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How to apply for a credit card

Things to consider before you apply

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Are you eligible?

You can apply if you:

  • are aged 18 or over
  • have a regular income
  • are a UK resident
  • are not currently declared bankrupt, have any county court judgements or subject to an individual voluntary agreement.
  • haven’t already applied for a card and been declined in the last 30 days.

See how likely you are to be accepted for a Lloyds Bank credit card without harming your credit score.

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Choosing the right card

It's important you find a credit card that's right for you. Our guide on how to choose a credit card explains the things you'll need to consider before selecting a card.

If you already have a card with us, you can apply for a second card* or swap your existing card.

*Second cards excludes Student Credit Card customers. Conditions apply.

Compare our cards to make sure you find the right one. We even have a card selector to help you choose.

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What you will need

To apply, you will need your:

  • Current UK address details, and your previous address if you have moved in the past three years
  • Phone number and email address
  • Annual income (before tax)
  • Main bank account number and sort code
  • Details for any non-Lloyds Bank credit or store card(s), if you want to make a balance transfer as part of your application.

During your application

You can apply for a card online, in branch and over the phone, however some balance transfer offers are available exclusively online. You’ll find out if you’re successful about halfway through the application. Applying through Internet Banking will make your application quicker and easier. The application form is designed to work on your desktop, smartphone or tablet.

How we make a decision

When making a lending decision, these are some of the things we consider:

  • Your current level of borrowing and existing financial commitments
  • Your employment status (e.g. if you are unemployed, or have been in your job a short time).
  • Your residential status (e.g. if you have lived at your current address for a short time or have not been listed on the electoral register).
  • Whether you have kept up with loan or credit card payments
  • The length of time you have held a current account

Making a balance transfer

A balance transfer is the process of transferring a balance from one credit or store card to another. You can do this from most non-Lloyds Bank credit cards and some store cards.

Apply for a balance transfer during your application for a new credit card. Or after you have received your card, by logging in to Internet Banking, visiting your nearest branch or calling us.

After you have submitted your application

Your card will arrive within seven working days and your PIN will arrive within five working days. If your card hasn't arrived within two days of your PIN, please call us on 0345 606 2172.

You'll also receive two emails:

  1. Pre-contract information - This is the legal contract we provide to you before you accept the terms and conditions.
  2. Adequate explanation and Credit Card Agreement - This is the terms and conditions you have signed. We will send this once your application has been completed.

There are a number of reasons why you may have been declined:

  • It may simply be because you didn't meet the application criteria required. For instance, a credit card issuer may set a minimum income level. All issuers have their own criteria so while one might decline you, another might welcome you.
  • Adverse information in your credit history, most likely missed payments on mortgages, loans and credit cards or high levels of existing borrowing in relation to your income. Even if your finances are improving, your credit file may still be affected by something from up to six years ago.
  • The credit card issuer may have other information relating to your finances and ability to repay a credit card. For example, if you are applying for a card from your bank, they are likely to use information relating to your current account or savings.

Think carefully about which type of credit card will suit you and take care not to make too many credit card applications, as every time you apply for a credit card, whether your application is successful or not, it’s noted on your credit file. This can make some credit card issuers wary about lending to you.

You’ll be informed by the issuer of your declined application, you’ll also be informed which credit reference agency was used. First of all you may want to find out why you were declined. The best way to do this will be by contacting the credit reference agency.

Credit reference agencies share information about people who want to borrow with lenders – such as credit card issuers. The lenders use this information to calculate your credit score and decide whether to offer you a credit card. Your credit score is based on the information you provide and what’s in your credit file.

There are 3 main agencies in the UK:
Experian
Call Credit
Equifax

Get a copy of your credit file from the credit reference agencies by visiting their websites – there may be a small fee for this service.

If you feel your information is incorrect or want to explain the background of specific pieces of information then contact the credit reference agencies. This is called a Notice of Correction and anyone searching your file in the future will see this and must take account of it.