Opus credit card review UK, rebuild poor credit and transfer cash to your bank with no annual fee

Quick overview of the Opus credit card

The Opus credit card is aimed squarely at people in the UK with poor credit who need a practical way to rebuild their credit file. It offers a standout money transfer feature that lets you move funds to your bank account and has no annual fee, which keeps running costs low.

Acceptance chances are better than with mainstream cards, but the card carries high interest rates on purchases and cash advances, so it’s best used with a clear repayment plan. Regular, on-time payments and low utilisation will help your credit score over time.

Fees, APRs and the money transfer feature

Representative APR on purchases is 39.9% variable, and cash withdrawals attract around 49.95% APR, so avoid taking cash unless it’s essential. Money transfers to your bank cost £3 or 3% (whichever is greater) and interest is charged from the date of the transfer.

There’s a minimum transfer amount of £50 and no annual fee, which makes the Opus credit card a viable short-term tool for accessing funds if you plan repayments carefully. Use the money transfer sparingly and aim to clear balances quickly to limit interest.

How the card helps rebuild poor credit

Using the Opus credit card responsibly can steadily improve your credit score; the lender reports to UK credit reference agencies so consistent payments show up on your file. Text alerts and online management tools make it simple to stay on top of due dates.

Keep your credit utilisation under 30% and pay at least the minimum on time each month to see meaningful improvements. Avoid maxing the limit and try to pay more than the minimum whenever possible to reduce interest and demonstrate good credit behaviour.

Application, alternatives and practical tips

There’s an online eligibility checker that performs a soft search, so your credit score won’t be harmed while you check the likelihood of approval. Apply online only if the pre-check looks favourable and have documentation ready, such as proof of address and income.

If Opus isn’t the right fit, consider other UK products aimed at bad credit such as Vanquis, Capital One Classic or the Tesco Foundation card, but compare fees and reporting practices. Always prioritise cards that report to the three main UK agencies and offer clear ways to manage payments and reduce balances.