Why Can't I Get a Credit Card?

Having your credit card application rejected can be disappointing.
If you’re asking, ‘Why have I been refused a credit card?’ our guide could help you understand what might be holding you back.

Why can’t I get a credit card? Why was my credit card application turned down?

Why was my credit card application declined? There are many reasons why you could find it difficult to get a credit card.
Below, we’ve included a list of some of the reasons why your credit card application could have been refused, which we hope could help you identify any areas that you may choose to work on. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list; as we’ve talked about, there are many things that can influence whether your credit card application is successful.

1. You didn’t meet the provider’s eligibility criteria
   Every credit card provider has its own eligibility criteria. This can be found on their website, and you should take the time to read through it before you make an application. If you apply and you don’t meet the provider’s eligibility criteria, your application will be rejected.


2. You made an error in your application/ the information you provided wasn’t correct
   Mistakes happen, but they could slow your application down, or worse, cause it to be rejected.
   Take your time when filling out your application and answer all the questions to the best of your knowledge.


3. You’ve made multiple applications for credit within a short period of time
   Making multiple credit applications in a short space of time could harm your credit score, which could, in turn, make it more difficult for you to be accepted for a credit card.


4. You have limited or no credit history
   Having no credit history is sometimes referred to as having a ‘thin’ credit file and typically happens if you’ve never borrowed money or paid bills in your name before. It’s common in younger people, and while it’s not necessarily a bad thing, having a thin credit file could make it harder to get credit. This is because lenders have no sign of how you’ve managed credit in the past, and so, they may see your application as a risk.


5. You have bad credit history
   A bad credit history can be caused by a number of factors, including late or missed repayments on previous credit commitments, a high credit card utilisation, or a county court judgement (CCJ) within the last 6 years.
   Having a history of bad credit could limit your borrowing options and could be a reason why your credit card application was rejected.

   Wondering about your chances of being considered for credit when you have a CCJ on your credit file? You might be interested in reading our guide: Can You Get a Credit Card with a CCJ?



6. You have a low or unstable income
   When carrying out their creditworthiness assessment, one of the main things credit providers look for is how likely you are to be able to repay the money you borrow.
   Some providers may have a minimum income, and if you don’t meet it, your application will not be accepted. While this can feel disheartening, it’s important to remember that these checks are in place to protect you. The provider will need to make sure that a loan is affordable for you and that repayments will not affect your housing costs or other essential bills.


7. You’re not on the electoral register
   Being on the electoral roll could make it easier for credit providers to verify your information. If you’re not registered to vote at your current address, providers will not be able to confirm the information they need.

Will a credit provider tell me why my application was turned down?

If you’d like to know the reason your credit card application was refused, you should contact the credit provider.

Ways to establish and build your credit score

• Manage your existing credit
  One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your credit score stays healthy is to pay your bills and any current credit commitments on time each month, stay well within your credit limit, and keep your borrowing low.


• Register to vote
  You might not think that registering to vote has a great deal to do with your credit score; however, as we’ve talked about, getting on the electoral roll could work in your favour when applying for credit. If you’ve recently moved house, don’t forget to update your details.


• Check your credit report
  Many of us regularly check our credit scores, but how often do you take the time to look at your full credit report? Try to set some time aside every couple of weeks to make sure all information is correct and up-to-date, and that there aren’t any credit searches you don’t recognise.


• Be mindful of your financial associations
  If you share a bank account or mortgage with another person, or both your names are on your utility bills, you are financially linked with them. If they have a bad credit score this could have a negative effect on your own.
  You’ll be able to see a record of your financial associations on your credit report. Be sure to review these connections regularly and ask that any outdated links be removed from your credit file.


• Do some research into credit builder credit cards
  If your application for a standard credit card has been turned down and you’re concerned that it could be due to limited or bad credit history, have you thought about researching credit builder credit cards? This type of credit card could be a suitable for people hoping to establish and build their credit score.


• Focus on credit card health
  If you are approved for a credit card in future, there are things you should do to keep your credit score in good condition.
  We’ve included some pointers in the table below.

Things to do	What is this?	Why it’s important
Stay within your credit limit.	Your credit limit is the total amount of money that you can borrow on your credit card.	Spending outside of your credit limit could lead to your transaction being declined. You may be charged a fee by your lender. Exceeding your credit limit could also damage your credit score.
Aim to keep your credit utilisation below 30%.	Your credit utilisation is the amount of money you’re using of your credit limit. For example, if you have a credit limit of £1,000 and you make a £250 transaction, your credit utilisation will be 25%.	Experian states that keeping your credit utilisation below 30% could have a positive effect on your credit score.
Avoid using your credit card to make a cash advance.	A cash advance is when you use your credit card to withdraw money from a cash machine or bank.	A cash advance could signal poor money management, and potential credit providers may see this as a red flag.

The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card

With a manageable starting credit limit between £200 and £2,000, the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card could be a suitable option for people with bad credit history.

Use your thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card to make an essential, affordable purchase and then make at least the minimum repayment amount each month. Your repayment history will be reported to the Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs). With consistent positive use, you could see an improvement in your credit score, provided any other credit commitments have also been handled effectively.

Checking your eligibility for a thimbl credit card will not affect your credit score, and will only be visible on your credit file to you, and thimbl.*

Check your eligibility for a thimbl credit card: all credit scores welcome

You can check your eligibility for the thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 70;
• Are a UK resident with at least 1 year's UK address history;
• Have a monthly net income of at least £800;
• Have an active credit account that has been open for a minimum of 12 months; and
• Do not already hold a Zable credit card.

thimbl is a credit broker. The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd. Lendable Ltd is unable to consider applications from anyone who has declared bankruptcy or is in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).

What to do if you can’t afford your credit card repayments

It’s important to make your credit card repayments on time each month. If you’re worried that you might miss an upcoming repayment, it’s important to reach out to your provider as soon as you can. They will take the time to talk you through any options that could be available to help relieve some of the pressure.

Are you struggling with money?

If you’d like to talk to someone about money and debt concerns, please know that you can get free advice through StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.