Bad Credit Credit Cards
If you have a good credit rating, then you'll be able to choose from the full range of best buy credit cards, and take advantage of features such as cash back, balance transfers, and rewards.
If your credit rating isn't so good, your choice is more limited. You may be able to get one of the higher rate cards which have less stringent acceptance criteria, or even be offered a card with a higher APR than that shown in the advertisments. In extreme cases, you might have to settle for a secured credit card which you need to load with funds before you can use it.
There is, however, a middle ground of cards specifically aimed at people with a poor credit history, or those new to finance who have nothing on their credit file at all. These cards have little in the way of features, and have interest rates way above those found elsewhere. While they aren't a good choice for long term borrowing, they make an ideal way of re-establishing your credit rating by building up positive data on your credit file through responsible use.
Capital One Classic
The Capital One Classic Card has an extremely high approval rate and a credit limit of up to £2,500, albeit with a high interest rate of 34.9% typical APR. A good choice for those wishing to rebuild a poor credit rating. Visit Capital One >>>
Barclaycard Initial
Although marketed as a first card for people new to credit, the Initial Card from Barclaycard is also suitable for people with poor credit ratings. Credit limits of up to £2000, subject to status, are on offer, while the high rate of 27.9% typical APR isn't in reality much higher than that offered by some general purpose cards on the market, especially for credit impaired customers. Visit Barclaycard >>>
Virgin Prepaid
If your credit rating is particularly bad, it might be worth considering a prepaid card such as this one from Virgin Money. Acceptance is guaranteed, and although no credit is offered, it can serve as a way of rebuilding your credit rating to the point where you can apply for one of the 'bad credit' cards listed above.
It costs a flat £9.95 to buy the card, with a £4.75 monthly management fee, but no charges on card transactions in the UK.
E Platinum Plus Card
Another option is the E Platinum Plus card which has guaranteed approval for a card offering a lifetime 0% APR on purchases of a wide range of goods, from games consoles to laptops, coffee makers to LCD TVs. No credit checks, and a £5,000 credit line! Click here for more information
