How to check your eligibility
Checking your eligibility for a Vanquis Credit card has never been easier.
To find out your eligibility and discover what a Vanquis Credit card can do for you, simply fill in our quick and easy form and get started today.
Why you should check your eligibility for a Credit card before applying
Undergoing an eligibility check not only lets you know if you’re eligible for a card, but also gives you crucial information about your credit plan before you commit — like interest rates, credit limits and repayment criteria.
To be accepted for a credit card, a lender must first check your financial background.
Our eligibility checker removes the uncertainty from the application process, meaning you know straight away whether you’ll be accepted for a Vanquis Credit Card and what sort of rates and APRs will be on offer.
We perform a free “soft credit check” that does not impact your credit score — letting you get all the crucial information you need before you commit, quickly and without any risk.
What information do you need to check your eligibility?
To check your eligibility, you’ll need:
- Personal details including your full name and date of birth.
- Address details and residential status.
- Contact details — You’ll need your email address and at least one telephone number to hand.
- Employment status and income — This includes proof of any wages, benefits, and pensions you receive.
I've checked my eligibility. What's next?
Once you have submitted your eligibility check, we will quickly provide you with a response.
If you’re eligible, you'll be offered a credit card along with information like the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), credit limit and repayment options, so you’re fully in the know.
If you're happy with what we’ve offered, you can go ahead and complete your application for a Vanquis Credit Card.
In some cases, you may need to provide further information. Your application is referred to our team who will contact you. There's no need to re-fill any of your personal details.
If you’re not eligible, don’t worry — there are other ways to get you started on your credit journey.
Try Snoop — our money-saving app, designed to help you take control of your finances, meet your minimum repayments, save for the future and make the most of money. This app is free to use and download.
How can I improve my chances of being accepted?
There are quick and easy changes you can make to increase your chances of being eligible for a Vanquis Credit card.
Some of the ways you can do this are:
Limiting the number of hard credit checks you undergo — If a lender doesn’t state that their credit checks are “soft” and do not harm your credit file, it’s possible this is a hard search. So, it can be important to do as much research as you can and not commit to multiple hard credit checks at one time. You can use our free credit checker to find out what interest rates you can expect from us, with a soft search that won’t hurt your credit file.
Pay your loans, credit card statements and bills on time — Credit card holders who can show that they pay their bills on time are more likely to be accepted for credit cards and loans in the future, as they’re often seen as less of a risk — so it’s important to keep on top of your repayments.
Keep your address details up to date — Although moving house doesn’t directly hurt your credit score, not updating your entry on the electoral register might. Keeping your information up to date can help confirm that you are who you say you are and can confirm that your details are accurate.
Use your credit wisely and responsibly — Credit card holders that frequently pay late or exceed their credit limits often have this reflect negatively on their credit score. It’s important to only spend what you can afford to pay back and stay within your limits.
FAQs
How does a Credit card eligibility checker work?
When you’ve sent off all the necessary details to the credit card company, they’ll perform an eligibility check to see if you’re a suitable candidate for a credit card.
An eligibility check simply reviews your credit history alongside the lender’s internal criteria to see if you can afford the proposed repayments, interest rates and credit limits.
If you’re eligible, you can complete your application and receive your card & pin number in the post. If you’re not eligible, there are other ways to repair or build your credit score.
Does checking my eligibility impact my credit score?
Hard inquiries into your credit history appear on your credit report and can be visible for up to two years.
Before you enquire about a Credit card — or apply to undergo a credit check — make sure that the checks are “soft searches” and don’t hurt your score. It might also be a good idea to consider limiting the number of checks you undergo, to minimise the impact on your credit score.
Am I eligible for a credit card if I have bad credit?
Ultimately, this will depend on the lender.
If you have a poor credit history (or no credit history), a lender may still offer you a credit card with an increased APR or lower credit limit, but also may refuse your application.
Alternatively, lenders may have additional options for those with poor credit scores – like credit cards designed for bad credit or even credit builder cards for those looking to get started or repair their scores.
Why do people get rejected for credit cards?
Those that apply for credit cards and get rejected do so for a number of reasons.
Some of the reasons people get rejected include:
- Having a limited or poor credit history
- Making too many late payments or having too many outstanding payments to make
- Making too many applications for loans and Credit cards
- Mistakes or errors on their credit file
- Mistakes on their application form
- They’re not on an electoral register
- Their income is too low or they have a track record of inconsistent employment
- They are legally restricted from obtaining credit, i.e. bankruptcy