If you are researching Aqua Credit Card or looking for an alternative lender, you may be interested in a credit option that supports people rebuilding their credit score. Aqua is a well-known brand in the UK for offering credit cards for bad credit – designed for those with a limited or poor credit history. But a traditional credit card is not the only type of credit available if you need flexibility for short term borrowing.
Polar Credit offers a modern alternative to credit cards like the Aqua Card – a flexible revolving credit line designed to help you borrow what you need, when you need it, without the necessity of a physical card.
Aqua is a UK credit card provider focused on helping customers with bad credit or a limited credit history access credit. Aqua credit cards typically offer:
Aqua credit cards are issued by NewDay Ltd, a UK-based financial services company specialising in credit products for individuals with imperfect credit histories. NewDay operates several credit brands, including Aqua, Bip and NewPay. These brands cater to customers who may not qualify for traditional or mainstream lender credit cards. NewDay Ltd also offer partner products with high street brands including, John Lewis, Argos and AO.com.
As Aqua is operated by NewDay, Aqua card customers benefit from a solid regulatory and operational foundation, but its credit criteria still mean that cardholders may face higher interest rates or lower credit limits compared to mainstream credit cards or other borrowing options.
While Aqua is a recognisable name, credit cards are not always the best fit for every borrower. There are alternative products available on the market, offering different ways to manage your credit whilst still catering for people with a poor or limited credit history.
Polar Credit does not offer a physical credit card product. Instead, we provide access to an online line of credit – a different type of revolving credit facility. A credit line is similar to a credit card, but without the card itself – offering cardless credit managed entirely online.
For customers considering an Aqua Card but wanting an online only form of credit, Polar Credit is an excellent alternative to consider.
An Aqua Credit Card requires card payments for purchases. Upon acceptance of your application, it can take 1–2 weeks for your credit card to arrive in the post. If you have a smartphone, you may be able to use the card in your digital wallet (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay) as soon as the credit card is active, even if the physical card has not yet arrived in the post.
Polar Credit transfers funds directly to your bank account immediately after approval, giving you freedom to use the money how you choose.
With Aqua, you borrow via card transactions. This is typically through transactions at retail outlets and online stores or through cash withdrawals (which usually incur additional charges such as cash advance fees and immediate interest charges).
With Polar Credit, you withdraw money from your credit line directly into your bank account. This is ideal if you want quick access to funds without incurring additional cash advance charges. You only need to withdraw what you need and this method of borrowing will not allow you to exceed your credit limit.
Both Aqua and Polar Credit can help support responsible credit building. Both brands aim to help customers improve their credit score through responsible borrowing.
Polar Credit reports to credit reference agencies, helping you strengthen your credit profile when you borrow and repay on time. Polar Credit will also reward responsible customers with reductions in their interest rate, allowing for automatic access to lower cost credit over time.
Aqua Card interest rates vary by product and, like many ‘second chance lenders’, the cost of borrowing can be high for those with poor credit. Costs and interest rates for each product are outlined clearly at the point of application.
Polar Credit provides transparent pricing, no additional fees for withdrawing cash and, similarly to Aqua, interest is charged only on the amount you actually borrow.
Polar Credit’s credit line can be suitable if you:
Eligibility criteria to apply for a Polar Credit Line include: having a UK bank account with a linked debit card, being over the age of 18, a resident in the UK and being able to afford the repayments. All credit is subject to status and applicants must pass our creditworthiness checks in order to be approved.
If you are exploring Aqua Credit Card alternatives or comparing other lenders in the UK, consider whether a flexible credit line could work best for you. Polar Credit provides simple, fast access to credit without the need for a traditional credit card.
Check your eligibility online today to see how Polar Credit could support your financial flexibility. Remember, credit should only be used when necessary and when you are sure you can meet your repayment obligations. Missing payments may make borrowing more difficult in the future. If you think that an Aqua Card is a better fit for you needs, you can learn more and apply for one directly on the Aqua website.