Barclaycard Initial credit card doubles 0% period for next fortnight

The Barclaycard Initial credit card, a piece of plastic aimed at people with little or no credit record, comes with a six-month 0% period on purchases. But only for the next fortnight!

For the next couple of weeks the Barclaycard Initial credit card will boast a six-month 0% period on purchases.

The Barclaycard Initial is a credit card aimed at borrowers with little or no credit history. Normally such credit builder credit cards don't come with any fancy extras, so the fact that it has a decent 0% period is sure to turn some heads. 

The new and improved Barclaycard Initial

Previously the Initial offered a three-month 0% period on spending, so the interest-free term has been doubled.

The card comes with a credit limit of up to £1,200 and the chance to reduce interest after 12 months following an account review. The Representative APR is 34.9% (variable).  

To qualify for the Barclaycard Initial you need to be over 18, earn more than £3,000 a year and have a job. You also must not have been made bankrupt in the previous six years.

Why go for a credit builder credit card?

Credit is a rather delicate thing.

Young people tend to get turned away as they often don’t have much of a history and thus have little proof of their ability to make payments. But without the chance to build up your credit record, you don't stand much chance of getting a mortgage and leaving the family nest.

One solution is to go for a credit builder credit card. These are specifically designed to help borrowers with little or no credit record. As a result the interest rates tend to be pretty high, and the credit limits aren't exactly massive. But they are an opportunity to show that you can manage credit responsibly. Just make sure you pay your balance off in full if you don't have a 0% period to take advantage of, as the interest charges will be painful!

Of course the Barclaycard Initial isn't the only option if you need a credit builder credit card...

Aqua Classic 29.7% Credit Card

The Aqua Classic has a maximum credit limit of £1,600, with a possible increase after four months. It also offers free unlimited access to its credit checker service, so you can see for yourself how your credit record is improving.  

Aquis Visa Credit Card

This card has a lower credit limit of £1,000. Account holders are regularly reviewed so your credit limit could reach up to £3,000. To apply for the Aquis Visa card, you must have a minimum income of £4,000. It comes with an APR of 29.8%.

Capital One Classic Platinum Credit Card

With the Capital One Classic Platinum you need to be earning a minimum income of £10,000 to be eligible. It comes with credit limits of up to £1,500 and an APR of 29.8%.

Luma Credit Card

For the £1,500 credit limit, potential Luma card holders must have a minimum income of £10,000. Representative 35.9% APR.

Ocean Finance Credit Card

Again, Ocean is looking for a minimum income of £10,000 from potential account holders with a credit limit of £1,500 and an APR of 34.94%.

Vanquis Visa Credit Card

Although the Vanquis Visa comes with a lower maximum credit limit of £1,000, applicants need only be on an income of £4,000 to be eligible. The Representative APR is a whopping 39.9%.

If you would like to see how your credit score is getting on, get a free 30-day trial of your Experian credit report by signing up to CreditExpert through lovemoney.com. You will be charged after your trial period ends, so if you don't want to pay, make sure you cancel before your trial is up.

Compare credit builder cards with lovemoney.com

More on credit:

What REALLY damages your credit rating

The best credit cards to use on your travels

Comments


Be the first to comment

Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature

Copyright © lovemoney.com All rights reserved.

 

loveMONEY.com Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with Firm Reference Number (FRN): 479153.

loveMONEY.com is a company registered in England & Wales (Company Number: 7406028) with its registered address at First Floor Ridgeland House, 15 Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1DY, United Kingdom. loveMONEY.com Limited operates under the trading name of loveMONEY.com Financial Services Limited. We operate as a credit broker for consumer credit and do not lend directly. Our company maintains relationships with various affiliates and lenders, which we may promote within our editorial content in emails and on featured partner pages through affiliate links. Please note, that we may receive commission payments from some of the product and service providers featured on our website. In line with Consumer Duty regulations, we assess our partners to ensure they offer fair value, are transparent, and cater to the needs of all customers, including vulnerable groups. We continuously review our practices to ensure compliance with these standards. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of our editorial content, users should independently verify information with their chosen product or service provider. This can be done by reviewing the product landing page information and the terms and conditions associated with the product. If you are uncertain whether a product is suitable, we strongly recommend seeking advice from a regulated independent financial advisor before applying for the products.