, you can compare the full range of cards we cover on our site. Keep in mind that our promoted picks may not always be the best fit for your situation – it’s important to compare for yourself and find a card that works for you.
What is the best first credit card?
There are a bunch of different credit cards, so finding the best card for you depends on what benefits you’re seeking. Do you want to earn reward points or cashback on purchases, or are you just looking for a card to cover everyday purchases? If you’re a student, you may instead want to consider a dedicated student credit card.
If you’ve never had a credit card, your options might be slim, as the best credit cards are reserved for those with good credit history. But there are still a number of cards you could get approved for.
Pros and cons of getting a credit card
Pros
Helps you build your credit score.
Lets you spread the cost of purchases.
Consumer protection on purchases.
You can earn rewards.
Cons
Temptation to overspend.
Missed or late payments can hurt your credit score.
Can be hard to get a credit card with no credit history.
Additional fees, such as cash advance fees or balance transfer fees, may apply.
Rewards credit card
A rewards credit card gives you the benefits of a normal credit card, as well as making your spending go further in the form of reward points. It’s worth watching for rewards cards with a generous introductory offer and no annual fee. This means you can earn points on all your purchases at no extra cost, provided you pay off your balance in full each month.
If you're new to credit cards or aiming to boost your credit score, the Forward card is an excellent option, provided you handle it responsibly. Stick to your credit limit, set up automatic payments to clear your full balance monthly and avoid cash withdrawals.
No annual fee
0% on purchases for 3 months
Exclusive discounts and pre-sale tickets for selected live events
Relatively high standard rate, as expected with a credit building credit card
A personalised credit limit that is likely to start low
Availability
Available to new customers
Residency
UK resident for at least two years
Min. income
0
Foreign usage charge (EU)
2.99%
Cash advance fee
2.99
Representative example: Representative 33.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 33.9% p.a. (variable).
O% purchase credit card
If you plan to make a big purchase or have an upcoming expense, having more time to pay it off can make a huge difference to your overall finances. With a 0% purchase credit card, you can repay it over time without incurring additional costs.
With a generous 0% purchase and balance transfer period, as well as a simple rewards scheme and no annual fee, the M&S Bank Shopping Plus Mastercard is a good option for first-time credit card customers.
No annual fee
Earn points on spending
0% purchase and balance transfer period
Competitive regular purchase rate
You’ll need to be an M&S devotee to get the most out of this card
Late payment fees apply
Foreign usage charges apply if you use this card abroad
Availability
Available to new customers
Min. income
0
Foreign usage charge (EU)
2.99%
Cash advance fee
2.99
Representative example: Representative 23.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 23.9% p.a. (variable).
Credit card with no credit history
If you have limited credit history, you’ll likely find that your credit card options are also limited. Credit builder credit cards are often a good first choice for those who don’t have much credit history. Credit builder cards help you build your credit score, which means you could then be eligible for more premium cards and better rates in the future.
However, as they’re aimed at those with limited credit history, credit builder cards often have higher APRs (annualised percentage rate) than other cards, which means it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month. If you don’t, you could end up paying a lot in interest payments.
The Tesco Foundations credit card can help you build your credit score while also earning Clubcard points on your spending, without having to pay an annual fee.
No annual fee
Lets you earn Clubcard points
Earn rate isn't the best
Rates are on the higher side
Availability
Available to new customers
Residency
UK residents
Min. income
5000
Foreign usage charge (EU)
2.75%
Cash advance fee
3.99
Representative example: Representative 29.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.9% p.a. (variable).
Look for cards with no annual or ongoing fees. If you’re taking out a credit card for the first time, it’s best to try and limit your costs as much as possible. If your card has an annual fee, you’ll need to pay it regardless of how little you use your card. You should also beware of fees for things like foreign transactions and late payments.
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. All credit cards have certain requirements you’ll need to meet. If you apply for a credit card but don’t meet these criteria, your application will be rejected, and having multiple rejections on your credit file can affect your credit rating.
Understand your monthly statement cycle. While you don’t have to pay off your balance in full each month, you’ll be charged interest on any remaining balance. Make sure you know when you need to clear your balance to avoid losing money to interest.
Check the APR. The APR is a way to measure the overall cost of a credit card and includes the interest rate as well as any annual or monthly fees. While you’re unlikely to be offered the most competitive rates if you have limited credit history, it’s still best to look for the cards with the lowest APR when looking for a new credit card.
Keep an eye on your credit score. Once you’ve taken out a credit card, you should begin building your credit score, as long as you’re paying it off correctly. As your credit rating grows, you’ll become eligible for credit cards with better rates and offers, so it’s important to keep an eye on your credit score and shop around for better cards.
Bottom line
Whilst there are a number of different credit card types out there, having no credit history may limit your options. If you’re a student, you may have a higher chance of being accepted for a student credit card. If you aren’t a student but have limited credit history, a credit builder credit card might be a better option. However, in both cases, the interest rate is likely higher than a standard credit card.
As with any credit card, ensure you understand the terms and meet the eligibility requirements before applying. Using your credit card responsibly can help you improve your credit rating, increasing your eligibility for alternative credit cards down the line.
Frequently asked questions
Missing payments will cause your debt to increase quickly. Interest will be charged on the balance, and you may also be subject to a late payment fee. Additionally, it could negatively impact your credit report. Always aim to pay off at least the minimum amount by the due date, and contact your provider to discuss your circumstances if you think you’ll struggle to meet these payments.
The minimum repayment is the minimum amount you’re required to pay towards your outstanding card balance every month to avoid additional fees. However, note that you’ll still be charged interest on the outstanding balance (unless you have a 0% deal). Failing to pay off your minimum amount can lead to a late payment fee and negatively impact your credit report.
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Tom Stelzer is a writer for Finder specialising in personal finance, including loans and credit, as well as small business and business loans. He has previously worked as a freelance writer covering entertainment, culture and football for publications like FourFourTwo and Man of Many. He has a Master of Media Arts and Production and Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Technology Sydney.
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Discover how to supercharge your points through everyday spending – plus a few ways to redeem them with the American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card. (Paid content)
Buy now and pay interest later with a 0% purchase credit card. Compare current offers with 0% p.a. on purchases.
Advertiser disclosure
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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