How to apply for a credit card
Help choosing the best card for you
Applying for a credit card is usually straightforward, but first make sure you choose a card that suits your needs and check your chances of acceptance. This guide explains what information you’ll need, how the application works and what happens after you submit it.
First, a quick overview of how to apply for a credit card
Choose the right card for your needs. There’s no single ‘best’ credit card, so think about what you’ll use it for before applying – whether that’s spending, transferring existing debt, rewards or using it overseas.
Check your eligibility first. An eligibility checker can show your chances of acceptance using a soft search, while a full application will usually leave a hard search on your credit file.
Have your details ready. You’ll usually need information about your address history, employment, income and housing costs, so it helps to have these to hand before you start.
You may get a decision quickly. Some applications are decided within minutes, though some may be referred for further checks or require more information.
If you do get a credit card, ALWAYS follow the Golden Rules:
Always clear your credit card balance IN FULL each month to avoid paying interest (unless you've a 0% spending card). Set up a Direct Debit to make sure you don’t miss a payment.
If you can’t repay the balance in full, make at least the minimum repayment each month. You’ll still be charged interest, so repay as much as you can.
In the right place?
- New to credit cards? See How does a credit card work? and How to avoid credit card interest and fees
- Want to check your eligibility? See our Credit Card Eligibility Calculator
- Struggling to repay your card? See our Debt help guide
How to apply for a credit card: step-by-step
The application process varies between credit card providers, but most will follow a similar pattern. Below are the steps you should take, from choosing the card that's right for you to checking your eligibility and hopefully being accepted.
Remember, using a credit card is a form of borrowing – make sure you're able to afford the debt you're taking on and understand exactly how credit cards work and the financial risks involved with using one. For more of an introduction to credit cards, see How does a credit card work?
1. Choose the type of credit card you need
There’s no single ‘best’ credit card – the right one depends on what you need it for. Some are designed for everyday spending, others for use overseas, while some can help you move existing card debt.
Here’s a quick overview of the main types:
Cards that are good for spending
These cards are best paid off IN FULL every month to avoid interest, unless you’re using a 0% spending card during its interest-free period.
0% interest spending credit cards – the cheapest way if you need to borrow
Cashback & reward credit cards – get paid to spend (plus Air miles credit cards to earn air miles)
Travel credit cards – near-perfect exchange rates on overseas spending
Credit-building cards – if you have no credit history (See Credit cards for bad credit if you have existing poor credit history)
Cards that are good for borrowing
These cards let you spread the cost of things by giving you an interest-free period:
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Balance transfer credit cards – shift expensive existing card debt to 0% interest
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All-rounder credit cards – get 0% on balance transfers AND spending
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Money transfer credit cards – shift cash to your bank account, with 0% interest
If you're not sure, work your way through our credit card checklist to help you decide.
2. Check your eligibility before applying
Choosing the right type of card is only part of the process – you also need to know how likely you are to be accepted. Lenders will usually check your credit file and apply their own criteria to assess how likely you are to repay what you borrow.
A full application usually leaves a hard search on your credit file, and making several applications in a short period can affect your ability to get credit. See our guides on how to check your credit report for free and how to boost your ability to access credit.
Use our eligibility checker to see which cards you might be accepted for
Our free Credit Card Eligibility Calculator uses a 'soft search' to find your chances of acceptance before applying – and this soft search won't affect your ability to get credit in future and aren’t visible to other lenders.
Our calculator searches many of the top cards, though sadly it doesn't cover every card. If a card is good enough to be included in our guide top picks, we'll tell you whether it's in our calculator or not. For those that aren't, we'll provide a link direct to the provider.
3. Gather the information you'll need and submit your application
Before you start, have your personal and financial details to hand. Lenders will usually ask for:
Personal details: including your name, marital status and address history for the past three years.
Financial details: such as your employment status, household income and mortgage or rent costs.
The lender will use this information to match you to your credit file and assess your application, so answer all questions accurately. It’s also worth checking your credit report beforehand, as incorrect or mismatched information could delay your application or lead to it being declined.
Most applications are completed online, though some providers may also let you apply by phone or in a branch.
Try our free Credit Club
Sign up to MSE's Credit Club to boost your credit power – access our free tools to see how the financial world views you, including:
An Eligibility Rating that combines your credit score, affordability, and market trends.
View your full credit report – your financial CV.
Get personalised acceptance odds for credit cards and loans.
4. Wait for the lender's decision
Once you’ve submitted your application, you may get a decision within a few minutes. However, some applications may be referred for further checks and take a little longer.
If this happens, the lender may need a person to review your application or may contact you for more information. This will usually be resolved within a few days.
What happens after the lender makes its decision?
If your application is accepted. You’ll be told the credit limit you’ve been approved for, and your card and PIN will usually arrive in the post within a few days. You may also be able to add your new card to Apple Pay or Google Pay before the physical card arrives.
If your application is declined. Don’t rush to make another application. First, check your credit file for errors or anything that could have affected the lender’s decision. Making several applications in a short period can harm your chances of getting credit, so if you’re declined again, consider whether a different product – such as a credit-building card – may be more suitable.
Credit card application mistakes to avoid
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Don’t make lots of applications in a short space of time. A full credit card application will usually leave a hard search on your credit file, and making several applications in quick succession can affect your chances of getting credit.
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Make sure the information you give is accurate. Lenders use the details in your application to assess you and match you to your credit file, so always answer questions honestly and correctly. Incorrect or inconsistent information could delay your application or lead to it being declined.
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Check your credit report for errors before applying. It’s worth making sure the information held about you is accurate, as mistakes or mismatches could affect a lender’s decision. Our research found that nearly 10% of applications are rejected due to errors or inaccuracies in credit reports.
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Make sure you’re applying for the right type of card. There’s no single ‘best’ credit card, so choose one that suits what you need it for rather than simply applying for the first card you find.
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Check your eligibility before making a full application. An eligibility checker can show your chances of acceptance using a soft search, helping you avoid making full applications where your chances are low. See our free Credit Card Eligibility Calculator.
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