How Do I Get a British Credit Card?
It’s so much easier to get a British credit card when you live in the UK, but some people who move from the US to the UK end up without an official ID.
So, you’ve just arrived in the UK for the first time. You’re jetlagged, excited, nervous—whatever it is that makes you feel like you’re on holiday. You’re in the UK, you’ve got a visa, you’ve checked your passport, and it’s all good.
Now, you want to make sure that you have access to funds whenever you want them. You want to keep your cash safe, so you want to have a secure card that you can use to withdraw money from any cash machine or ATM.
That’s when a new question comes up: “How do I get a British credit card?” While we’ll talk about using a debit card to pay for your purchases, you’ll want to look into getting a British credit card so you can take advantage of the convenience and safety that come with them.
Steps How Do I Get a British Credit Card?
1. Go to their website
British credit cards are one of the world’s safest when it comes to online shopping. Many major American e-commerce sites, however, don’t accept U.K. credit cards because of data security issues. So when you’re browsing a site, be sure to check whether or not they take U.K. cards.
You’ll want to go to their website and find the British Visa Card and click on it to see the website. If you do not find the website, then go to your bank’s website and look up the specific number for the card. 2. On the website, click on the button that says "Click Here"
2. Choose an option on their site that gives you the card
Some banks don't let you choose to pay off your card in full each month. Others will automatically bill your card when you carry a balance. For instance, American Express allows you to specify how often you'd like to receive statements and pay your card off in full each month.
The British credit card issuer, Barclaycard, offers a new kind of card to consumers. It allows people to choose between a plastic or virtual card, as well as choose which cardholder benefits to include in their package.
They also provide a new feature called “Card Points” — a way to earn points on everyday spending — for the cardholder to use with retailers that accept this new type of card.
3. Complete the application online
If the card you apply for is a British debit or credit card (the Visa Debit and Visa Electron cards fall into this category) you will need to complete an application online before your card will be activated.
This is because your bank will need to authenticate the card and set up the security parameters for the card before it is activated.
For a more complete look at credit card applications and the different types available, check out this infographic from NerdWallet. If you need more details on how to apply for a visa, click here.
4. Pay the bill online
Paying bills online can help you keep track of your financial transactions. Many UK banks offer online bill pay, and many other companies, such as PayPal, offer services for this purpose too.
Final Words
The UK has a variety of great banking products and services. But, that doesn’t mean you have to open up an account with a big bank. There are plenty of smaller banks that offer competitive rates and services for consumers.
In fact, many consumers are finding these small, local banks to be more trustworthy than the big, national institutions.
So, whether you’re looking to secure your money while traveling abroad or you just want a more personal banking experience, here are four top reasons why you should consider a UK bank account.
Suppose you’re thinking about getting a credit card from a UK bank, you’ll need to look at whether the interest rates are lower, and if you can get a reward on your purchases. If you’re wondering how to get a credit card from a UK bank, here’s how.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much income do you need for a credit card UK?
For standard credit cards, most providers require you to be earning at least £7,000 to qualify, with some cards expecting you to make far more than that.
Can I get a credit card as a foreigner?
Most major credit cards, including Amex, Chase, and Capital One, offer credit cards for non-residents, including immigrants and students. Gather your paperwork, including passport information and proof of income
What makes you eligible for a credit card UK?
To apply for a credit card, you need to be over 18 and a UK resident. You may also need to have a regular income, over a certain amount.
Can I get a credit card if I am new to the UK?
Marbles credit card is designed for people who have not used a credit card before or have no credit history. People with low credit scores can even apply for it.
Do credit cards Check your salary?
By federal law, lenders cannot extend credit to someone without first determining that the applicant has the ability to make payments, which is why credit card applications ask for things like your income, employment information, and what you pay in mortgage or rent.
What is a good credit limit in the UK?
A good credit limit is one that meets both your borrowing needs and your ability to repay it. Experts recommend that you should avoid using more than 30% of your available credit per card at any one time
Do credit card companies check your income UK?
Credit card issuers aren't asking about income because they're being snoopy. The truth is they're being legally responsible and following the Credit CARD Act of 2009.
What are the 3 requirements needed to get a credit card?
Age. You typically have to be at least 18 years old to open a credit card in your own name
Proof of Identification. While some credit card issuers might require documentation to prove your income and that you have a U.S. address, others might not
Credit Score.
How long does it take to get a credit card UK?
How long does it take to get a credit card? Many card providers offer instant approval when you apply online, while others will take around five to 10 days to make a decision
How long does a credit card application take the UK?
Credit card providers can take five to 10 days to decide if they'll accept your application. But most providers now offer instant approval, especially when you apply online.
Can I apply for a credit card online UK?
You can apply online any time you like and it just takes a few minutes. First go to QuickCheck, to check your eligibility
Can I get a credit card with no job?
You can get a credit card without a job. Most credit card applications have a section for employment information, but you can also put student, homemaker, or unemployed.
What salary is good for a credit card?
Designed especially for individuals who have a credit card income eligibility of ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 a month, these credit cards come with several attractive benefits.
Can I get a credit card without an income?
Yes, you can have a credit card without a job or salary slip, but in such a case you either need to show other sources of income or a good bank balance.