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Credit cards for new UK residents

New to the UK with limited credit history? Check if you’re eligible for a Zable credit card.

  1. Checking your eligibility won’t impact your credit score

  2. Get a decision in seconds

  3. Making payments on time and staying within your limit could help build positive credit history

  4. Track your credit score for free in the Zable 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 a zable credit card in front of a group of trees, symbolising credit growth
Illustration of a zable credit card in front of a group of trees, symbolising credit growth

Key takeaways 

  1. Being new to the UK can make a successful credit application challenging, as you won't yet have a UK credit rating for lenders to review.

  2. At Zable, we use ‘Open Banking’ to look at your actual income and spending habits in your UK bank account, rather than just relying on a credit score.

  3. If you use your Zable credit card responsibly, you can build your credit score, which can potentially lead to better interest rates and limits.

What you need to get a credit card in the UK

Eligibility criteria varies from lender to lender, but generally you have to be at least 18 years old and living in the UK. To get a credit card with Zable:

  1. You must be at least 18 years old.

  2. You must have a current account at a UK bank or building society.

  3. You must regularly get paid at least £800 per month.

  4. You must have a credit account that has been open for at least 6 months. This can be an existing credit card, overdraft, monthly mobile phone plan, or even utilities.

If you’re a brand new UK resident, you may want to consider making your first steps towards our eligibility criteria. For example, opening a current account at a UK bank and taking out a UK mobile phone contract, so you’re ready to apply after 6 months.

If you’re unsure, you can check your eligibility for free without impacting your score.

Check if I'm eligible

How the credit system works in the UK

Before a credit card provider lends you money, it needs to feel comfortable that you’ll be able to pay it back (including any interest you owe). You may hear this referred to as your ‘creditworthiness’.

In the UK, you’re given a ‘credit score’ which helps paint a picture of your creditworthiness. There are three big independent ‘credit bureaus’ that generate and store these scores: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be approved for credit, and often at better rates.

Your score is a reflection of your past credit behaviour. It takes into account things like whether you pay your bills on time and the length of your credit history. 

Your credit history from your home country doesn’t come with you when you move to the UK, which can make it tricky to get approved for credit. At Zable, we use Open Banking technology to take a broad view of your financial situation, rather than your credit history alone. This can help new UK residents get over that first hurdle. 

Read more about credit cards for people with no credit history.

illustration of a dark blue card with credit score in front of a night time backdrop
illustration of a dark blue card with credit score in front of a night time backdrop

How to build a credit score as a new UK resident

Read our guide on how to improve your credit score for a comprehensive breakdown. The most important takeaways for new UK residents are to:

1. Register to vote if you can

This is a way to help credit reference agencies verify your identity. However, non-UK citizens may not be eligible to vote.

2. Open a bank account

Though this doesn’t directly affect your credit score, to be eligible for a Zable credit card, you’ll need to have a current account at a UK bank or building society. Plus, it helps you to establish a financial footprint in the UK.

3. Use your credit card responsibly

Once you have a credit card, you can use it to improve your credit score by making your repayments on time each month. Learn more about credit cards for building credit.

4. Pay your bills on time

As well as any credit card repayments, paying your utilities (like gas, electricity and water) and mobile phone bills on time can help improve your score.

5. Report your rental payments

Reporting your rent payments to credit reference agencies can be a great way for new UK residents to showcase a positive payment history. You can do this for free with Zable.

Financial expert, Adam McAllister
"It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when building credit in a new country, but with a bit of time and the right financial steps, it's entirely achievable. Whether it's through a mobile phone contract, rent reporting, or a basic credit-builder card, there are plenty of ways to start to build a visible track record."
Adam McAllister

5 years in financial services

What if I’ve been away from the UK for a while?

If you’re moving back to the UK, your first port of call is to check your credit score. 

Even if you left the UK without any debts, your credit score may still have dropped. This is because without up-to-date information on your financial behaviour, it’s harder to assess your current creditworthiness. UK credit agencies generally only hold data for six years. If you’ve been away longer than that, you may be left with a very ‘thin’ file.

You can take the same steps to improve your credit history listed above. Alternatively, download the Zable app for personalised insights into what you can do.

If you return after a long time and your file is blank, two of your first tasks are to register to vote at your current UK address, and update your address on any old, dormant bank accounts.

Image of a phone with the Zable app credit score page open on it

Download the app to see your credit rating for free

Download the Zable app

Why choose a credit card with Zable?

  1. Credit that grows with you

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

  2. Repay instantly

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

  3. Track your spending

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

  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.

  5. No overseas fees

    We don’t charge fees for making purchases outside of the UK, if you’re visiting your home country.

New-to-UK credit card FAQs

Can I get a credit card if I just moved to the UK?

It is possible to get a credit card if you’ve just moved to the UK, but your options will likely look different compared to a longer term resident with a robust credit history. Look for credit cards designed for building credit or marketed towards those who are new to the UK. 

To be eligible for a Zable credit card, you must have a credit account that’s been open for at least 6 months (this could be for your mobile phone or utilities), so you’re likely looking at applying after the 6-month mark.

How can I get a credit card as a new immigrant?

To get a credit card as a new immigrant, start by opening a UK bank account and registering on the electoral roll to verify your identity (if you can). Since international credit history rarely transfers, look for credit-builder cards designed for people with ‘thin’ files. Using your card for small monthly purchases and paying the balance in full helps demonstrate reliability, allowing you to establish a solid UK credit history from scratch.

Why am I not eligible for a credit card in the UK?

Eligibility for a UK credit card varies from person to person. You might be declined for not meeting specific criteria like a minimum income or having a UK bank account. Your current credit score may also play a role - see credit cards for bad credit, if so. To see where you stand, you can check your eligibility with Zable for free without affecting your score.

Can I get a credit card if I live abroad?

Generally, it is very difficult to get a standard UK credit card if you live abroad. Most UK lenders require you to be a UK resident with a permanent UK address, and a UK bank account.

Ready to apply?

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