Comparing UK 0% credit cards online since 2002Many customers have questions about how to make a credit card application in the UK.
The deals and offers for credit cards in the UK, are constantly changing. The banks and credit card providers in the UK, change their 0% deals and offers regularly, to attract new customers.
Many UK customers will have made a credit card application before. However, over the last few years a number of the UK credit card companies have significantly changed their application process.
Online Credit Card Application
Historically, a customer looking for a new credit card in the UK, like the NatWest credit card for example, would have applied in person in a bank branch. Alternatively, they could have filled in a paper form that they had received through the mail.
Today however, most UK credit card applications are now made online. Making an online credit card application is both faster and simpler, for the customer, and also for the credit card company.
Customers can now complete their credit card application online and submit their application, at any time of day, or night.
A number of the UK credit card companies will now allow customers to do an eligibility check before the application. This “soft check”, as it is known, will then show you if you are likely to be accepted for the credit card. The eligibility check also does not have any impact on your credit report.
Some, but not all, UK cards are now instant approval credit cards. These cards can provide you with an answer, on whether you have been accepted for the card, right away.
Apply For Credit Card UK
What are the eligibility criteria you need to meet to apply for a UK credit card? What information is needed when you apply for a credit card in the UK?
To apply for any credit card in the UK, you need to be at least 18 years old, and resident in the UK. Credit cards are not available to anyone under 18 years of age. UK credit cards are also not available to customers who do not have a permanent UK address.
The different card companies do have slightly differing eligibility criteria. In general, for cards with 0% introductory deals, customers will also need to have a good credit history, with no recent missed payments. Having a steady income, and low levels of other borrowing will also help your chance of an approved application.
Your personal financial circumstances and your credit history will determine the size of your credit limit. Some customers may get a credit card with a 5000 limit, others a lower, or higher limit. However, credit cards with high limits are generally more difficult to get now, than they were in previous years.
When you apply for a credit card in the UK, the information you will need to complete the online application form, includes the following:-
- Details of your current address, and previous address if you have moved within the last 3 years
- Details about your current employment and your annual income
- The account number and sort code of your bank, or building society, current account
- The 16 digit card number and the amount, if you want to make a balance transfer from another credit card
You can make a credit card application online for all of the following popular featured cards:-
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- 0% for up to 26 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening
- 3.49% balance transfer fee, minimum £5
- 0% on purchases for 3 months from account opening
- Collect M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world with your card
- One point for every £1 you spend in M&S and one point for every £5 you spend elsewhere
- Manage account online
- Annual Fee: None
- You are a UK resident
- You have an annual income or pension of at least £6,800
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have not held a credit card with M&S Bank within the previous 12 months
- 0% interest for up to 16 months on balance transfers made within first 60 days of account opening
- 3.49% balance transfer fee applies (minimum £5)
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 18 months from account opening
- At end of promotional period, balance transfers and purchases will revert to standard variable rate
- Worldwide offers and discounts with HSBC home&Away
- Manage your card online
- Annual Fee: None
- You have an annual income or pension before tax of £6,800 or more
- You are a UK resident
- You are aged 18 or over
- You do not hold an HSBC Basic bank account
- 0% for up to 12 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening
- 3.49% balance transfer fee, minimum £5
- 0% on purchases for up to 20 months from account opening
- Collect M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world with your card
- One point for every £1 you spend in M&S and one point for every £5 you spend elsewhere
- Manage account online
- Annual Fee: None
- You are a UK resident
- You have an annual income or pension of at least £6,800
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have not held a credit card with M&S Bank within the previous 12 months
- 0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months
- 2.9% balance transfer fee
- 0% on purchases for up to 12 months
- Credit limit up to £8,000
- Online account management
- Annual Fee: None
- You are a UK resident
- You have a bank or building society account
- You are aged 18 or over
- 0% interest for up to 26 months on balance transfers made within first 60 days of account opening
- 3.49% balance transfer fee applies (minimum £5)
- 0% interest on purchases for 3 months from account opening
- At end of promotional period, balance transfers and purchases will revert to standard variable rate
- Worldwide offers and discounts with HSBC home&Away
- Manage your card online
- Annual Fee: None
- You have an annual income or pension before tax of £6,800 or more
- You are a UK resident
- You are aged 18 or over
- You do not hold an HSBC Basic bank account
How Long Does A Credit Card Application Take
Most customers, who apply online, should take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes to complete the application form.
Some card companies are able to give the customer an instant answer at the end of the application process. This will let the customer know whether they have been accepted for the card. In other cases, the card company may need to carry out further checks, or ask you for additional information.
How long does it take for for a credit card to arrive? In most cases you should have your new card delivered to your address, and ready to use, within 5 to 10 days of making the application.
UK credit cards are available from a number of different card companies and banks. Most UK card companies, including the M&S credit card, use the Mastercard payment network. A smaller number of card companies currently use the Visa payment network, for their cards.
Millions of locations around the world, including shops, petrol stations, restaurants and hotels accept both Visa, and Mastercard credit cards.
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