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  • Credit card for unemployed people

Credit card for unemployed people

If you’re unemployed, it may still be possible to get a credit card, so long as you can show you can afford the repayments. 

  1. Getting a quote won’t impact your credit score

  2. Get a decision in seconds

  3. Manage your account through our app

Representative 29.9% APR (variable). Subject to eligibility. If you don't qualify, we may offer you a different card with its own terms.

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Representative example:

Based on assumed borrowing of £1200 at an interest rate of 29.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR will be 29.9% (variable).

illustration of an outstretched hand holding a zable credit builder card
illustration of an outstretched hand holding a zable credit builder card

Why choose a credit card with Zable?

  1. Repay instantly

    You can repay any balances straight from your app by connecting your bank or debit card

  2. Track your spending

    View your balance and total spending in real time, and get instant transaction notifications

  3. Credit that grows with you

    We automatically review your account for credit limit increases and let you know if you’re eligible

  4. Manage your credit card on the go

    You can do everything from changing your PIN to freezing your card in a matter of taps.

Check if I'm eligible

Can I get a credit card while unemployed?

It’s possible to get a credit card if you’re currently unemployed, but it depends on your broader financial situation. A lender basically needs to know that you will be able to afford your monthly repayments. 

To be eligible for a credit card with Zable, you need to regularly get paid at least £800 per month. However, this doesn’t have to be from your salary. An income can be made up of things like a pension, benefits, and rental payments.

Things to consider before you apply for a credit card while unemployed

1. Can you afford a credit card?

If you pay your credit card balance in full each month, you won’t have to worry about any interest changes. However, if you’re unable to cover each month’s balance, you will need to pay interest on whatever is left unpaid. This can make spending more expensive, particularly because credit cards for unemployed people can have higher interest rates.

2. Have you considered alternatives?

If you’re applying for a credit card to cover an immediate expense, you might consider reaching out to family and close friends, if you’re unable to dig into personal savings. If you need to borrow a larger sum over a longer term, a personal loan might be suitable. 

3. Are you eligible?

It’s always best to use an eligibility checker before you submit a full credit application. This is because an eligibility checker uses a soft search and has no impact on your credit score.

On the other hand, a full application will trigger a hard credit check, which can cause a temporary dip in your score.

You can check your eligibility for a Zable card for free below.

Check if I'm eligible
Financial expert, Adam McAllister
"Credit cards can be a useful tool if you’re able to make your repayments, but don’t overlook the risks. If you’re currently out of work and feel unsure as to whether you’d be able to pay off what you owe each month, it may not be the right time to apply."
Adam McAllister

5 years in financial services

Types of credit card that might suit the unemployed

How to apply for a Zable credit card

Download the Zable app or apply online

Download now

Check your eligibility

Checking your eligibility won't impact your credit score.

Complete your application

If eligible, you'll be asked to provide some more details. We'll review your information, usually within a few seconds.

Start spending immediately

Most customers can start spending right away, if eligible, using Apple Pay or Google Pay.

FAQs about credit cards for the unemployed

Can I get a credit card on benefits?

Yes, it is still possible to get a credit card while claiming government benefits. Receiving benefits won’t show up on your credit report and it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. However, your overall income still matters as your lender needs to feel comfortable that you can make your repayments. 

At Zable, your income doesn’t have to be from a salary. It could be made up of things like rental payments, your pension, or indeed, government benefits.

Can I get a credit card on Universal Credit?

Yes, it is possible to get a credit card if you’re currently on Universal Credit. However, eligibility is decided on a case by case basis at Zable, with other factors taken into consideration such as your overall income (which can include Universal Credit) and financial situation.

Can I get a credit card if I’m unemployed and have bad credit?

It may be challenging to get a credit card if you’re both unemployed and have bad credit, but it really depends on your broader circumstances. Unemployment is typically less of a barrier if you have another form of income, but having bad credit can make things more difficult.

However, at Zable we understand that a credit score doesn’t always paint the full picture and that circumstances can quickly change. That’s why we use ‘Open Banking’ to assess things like your income and spending habits, rather than a credit score alone.

Read more about credit cards for bad credit and how to improve your credit score.

Does being unemployed affect my credit score?

Your employment status doesn’t show up on your credit report, so in that sense, being unemployed doesn’t impact your credit score. That said, if unemployment leads to missed or late payments, then it can have an indirect negative effect on your credit score.

Can I get a credit card on a zero hour contract?

Yes, it is possible to get a credit card if you’re on a zero-hour contract, particularly if you can demonstrate a track record of earnings. It’s not the type of employment contract you have that matters most to lenders; it’s your overall ability and likelihood to repay.

Ready to apply?

Apply online