How to apply for a credit card

At Lloyds Bank you’ll find a range of credit cards to suit most borrowing needs. 

But how do you apply for a credit card with us, and what things should you consider? This page should help answer all of those important questions.

What do you need a credit card for?

You’ve probably got a good idea about what you need from a credit card, at least in the short term. But it might be useful to learn about the types of credit cards offered by Lloyds Bank, including:

We’ve also created a guide on how credit cards work, briefly explaining what you can use them for.

Are you eligible?

To be accepted for a Lloyds Bank credit card, you must:

  • Be a UK resident, aged 18 or over, with a regular annual income.
  • Be free from County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs) and bankruptcy.
  • Not be unemployed or a student.
  • Not have been declined for a Lloyds Bank credit card within the last 30 days.

Consider your options

  • Does this option suit my borrowing needs, or should I consider other alternatives?
  • Will I be able to make repayments, even if my circumstances change?

Other borrowing options


If you’ve already got a Lloyds Bank credit card and your needs have changed, you could apply for a second card (excludes Student Credit Card customers), or swap your existing card instead.

Two simple steps to apply

1. Check if you're eligible

One Check makes it easy to find and compare the Lloyds Bank credit cards you’re eligible to apply for, with no obligation and no impact on your credit score.

Fill in one short form to:

  • See a list of credit cards you’re likely to be approved for.
  • See your estimated credit limit up front.

 

2. Select a card and apply

After you’ve completed your One Check and you’ve found a credit card you’d like to apply for, simply follow the on-screen instructions and fill out the rest of the form.

Just be aware, we will complete a full credit search when you submit your application, which will be registered on your credit record.

Start One Check

Apply with peace of mind

The application process is secure. Our privacy policy sets out how we use and store your information.

To keep your details safe, we’ll automatically clear the form if you’re inactive for a long period.

You will find out if you have been successful halfway through the application.

You'll need to provide

  • At least 3 years’ UK address history.
  • An email address and phone number.
  • Your main bank account number and sort code.

How we make a decision

We consider a range of factors, including:

  • Your current level of borrowing and financial commitments.
  • Your employment status and how long you’ve held your job.
  • Your residential status, including how long you’ve lived in one place.
  • Whether or not you’re 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.

Understanding credit

Your credit score can affect what credit cards and rates you’re offered. Learn more about how credit works and how it might impact applying for a card.

What is a credit score?

Can credit cards be used to build your credit score?

What is a good credit score?

 

Understanding credit

Requesting a balance transfer

You can request a balance transfer as part of your application, helping you take advantage of your new credit card benefits straight away.

You’ll just need the details of the credit or store card you’d like to transfer a balance from, and we’ll arrange the transfer to your new Lloyds Bank credit card account once it’s set up. Just bear in mind that transfer fees may apply.

You can request a balance transfer from most credit cards and some store cards which display the Mastercard®, American Express® or Visa® logos, but not from loan companies, bank accounts or other Lloyds Bank credit cards.

Of course, you can request a transfer later if you’d prefer.

More about balance transfers

What happens next?
 

  • We’re always pleased to issue a new Lloyds Bank credit card, helping you with the next step on your journey.

    How long will it take to get your new card?

    When an application is approved, your PIN will be delivered by post within 5 working days.
    Your new card will follow, arriving within 7 working days.

    We send these items separately for security. If your card doesn’t arrive within two days of your PIN, please message us online. You can also give us a call or visit us in branch. 

    In the meantime, you’ll receive two emails:

    1. Pre-contract information – the legal contract we provide before you accept the terms and conditions.
    2. Adequate explanation and Credit Card Agreement – a copy of the terms and conditions you’ve signed. This is issued once your application is complete.

  • Was it an eligibility check?

    Although it’s disappointing to be told you’re not eligible, the good thing about One Check and other eligibility tools is, to make an eligibility decision we’ll only complete a 'quotation' or 'soft search'.

    This won’t affect your credit score.

     

    Or a full credit application?

    We will complete a full credit search if you submit a full credit application. If you’re declined, this will affect your credit score.

    It’s important to know that multiple applications in a short period can negatively impact your credit score, which may further discourage lenders from offering you credit.

    Why an application may be declined

Key points on applying for a credit card

  • Make sure you consider your borrowing needs and options.
  • To apply for a credit card, you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. Other criteria also apply.
  • Credit is subject to an assessment of your personal circumstances.
  • Use an eligibility checker to find and compare cards you’re likely to be accepted for, without impacting your credit score. The Lloyds Bank version is called One Check.
  • Once you’ve found a card that suits you, complete and submit your application. Just bear in mind, a full credit search applies at this point, which will be registered on your credit record.
  • With Lloyds Bank you can apply online, by phone or at a branch.

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