Clubcard rewards, and score tracking make this a smart first step forward!
Get approved with low credit with the Foundation Credit Card!
Build your credit and earn Tesco points with the Foundation Credit Card. Get approved with limited history, enjoy no annual fee, and access limits up to £1,500. Track your score and grow fast—without paying for the privilege.
Discover the top benefits of the Foundation Credit Card!
You will remain in the same website
Credit That Starts Small, Then Grows
Tesco Bank’s Foundation Credit Card isn’t flashy, but that’s the point. It’s built for people ready to prove themselves financially—without drowning in fees or gimmicks.
The starting credit limit is modest, often from £250. But unlike other cards, Tesco allows your credit to grow with you through responsible use.
It includes free access to Tesco Bank CreditView, powered by TransUnion. This feature helps you track, understand, and improve your credit score with real-time insights and alerts.
And then there’s the bonus: Clubcard points. Every purchase—at Tesco or elsewhere—brings in points. It’s a clever incentive to use the card wisely and consistently.
There’s no annual fee to worry about. That makes it less risky for those taking their first step into credit, or working to rebuild a damaged score.
You don’t need perfect history to apply. In fact, this card was designed for those without it. And yes, you can check eligibility without hurting your credit score.
Real-World Advantages You’ll Actually Use
Not all credit card perks are practical. Some sound good but are rarely used. The Foundation Credit Card focuses on real features that matter in daily financial life.
It’s ideal for someone who wants to improve their financial standing while getting something in return. This card rewards responsibility and consistent habits—nothing more, nothing less.
✅ Clubcard Rewards:
Earn 1 point per £4 spent at Tesco and Tesco fuel stations, and 1 point per £8 elsewhere—perfect if you shop Tesco weekly.
✅ CreditView Monitoring:
Free access to your TransUnion score with tools that help you understand and grow your credit over time.
✅ Flexible Mobile Control:
Tesco’s app allows you to freeze the card, request PIN reminders, and track spending—all in real time.
✅ Zero Annual Fee:
You’ll never pay a yearly fee, keeping the cost of holding the card predictably low no matter how often you use it.
✅ Eligibility Checker:
Tesco’s soft-check tool lets you see your chances of approval before applying, avoiding damage to your credit score.
✅ Steady Credit Growth:
Start with £250 and build toward a £1,500 limit by paying on time and staying under your limit consistently.
What to Consider Before You Apply
No credit card is perfect, especially if you plan to carry a balance or use it abroad. The Foundation Credit Card is no exception—it has its limitations.
Before applying, weigh the pros against these practical drawbacks. Knowing both sides helps you use the card more effectively and avoid costly surprises.
⚠️ High APR:
The representative APR is 29.9% variable, but it can climb to 39.9% based on your credit rating. This adds up if you carry a balance.
⚠️ No 0% Promotions:
Unlike many other cards, this one doesn’t offer 0% on purchases or balance transfers. Interest starts immediately on unpaid balances.
⚠️ Foreign Fees Add Up:
There’s a 2.75% foreign transaction fee and additional charges on international cash withdrawals. It’s not ideal for travel use.
⚠️ Limited Rewards:
Outside of Tesco, the points are minimal. If you rarely shop there, you may not feel the benefit of the Clubcard system.
⚠️ Small Starting Limit:
Some users may find the initial £250–£500 credit limit restrictive, especially if they have regular monthly expenses.
While the Clubcard points are Tesco-focused, the real value comes from building credit. If you’re aiming to boost your score, it’s still useful. Just know rewards outside Tesco are minimal, so it’s better if you do some regular shopping there.
Not automatically—but it gives you the tools. Pay on time, keep balances low, and monitor your score with CreditView. Over time, these habits can improve your profile. The card reports to credit agencies, so your good behavior gets noticed.
There’s no catch. Tesco charges no annual fee—none today, none next year. However, interest applies if you carry a balance, and certain actions like cash advances or foreign use come with fees. Always read the small print before assuming it’s all free.
The Foundation Credit Card isn’t built for balance transfers or big purchases. It’s a credit-building tool. Offering 0% interest would pose risk with new or poor credit users. Instead, the focus is on limits, reporting, and rewards you can use regularly.
Looking for Something Different?
The Tesco Foundation Credit Card is powerful if you’re building credit, but it’s not the only path. Maybe you want something more traditional—or flexible.
If that sounds like you, take a look at the HSBC Classic Credit Card. It offers more balance and a different reward setup for daily spending.
Where Tesco focuses on store loyalty and score tracking, HSBC goes broader—giving you a classic structure and fewer store-based restrictions on use.
Whether you’re focused on flexibility, wider acceptance, or simply want a strong fallback option, the HSBC Classic Credit Card deserves a close look.
Check out our full review of the HSBC Classic Credit Card to compare benefits, fees, and who it’s really best for.
HSBC Classic Credit Card Review: Classic Advantage
Build your financial future with a trusted option tailored for simplicity. Perfect for those looking to manage money smartly and grow their credit responsibly.