Credit building credit cards

Credit building credit cards explained

If you’re looking for your first credit card or you’ve got limited credit history, our credit building credit cards could help you gradually build your credit rating.

It’s just important that you understand how they work. If you manage your account well, by doing things like staying within your credit limit and making at least the minimum payment each month, you can improve your credit rating over time. But if you don’t manage your account properly, you could harm your rating. Take a look at our page on understanding credit to learn more.

With your new Barclaycard, you can get Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+ and Apple Arcade free for up to five months. Continues as paid subscription after trial. UK only, T&Cs apply

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Forward credit card

Are you looking for your first credit card, or do you have a limited credit history?

  • Credit limit of £50-£1,200 subject to status
  • Price promise – 3% interest rate reduction if you make all your payments on time for the first year. Keep it going in the second year and you’ll get another 2% reduction
  • 0% interest on purchases for 3 months from the date you open your account
  • Get up to five months free of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+ and Apple Arcade with your new Barclaycard. Continues as paid subscription after trial. UK only, T&Cs apply. 

Representative example

Representative APR
33.9% APR (variable)
Purchase rate
33.9% p.a. (variable)
Based on a
£1,200
credit limit
Annual Fee
No annual fee

The approval of your application depends on your financial circumstances and borrowing history.

Find out more about Forward

Check if you’re eligible

Making lots of credit applications can make your credit rating worse.

Use our free eligibility checker before you apply to find out whether you’re likely to be accepted for a credit card. It only takes a few minutes and it won’t affect your credit rating.

Check eligibility