Credit cards for new arrivals & expats

Building a UK credit history takes time — but the right card makes it faster. Whether you need a credit-builder card to start from scratch, a rewards card once you're established, or a no-fee card for everyday spending, find vetted options here.

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Credit cards for new arrivals & expats in the UK

Every provider below has been reviewed by our editorial team before listing.

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3 providers listed

Rewards · Cashback

M&S Bank Rewards Credit Card

Earn M&S points on every purchase — redeemable as vouchers in M&S stores and online. The Rewards card carries no annual fee and offers a competitive purchase rate, making it a practical everyday card for new arrivals who shop regularly at Marks & Spencer.

M&S Points No Annual Fee Cashback Vouchers 0% on Purchases Intro

Visit M&S Bank

Rewards · High Street

HSBC

HSBC's UK credit card range covers everyday and rewards options with no annual fee on standard cards. A natural next step for new arrivals who already bank with HSBC — the existing relationship can make approval smoother, and HSBC's international presence means some expats arrive with an existing credit footprint the bank recognises.

No Annual Fee Existing Customer Advantage Rewards Points Balance Transfer Option

Visit HSBC

Digital · No Annual Fee

Monzo

Monzo's Flex credit product lets you pay for purchases over 3, 6, or 12 months — with no interest on 3-month plans. Managed entirely through the Monzo app alongside your current account, it's a low-friction way for existing Monzo customers to start building a UK credit footprint from the app they already use daily.

0% Interest (3 Months) App Managed No Annual Fee Flexible Repayments

Visit Monzo Flex

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Getting your first UK credit card as a new arrival

One of the more frustrating realities of moving to the UK is that your credit history from your home country doesn't follow you. Even if you had an excellent credit score in the US, Australia, Canada or elsewhere, UK lenders can't see it — and most standard credit cards require a UK credit history before they'll approve you.

The practical solution is to start with a credit-builder card. These are specifically designed for people with no or thin UK credit files, and typically come with lower credit limits and higher APRs than standard cards. They're not meant to be used for large purchases — the purpose is simply to demonstrate responsible borrowing behaviour to UK credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) so that a credit history builds up over time.

The key to using a credit-builder card effectively is straightforward: use it for small, regular purchases you'd make anyway, pay the full balance off every month before the statement date, and never miss a payment. Within six to twelve months of consistent use, most new arrivals will have built enough of a UK credit footprint to qualify for standard credit cards with better rates and rewards.

Once your UK credit file is established, the range of available cards expands significantly. Rewards cards such as those from American Express and M&S Bank offer meaningful returns on everyday spending. Cashback cards, balance transfer cards and premium travel cards all become accessible once a lender can see a track record of responsible UK borrowing. The credit-builder phase is temporary — the sooner you start, the sooner it ends.

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Common questions

Credit Cards — FAQs

Yes, but your options will be limited to credit-builder cards initially. Standard rewards and cashback cards typically require at least a few months of UK credit history. Cards from Vanquis, Aqua and Capital One are specifically designed for people with no or thin UK credit files, and will accept new arrivals who can demonstrate a UK address and income. Use the card for small purchases and pay in full each month to build your score quickly.

No. UK lenders use UK credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — and your overseas credit history is not visible to them. You effectively start from zero when you arrive. This applies regardless of how good your credit score was at home. The only partial exception is if you bank with a lender that operates globally (such as HSBC or Citibank) and can access your overseas account history internally — but this is not guaranteed.

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes UK credit card issuers jointly liable with retailers for purchases between £100 and £30,000. If a retailer fails to deliver goods or services, or goes into administration, you can claim a full refund from your credit card provider. It applies to all UK-issued credit cards used for purchases in this range, regardless of whether you're a UK national or a foreign national living here.

With consistent use of a credit-builder card — making purchases and paying the balance in full every month — most new arrivals see a meaningful credit score appear within three to six months. Within twelve months of responsible use, many will qualify for standard credit cards with better rates and rewards. Registering on the electoral roll (if you have the right to vote), setting up direct debits from a UK bank account, and avoiding multiple credit applications in quick succession all accelerate the process.

For new arrivals, there are two strong reasons to prefer a credit card for everyday purchases. First, it builds your UK credit score when paid off in full each month. Second, purchases between £100 and £30,000 on a credit card are protected under Section 75, which gives you stronger consumer rights than a debit card purchase. As long as you pay the full balance before the due date and never carry a balance, there is no cost to using a credit card over a debit card for day-to-day spending.

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