How to apply for a credit card

Things to consider before you apply:

Are you eligible?

You can apply for a credit card if:

  • You’re aged 18 or over
  • You’re a UK resident
  • You have a regular income
  • You’re not currently declared bankrupt, have any county court judgements or subject to an individual Voluntary agreement
  • You haven’t already applied for a card and been declined in the last 30 days.

See how likely you are to be accepted for a Halifax credit card without harming your credit score.

Check your eligibility

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.

Choose a card

What you'll need

To apply, you'll need your:

  1. Current UK address details, plus your previous address if you've moved in the last three years
  2. Phone number and email address
  3. Annual income (before tax)
  4. Main bank account number and sort code
  5. Details for any non-Halifax credit or store card(s), if you want to make a balance transfer as part of your application. You can also apply for a balance transfer later within Online Banking or over the phone.

During your application

You can apply for a card online, in branch and over the phone, however some balance transfer offers are available exclusively online. You’ll find out if you’re successful about halfway through the application. Applying through Online Banking will make your application quicker and easier. The application form is designed to work 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're unemployed, or have only been in your job a short time).
  • Your residential status (e.g. if you've lived at your current address for a short time or have not been listed on the electoral register)
  • Whether you've kept up with loan or credit card payments
  • The length of time you've held a current account

Making a balance transfer

A balance transfer is the process of transferring a balance from one credit or store card to another. You can do this from most non-Halifax credit cards and some store cards.

Apply for a balance transfer during your application for a new credit card. Or after you've received your card, by signing in to Online Banking, visiting your nearest branch or calling us.

Read more about how to do a balance transfer and about our balance transfer credit cards.

After you've submitted your application

If you're accepted

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 944 4555 from 7am - 11pm, seven days a week.

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.

If you're declined

There are a number of reasons why you might have been declined, for example:

  • You don't have enough disposable income to afford the repayments for the credit card you've applied for.
  • Your credit history shows missed payments on mortgages, loans and credit cards, or high levels of existing borrowing in relation to your income.
  • You've applied for a card within the last 30 days, or have an application pending.