You are one step away from the first direct Credit Card. Check the eligibility criteria and how the eligibility checker works before you apply.
Check each requirement below before you apply. Knowing your chances first helps protect your credit score.
An eligibility check uses a soft search, so you can see your chances without affecting your credit score.
Check first, apply with confidence
Existing customers0% balance transfersNo annual fee
📋 Eligibility
- Age: You must be aged 18 or over.
- Residency: You must be a permanent UK resident with a UK address history.
- Income: You need an annual income or pension of at least £6,800 before tax.
- Bank account: You must hold a first direct 1st Account.
- Credit check: A full credit check is carried out when you apply; use the eligibility checker first for a soft search.
🔍 How to check your eligibility
- Open the first direct (a division of HSBC UK Bank plc) eligibility checker or card page.
- Enter a few details about your income and address.
- See your result with a soft search before submitting a full application.
✅ Good to know
- Quick application: Apply in minutes for existing customers.
- Mobile wallets: Make payments immediately with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Generous limits: first direct quotes an average accepted limit of around £7,800 (2025 data).
Your rate, credit limit and promotional period depend on the provider's credit and affordability checks; check the summary box before applying.