Credit Cards For Bad Credit

Why choose a credit card with Zable?

Repay instantly
You can repay any balances straight from your app by connecting your bank or debit card
Track your spending
View your balance and total spending in real time, and get instant transaction notifications
Credit that grows with you
We automatically review your account for credit limit increases and let you know if you’re eligible
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

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Apple Pay and Google Pay

Zable cards are available with Google Pay and Apple Pay

Transparent cost, no surprises

Enjoy spending abroad with zero transaction fees. We also don’t charge any monthly or over-limit fees

Here to help 7 days a week

Fast and friendly support available from 9am to 6pm daily

What is considered a bad credit score?

A credit score reflects your past borrowing and repayment history. Having a low credit score can make it challenging to secure a range of financial services as lenders may view you as higher risk.

Below is a breakdown of how the UK credit reference agency Equifax’s credit score bands:

There are several reasons why people might have a low credit score

One common reason is a limited credit history. For instance, if you're new to credit or haven't had experience paying bills or direct debits, lenders may have insufficient data to assess your history as a borrower.

Other factors that can impact your credit score negatively include missed or late payments, or using up a lot of your available credit limit (this is known as a high credit utilisation rate). If you've made several applications for credit in a short space of time, this can also have a negative impact on your credit rating.

What is the impact of having a bad credit score?

A poor credit score can often damage your chances of getting approved for financial products such as loans or credit cards. Even if you are approved, you may find that you’re quoted for higher interest rates than others.

Some of the difficulties you may encounter if you have a bad credit rating include:

Higher interest rates
Increased insurance premiums
Difficulty applying for credit
Fewer loan options
Difficulty renting properties
Challenges when purchasing a car on finance
Difficulty taking out contracts for mobile phones

While having a better credit score may increase your chance of being accepted for finance, it is possible to secure financial products such as credit cards with a bad credit score. In fact, credit building credit cards such as Zable can help you build a better credit score as long as you manage your repayments well.

How to improve a bad credit rating

If you are wondering how you can build your credit score, below are some of the simple steps you can follow to improve your credit rating:

Illustration of a credit score shown on a tablet

Check your credit score regularly

To ensure your details are up to date and to keep on top of any potential errors, make sure you check your credit report often. Even something as small as a mistake in your address can harm future applications for credit.

Illustration of a three credit cards and a plus symbol

Watch your credit usage

Using up a large amount of your available credit limit on your pre-existing credit cards can also result in a bad credit score.

To prove to lenders that you are a responsible borrower, try to avoid maxing out your credit limits and, where possible, pay off the balance in full as often as you can.

Illustration of a stack of bills with a stamp on

Pay your bills on time

It may seem obvious but making sure you pay your bills on time is one of the simplest ways you can ensure your credit score isn't negatively affected.

Missing or making late payments can seriously impact your credit rating. To ensure this doesn't happen, set up direct debits so that you pay your monthly utility bills on time.

Illustration of a magnifying glass being cast over a stack of paper

Limit enquiries for new credit

Applying for multiple loans or other financial products in a short space of time can quickly hurt your credit score.

When you apply for credit, some lenders could perform a 'hard search', which appears on your credit report and in turn lowers your credit score. With Zable, you can check if you’ll be accepted without affecting your credit score. We won’t perform a hard search until you accept a quote.

How can I check if I have a bad credit score?

Checking your credit score with Zable is straightforward. Through our app, you can access your Equifax credit report and monitor your credit score free of charge. You’ll also be able to view your current credit banding and keep track of the financial activities that have impacted your score.

How long can it take to improve a bad credit score?

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the time it can take to improve your credit rating. How low a credit score is - and the reasons why - can have an impact on how long it can take to improve a poor credit score.

By taking small steps, you can sometimes see improvements to your credit rating in a few weeks. However, it can often take longer to see significant changes to a bad credit score, anywhere from several months to a few years.

Download the app to see your credit rating, for free.

Download the Zable app

Can I get a credit card with bad credit?

If you have bad credit, you're likely to find it harder to get accepted by some high street credit card providers. However, certain lenders have credit cards designed for people with a bad credit score.

If you have a low credit score, taking out a credit card for people with bad credit is a tool you can use to steadily improve your credit score, as long as you use the card responsibly and make your repayments on time.

To improve your bad credit score with your credit card, you should:

Stay within your credit limit
Never miss a monthly repayment
Use the card for purchases within your budget
Repay at least your minimum payment each month

How to get a Zable credit card with bad credit

If your credit score is on the lower side but you still need a credit card, we can help. At Zable, we are proud to offer a range of products to help people meet their financial goals, looking at more than just a number on a screen.

Here's how the process works when you apply for a credit card with bad credit with Zable:

Download the Zable app or apply online

Download now

Check your eligibility

You can find out whether you're eligible in minutes. You might be asked to link your main bank account for further verification.

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.

If you would like to find out more about applying for a credit card with Zable, our friendly team are on hand to answer your questions seven days a week. Alternatively, take a look at our Help Centre for more information.