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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 years or over
  • have a regular income
  • are a UK resident
  • are not currently declared bankrupt, do not have any county court judgements and are not subject to an individual voluntary agreement
  • have not already applied for a credit card and been declined in the last 30 days
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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. If you have moved in the past 3 years, we also need your previous address
  • Your phone number and your email address
  • Your annual income (before tax)
  • The account number and sort code of your main bank account
  • The details of any store or credit card that is not with Lloyds Bank. This is only if you want to make a balance transfer as part of your application.

During your application

You can apply for a credit card online, in branch or on the phone. Some balance transfer offers are only available when you go online. You will find out if you have been successful halfway through the application.

Internet Banking is the quickest and easiest way of applying for a credit card. The application form will work well 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 card or store card to another. You can do this from most non-Lloyds Bank credit cards and some store cards (if they have the Visa®, Mastercard® or Amex® logo).

You can apply for a balance transfer during your application for a new credit card. Or after you have received your card, you can also so do 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 for a credit card:

  • It may be because you did not meet the application criteria required. For instance, a credit card issuer may set a minimum level of income. All issuers have their own criteria so while one might decline you, another might accept you.
  • Adverse information in your credit history. This includes missed payments on mortgages, loans and credit cards and 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 6 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 about your current account or savings.

You should think carefully about which type of credit card will suit you. Take care not to apply for too many credit cards because every time you apply for a card, whether your application is successful or not, it’s noted on your credit file. This can make some credit card issuers concerned about lending to you.

The issuer will inform you of your declined application and tell you 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 to contact the credit referencing agency.

Credit reference agencies share details about people who want to borrow with lenders - such as credit card issuers. The lenders then use these details to work out 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, TransUnion, Equifax.

You can get a copy of your credit file from these agencies by visiting their websites. There may be a small fee for this service. If you think your information is incorrect or would like to explain the background of specific details, then you should contact the 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.