Can I get a credit card with a CCJ on my file?

Yes. Several specialist lenders including Aqua, Vanquis, Capital One, and Fluid accept applications from people with CCJs. Approval depends on the age of the CCJ, the amount involved, whether it has been satisfied, and your current income and stability. A CCJ that is over 2 years old and has been fully paid (satisfied) gives you a better chance of approval than a recent unsatisfied one.

How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?

A CCJ stays on your credit file for 6 years from the date of the judgment, regardless of whether it has been paid off. If you pay the CCJ in full within one month of the judgment, you can apply to have it set aside (removed). If paid after one month but within 6 years, it shows as 'satisfied' on your file, which is better than unsatisfied but does not remove it. After 6 years, it drops off automatically.

What APR should I expect on a credit card with a CCJ?

Credit cards for applicants with CCJs typically have representative APRs between 39.9% and 59.9%. Aqua currently offers a representative APR of 34.9% to approved applicants, making it one of the lower-rate options for poor credit. The specific rate you are offered depends on your individual risk assessment — lenders use their own scoring models, so the representative APR (offered to 51% of applicants) may not be what you receive.

Best Credit Cards for CCJ UK 2026 — Options After a County Court Judgement

A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is one of the most serious negative marks on a UK credit file. It makes credit harder to obtain, but it does not make it impossible. Specialist lenders exist specifically for people in this situation, and with the right approach, you can access a credit card, use it responsibly, and begin rebuilding your credit score while the CCJ is still on your file.

This guide explains what a CCJ is, how it affects your applications, which lenders accept CCJ applicants, how long it remains on file, and what to realistically expect in terms of rates and limits.

What Is a CCJ?

A County Court Judgement is a court order issued in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland when someone has failed to repay a debt after being contacted by the lender. (Scotland has its own equivalent: a sheriff court decree.) The creditor takes the borrower to court, and if judgment is given against the borrower, a CCJ is issued.

The CCJ specifies:
– The amount owed
– A payment deadline
– A repayment method (lump sum or instalments)

Once issued, the CCJ is recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines and shows on your credit file. It tells future lenders that you have previously had a debt enforced through the courts.

How a CCJ Affects Credit Applications

Credit applications are scored using data from the three UK credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. A CCJ on your file significantly reduces your credit score with all three agencies and flags you as high-risk to potential lenders.

The key factors lenders consider when they see a CCJ:

Age of the CCJ — a CCJ from 5 years ago is treated very differently from one issued 3 months ago
Whether it is satisfied or unsatisfied — a paid CCJ (“satisfied”) demonstrates that the debt has been resolved, even though the CCJ remains visible
The amount of the CCJ — a £200 debt enforced through the courts is less concerning to most lenders than a £10,000 CCJ
Overall credit profile — a CCJ alongside a good subsequent track record (no further defaults, consistent payment history) is significantly better than a CCJ as part of an ongoing pattern of missed payments

Lenders That Accept CCJ Applicants

Aqua Card (NewDay)

Aqua is specifically designed for people with poor credit histories, including CCJs. It uses a soft eligibility checker that lets you see your chances of approval before a full application — important because hard searches from declined applications add further damage to your credit file. Representative APR: 34.9%. Initial credit limits: typically £250–£1,200.

Vanquis Bank

Vanquis is one of the UK’s largest specialist credit card lenders. It accepts applications from people with CCJs, defaults, and bankruptcy (post-discharge). It uses an eligibility checker. Representative APR: 39.9%. Initial credit limits: typically £150–£1,000.

Capital One (Classic Card)

Capital One’s Classic Visa card is designed for credit-building and accepts applicants with poor credit histories. The eligibility checker is available before application. Representative APR: 34.9%. Initial credit limits: typically £200–£1,500.

Fluid Card (NewDay)

Fluid is another NewDay product (the same issuer as Aqua) that accepts bad credit applicants. It offers a 0% introductory period on purchases for a limited time, which can be useful for managing existing spending. Representative APR: 34.9% after the introductory period.

How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit File?

6 years from the date of judgment — regardless of whether you pay it off. This is set by UK credit reporting rules and cannot be shortened except in specific circumstances.

The exceptions:
– If paid within 1 month of the judgment: You can apply to the court to have the CCJ set aside (cancelled). If successful, it is removed from the Register of Judgments and from your credit file. This costs £255 in court fees and requires proof of payment.
– If paid after 1 month: The CCJ status changes to “satisfied” on your credit file and on the Register. This is better than unsatisfied but does not remove it before the 6-year mark.
– If you dispute the judgment: If the CCJ was issued incorrectly or without your knowledge (for example, you never received the claim), you can apply to have it set aside on those grounds. This is a legal process and the outcome depends on the specific circumstances.

After 6 years from the judgment date, the CCJ drops off your credit file automatically, even if it remains unpaid.

How to Improve Your Approval Chances with a CCJ

Use eligibility checkers first. Every application you make generates a hard search on your credit file, visible to other lenders. Multiple hard searches in a short period reduce your score further. Use soft eligibility checkers (Aqua, Vanquis, Capital One all have them) to identify your best prospect before applying.

Pay the CCJ if you can. A satisfied CCJ is materially better than an unsatisfied one on your application. Even if it does not remove the judgment from your file, it demonstrates that the debt has been resolved.

Register on the electoral roll. If you are not already on the electoral roll, do this immediately. It is the single most impactful quick win for your credit file and costs nothing. Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Ensure your credit file is accurate. Check your file with all three agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and dispute any inaccuracies. Incorrect defaults or missed payments that are not yours reduce your score unfairly.

Apply for a low credit limit card. Don’t aim for a premium card immediately. A credit-builder card with a £200–£500 limit, used responsibly for 6–12 months, is more valuable to your long-term credit profile than an application for a product you are unlikely to be approved for.

Realistic APRs and Limits to Expect

Lender	Representative APR	Typical Initial Limit
Aqua	34.9%	£250–£1,200
Vanquis	39.9%	£150–£1,000
Capital One Classic	34.9%	£200–£1,500
Fluid	34.9%	£250–£1,000

These are representative figures. Your actual APR may be higher — lenders price individually based on your risk profile. “Representative APR” means 51% of approved applicants receive that rate or better; others may receive a higher rate or be declined.

Always pay the full balance monthly if possible. At 34.9–59.9% APR, carrying a balance is expensive. The purpose of these cards is to demonstrate responsible use and rebuild your credit score — not to borrow at high cost.

Further Information

For independent, impartial advice on managing CCJs and credit recovery, MoneyHelper provides free guidance on all aspects of debt and credit in the UK.