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Instant credit catalogues: pros and cons

If you’re trying to climb your way back up from a poor credit score and build up a better credit history, then you’ve probably stumbled across catalogue credit accounts.

One of the first things you’ve probably wondered is whether they’re actually beneficial to have or whether it’s too good to be true. After all, you’re shopping and also bettering your credit, so are there any catches?

While catalogue credit accounts can, in fact, help you build up your credit score to help with future loans or payments, they’re not great for everyone. Today, we’ll take you through all the pros and cons of catalogue credit accounts, so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for you.

So, let’s get into it!

What are catalogue credit accounts?

Catalogue credit accounts are designed to help users shop instantly without having to pay up front, all the while building up their credit score every time they borrow and pay back on time.

It’s a great way to buy what you need in the moment and pay it off weekly or monthly, so you don’t have to wait till you can afford to pay for an item in one go. Most people use these for occasions like Christmas, when buying expensive products, so they don’t have to wait and save up.

Many catalogue accounts sell a wide range of products, spanning from electronics and homeware to toys and clothes, so you can use the credit to buy anything you need, as long as you can afford to pay it back by the due date.

If you want to browse some catalogues in the UK, read our blog on the biggest list of UK catalogue companies.

The pros of instant credit catalogues

Instant credit catalogues come in handy for a lot of people, as they provide a flexible way to buy household essentials, clothing, appliances, furniture, or unexpected purchases that can’t wait till payday.

Here are the main ways they can benefit you:

1. You can spread the cost of purchases

Catalogue credit accounts allow you to spread the cost over time with options to pay weekly or monthly, depending on the catalogue provider and the repayment option you choose.

Life happens, and we can find ourselves in tight situations with unexpected bills, so if you don’t have an emergency savings, catalogue credit comes in handy if your washing machine breaks, your child needs new school clothes, or you need to replace a household item quickly.

2. Most offer quick decisions

When you apply for a catalogue credit account, you aren’t waiting a long time as you would for a loan.

Most of the time, you’ll get a decision within minutes. Once approved, you may be given a credit limit and start shopping straight away, though this depends on the provider.

If you have bad credit, you may still be accepted by some providers, but your limit may be lower to begin with.

3. Some catalogues offer flexible repayment options

A lot of providers offer various repayment options, including weekly payments, monthly payments, buy-now-pay-later options, or instalment plans over a set period.

It offers more flexibility and suits both those who are paid weekly and those who prefer to budget around payday every month. Some catalogues may also offer interest-free periods, where you can avoid interest if you clear the balance within a certain timeframe.

4. It may be more accessible than some other forms of credit

If you have a poor credit history, you’ve probably been turned away from a lot of loans or credit cards, which can be disheartening to say the least.

The good thing about catalogue credit is that most providers offer it to those with a poor credit history to help them build a better score. They may offer a smaller starting limit, but this can be increased later if the account is managed well.

5. It can make budgeting easier

For some people, smaller, regular repayments are easier to manage than a single large payment.

If you’re paid weekly or monthly, catalogue credit can help you plan purchases around your income and spread the cost more predictably, which is useful during periods when money is tight.

You can choose what you pay and when, as long as you pay in time, which should make managing rent, bills, food, or other priority costs easier.

6. It could help build your credit history

Building on point 4, using your catalogue account responsibly may help you build a better credit history over time.

Making payments on time shows that you can manage credit reliably, which can show a pattern of borrowing and repayment, helping you appear more responsible when applying for loans or credit cards later down the road.

The cons of instant credit catalogues

While, yes, catalogue credit accounts can be a big help for those who need some help buying items without paying in one go, it doesn’t come without risk.

Before applying for an instant credit catalogue, it’s worth understanding the possible downsides.

1. Interest can make items more expensive

One of the biggest drawbacks of instant credit catalogues is the cost of interest.

If you don’t pay on time or you aren’t given an interest-free period, then the final amount you pay could be much higher than the original price of the item, which can quickly put you in more debt.

That’s why it’s important to look beyond the monthly repayment and check the full amount repayable.

2. Missed payments can affect your credit score

If you fail to make a payment altogether, this can be recorded on your credit report, which may make it harder to get accepted for credit in the future.

A missed payment could also lead to extra charges, more interest, and letters or calls from the provider. If the account remains unpaid, the debt could be passed to a collection agency, which can make the situation feel more stressful.

3. It can encourage borrowing for wants rather than needs

If you have a history of overspending or you’re given a big credit limit, it can be tempting to spend it all at once, and spend it on things you don’t need.

Fashion, homeware, electricals, and seasonal deals can all feel more affordable when the cost is split into small payments, but it all quickly adds up, and if you don’t manage it well, you’ll be left dealing with the consequences of paying it all back on time.

4. The total cost isn’t always obvious at first

A catalogue account may show an affordable weekly or monthly repayment option, but that doesn’t always tell the full story.

You also need to check the APR, repayment term, delivery charges, late payment fees, and whether interest will be added if you don’t clear the balance by a certain date.

If you don’t have the means to deal with these things, then a catalogue credit account might not be the best option for you.

Find the best catalogue for you

Now that you’ve weighed up the benefits and downsides of catalogue credit accounts, we’re here to help you find an option that suits your financial situation.

At Catalogues Bad Credit, we make it easier to compare catalogue options in one place, including choices that may be suitable for people with poor credit or a limited credit history.

Ready to explore your options? Compare bad credit catalogues today and find a repayment option that works for you.

The best catalogues with instant credit

If you’ve run into some money issues in the past, it doesn’t have to affect your shopping habits today.

While shopping responsibly is always a must, catalogue credit accounts can help you spread the cost of items and shop with credit, helping you work your way back up to a good credit score so you can buy what you need, when you need it.

Luckily, there are plenty of catalogues out there that offer instant credit, even if your credit history isn’t the best. That way, you can bypass the long approval process and buy things instantly without having to save.

Today, we’ll go through a list of the best catalogues that provide instant credit so you can find a flexible and manageable credit account that meets your needs. Just make sure to only borrow what you can afford to pay back.

Quick answer: What are the best catalogues with instant credit?

Do you just want a quick, straightforward recommendation?

If so, we’ve summarised the best credit accounts based on your situation and what you’re planning to use your credit account for.

Catalogue Best for Credit limit and payment options Credit check?
Studio General shopping, homeware, electricals, and clothing Frasers Plus Yes
Very Electricals, home furniture, and fashion Very pay and Buy Now Pay Later Yes
Freemans Homeware, fashion, and electrical items Flexiway and Buy Now Pay Later Usually yes
Yes Catalogue Bad credit (all credit types are considered) Up to £500 credit, which is subject to status and flexible payments Assessment applies
Mad For It Tech, gadgets, and appliances Up to £1,200 credit, which is subject to status, 0% interest, and flexible payments Assessment applies
JD Williams Everyday shopping, fashion, and home products JDW pay with spread-the-cost payments Yes

What does instant credit actually mean?

When we say ‘instant credit catalogues’, what we really mean is that you can apply for the credit account online and be accepted quickly, sometimes even in minutes.

So the registration and approval process is the quick part. Once you’re accepted, you may be given a credit limit that allows you to place an order straight away and spread the cost over time with flexible repayments.

However, instant credit doesn’t mean guaranteed credit, as not everyone will be accepted. While most do accept people with poor credit history, there may be other circumstances that prevent you from being accepted, such as incorrect or mismatched details when registering.

The provider will also need to confirm that you are in a position to afford repayments and whether they are happy to lend to you based on their own criteria.

We’ve got a whole blog post on reasons you may not be accepted for instant credit, so you can read it first and improve your chances of approval later!

Does instant credit mean no credit check?

Not usually, as most catalogues that offer instant credit still carry out some form of credit or affordability check before allowing you to open an account.

This may include checking the following:

  • Your address history
  • Your income and affordability
  • Your identity
  • Your previous repayment behaviour
  • Your existing borrowing commitments
  • Information from previous credit reference agencies

Some may do a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect your credit score, while others may complete a hard credit check, which can appear on your credit file, so it’s always best to check the terms and conditions before applying.

While you can find catalogues without credit checks, beware that they often come with higher interest rates, which can catch you out if you’re not careful.

6 best instant credit catalogues for you

So, if you’re ready to commit to a catalogue credit account and start buying your way to a better credit score, then here are the ones that we recommend.

1. Studio

Studio is probably one of the catalogues that you’ve heard the most about in your day-to-day life.

It’s quite popular in the UK because it offers a wide range of products, allowing you to buy everything from home furniture to clothes, toys, and gifts, with flexible payment options. It’s a great way to spread the cost of bigger purchases, especially around christmas.

With Studio, you can apply and receive acceptance in minutes after a search with credit reference agencies.

Who is it best for?

Studio is a good fit for shoppers who want a flexible catalogue-style account rather than paying for everything up front. Customers can pay the full balance or pay the minimum amount and spread the cost.

Are there any cons?

If the balance is paid in full and on time, no interest is charged, but paying less than the full balance means interest will apply to the remaining amount.

Interest on a fixed payment plan is charged at 39.9% per year, variable on the outstanding balance from the date the plan is created.

2. Freemans

Freemans combines traditional catalogue-style shopping with a modern online shopping experience, offering you the best of both worlds.

Many people find it handy for buying items across a wide range of categories, such as clothing, homeware, electronics, and shoes, with flexible ways to pay.

It currently offers a Flexiway credit account to spread the cost, with a representative APR of 39.9% variable.

Who is it best for?

Freemans is a great option for people who want plenty of choice of what they can buy with credit. It also offers a Buy Now Pay Later option, and eligible customers can get up to 12 months to pay interest-free when they spend £100 or more on a Flexiway account.

It’s also great for those who want to split payments into three with no interest, with its flexi3 option.

Are there any cons?

Not everyone will be accepted, so if you have bad credit, check whether applying could leave a mark on your credit file and avoid making several applications at once.

Credit is also subject to eligibility and checks, so not everyone will get the same.

3. Very

Very is another catalogue that offers a wide selection of products, including larger or higher-value items, such as gaming devices or electronics.

Its monthly payment option lets customers pay at least £5 or 6% of their balance, though interest is added, so try not to let it accumulate. It also offers Take 3, which allows eligible shoppers to split the cost over 3 months with no interest if payments are made on time.

Who is it best for?

Very is best suited to shoppers who want plenty of choice and flexible ways to pay, especially for larger purchases.

A lot of people find it very useful during stressful financial times, such as Christmas or birthdays, when you need to buy a lot of things at once but don’t have the money in one go. That way, you can buy now and pay later without the stress.

Are there any cons?

The biggest thing to watch is the cost of borrowing. Very Pay currently shows a representative variable APR of 44.9%, which means carrying a balance can become expensive if you don’t repay on time.

4. Yes Catalogue

With over 80,000 products to choose from, Yes Catalogue allows you to buy things flexibly from a range of categories, and it also accepts people who have bad credit scores.

Customers can apply for up to £500 in credit, subject to status, and repay weekly on a date that suits them. It also offers both regulated and unregulated credit agreements.

Who is it best for?

Yes Catalogue is handy for shoppers who have struggled to get accepted elsewhere or who want a catalogue that considers a wider range of credit profiles.

It’s also great for customers looking for a smaller starting credit limit, rather than a large credit account that may be harder to manage.

Are there any cons?

Be careful when applying, as Yes Catalogue isn’t the same as a traditional high-street catalogue account.

Prepayments may be required before an order is dispatched, based on the customer’s credit score and credit risk assessment, so you may need to pay some money upfront.

5. Mad For It

Mad For It isn’t a traditional fashion or homeware catalogue; it’s better suited to people who want to spread the cost of higher-value products such as games consoles, Apple products, headphones, household appliances, or TVs.

It offers up to £1,200 credit, subject to status, and all credit types are eligible to apply. The best part? It also offers 0% APR and 0% interest, which can help ease the stress of buying now and paying later.

Who is it best for?

Mad For It is great for people who want a more tailored repayment plan.

They offer options such as VIPPremium Plus, and Premium, with differences in dispatch times, repayment frequency, finance terms, and available credit.

Are there any cons?

While it’s a more flexible catalogue account, people on the premium plan may need to make payments before the goods are dispatched, which is calculated and shown at checkout.

This is a bit of a setback for people who want to buy products when they don’t have any money to spend right then and there.

6. JD Williams

JD Williams also offers a wide range of products across categories such as fashion, homeware, gadgets, and everyday lifestyle items.

Its JDW Pay options let you order items without paying anything upfront, up to 6 weeks before the first payment is due. Repayments can also restore credit for future purchases.

Who is it best for?

JD Williams is great for shoppers who want more choice than a niche catalogue and prefer shopping with a well-known UK retailer.

This is great for people who want a lot of choice and flexibility and are confident they can make repayments on time.

Are there any cons?

The potential cost of borrowing is a bit of a downside if you don’t clear your balance quickly.

Since it currently has a 44.9% APR variable, carrying over balances can make payments a lot more expensive, which can make you fall into more debt, if you’re not careful. If you don’t pay in full by the date shown on your statement, you will incur an interest charge.

Shop responsibly with Catalogues Bad Credit

Finding the right catalogue with instant credit can make shopping feel more manageable, especially if you’ve got an occasion coming up.

Before committing to a catalogue account, weigh up the options available, check the repayment terms, and only apply for credit you can afford to repay.

At Catalogues Bad Credit, we make it easier to explore catalogue options for different credit situations, including poor credit, limited credit history, and flexible payment needs. Take a look at our catalogue credit guides and find a catalogue that works for your budget.

Does a catalogue account improve your credit score?

Most people will turn to a catalogue account when they have a bad credit score or still want to shop but can’t afford to pay it off in one go.

It makes sense, right? It’s a quick, instant way of shopping that doesn’t require you to have the money right there and then, as soon as you need something.

But, besides buying what you want, when you want, does it do anything else to improve your financial situation? Or is it just a way to deal with the circumstances you’re in without having to sacrifice shopping online altogether?

That’s what we’ll be talking about today. We’re going to discuss what catalogue credit is, whether it can improve your credit score, and how to use it to your advantage.

Catalogue credit at a quick glance

  • A catalogue credit account can absolutely help you improve your credit score, but only if you know how to manage the account well AND the lender reports to credit reference agencies.
  • It can also hurt your score if you do things like miss any payments, apply for too much credit at once, or borrow more than you can afford to.

It’s all about looking at your current circumstances honestly and deciding whether you can handle owning a credit account without getting swept up in the excitement of having so much freedom while shopping.

Forgetting that it’s a legal contract and that your buying habits are being monitored is a quick way to find yourself in an even worse situation than before.

If you’re not 100% sure what catalogue credit actually is, you can read up a bit more about it on our blog, ‘An introduction to catalogue shopping’.

Can a catalogue account improve your credit score?

We’d like to start by saying that a catalogue credit score is not automatically good or bad for your overall credit score.

It’s all about how you use it.

When a catalogue account can help your credit score

If you’re someone who is strict about paying on time, keeping up with all of your bills, and never impulse buying, then you’re the perfect model of what a catalogue credit user should look like.

Go you! Since a catalogue account offers buy now, pay later schemes and lets you break the cost into smaller payments, it’s just a way of making shopping less stressful. However, it’s only less stressful if you do what you’re meant to do.

Here’s how a credit account can help improve your credit score:

1. You pay back on time, every time

If you’re paying off your credit before or on the date that it’s due, then you’re not going to run into any problems or build up interest for yourself to stress over later on.

With every on-time payment, your credit score may rise that little bit more.

2. You only use a small amount of your credit limit

If you’re not maxing out on your credit limit every time you shop, then you’re going to keep your balance low and manageable.

From a lender’s point of view, you’ll appear as someone who is financially literate and knows how to borrow only what you can afford, making you more likely to be accepted for bigger credit or loans in the future.

3. You avoid making several credit applications at once

Trying to apply for too many accounts at once can make you seem desperate and impulsive to lenders, which means you’re a risk if they decide to accept you.

Instead, a single, well-managed account can be more helpful at showing that you can manage a credit account.

4. You use it alongside other things

A catalogue credit account isn’t an overnight fix for improving a bad credit score.

You should be doing other things alongside it, such as paying your bills on time and handling a credit card well, to see a noticeable, positive difference. If you are, then you’re using it right.

When it can lower your credit score instead

As soon as we see something that can help us get what we want quicker, we’re all in. If it’s there and free to use (without thinking about interest or repayments), you might as well make the most of it.

However, that’s when we can get a little bit reckless and forget to read the fine print or just go, ‘It’s fine if I miss another payment; I’ll just pay it when I can, it won’t affect that much.

That’s until you get comfortable doing that, and before you know it, you’re in more debt than you started with. Here are a few quick ways to ruin your chances of being accepted for credit in the future:

1. You miss multiple payments or pay late

Making a few late payments or completely dodging them altogether is a sure-fire way to tell lenders that you can’t handle the responsibility of a loan.

Doing so will only bring your credit score down, and multiple missed payments can show up on your credit report for up to 6 years.

2. You apply for several catalogues close together

As we said before, applying for too many catalogue credit accounts at once can hurt your credit score.

That’s because these can come up as a hard search on your credit report, hurting your profile as it appears as though you’re struggling financially and aren’t in a position to be borrowing.

3. You only make minimum payments while the balance keeps growing

Chipping away at your debt only leaves you more to stress about. While paying something is, of course, better than paying nothing, you end up just spreading yourself thin.

It also means the interest will keep growing, and you’ll dig yourself into a hole you can’t get out of.

4. You use all of your available credit at once

Running close to your credit limit can make you look more financially stretched to lenders.

Even if you’re making regular repayments, it still signals alarm bells and reflects badly on your spending habits.

If you’re using your credit for things you don’t absolutely need, like designer items or indulgences, ask yourself whether it’s worth it and either save up your own money instead, or look for more affordable options.

How long does a catalogue account take to improve your credit score?

Many catalogue accounts take as little as 1 to 3 months to start showing positive improvements to your credit score.

That’s because the lender needs to update its records at the end of each billing cycle to state whether the bill has been fully paid, which often takes 30–40 days.

But again, it’s all about HOW you use it and HOW OFTEN. When you first apply for a catalogue credit account, the hard search may leave a slight dip in your score, but that should smoothen out once you start handling the account responsibly.

How to check whether your catalogue account is helping

Here are a few quick and simple ways you can monitor your account to see if it’s actually helping your credit score go up:

  • Check whether your catalogue account appears on your credit reports by requesting a copy from Experian or Equifax. If there are any discrepancies with your payments, get them removed so they don’t bring down your score.
  • Check the payment history of your account. If all payments are coming up as being paid on time, that’s a clear sign that it’s improving your credit score.
  • Check how closely you are to using the limit. A lower credit utilisation is usually viewed more positively, so use around 25% of the limit steadily to help your score.

Again, it’s not an overnight process, so it’s best to monitor these things every few months to see if the account is worth keeping open.

Better alternatives if your only goal is to build credit

If the only reason you’re opening a catalogue credit account is to simply build up your credit score, then there are plenty more ways you can do so that might take quicker.

Any of these options can help you claw back from that poor credit score that’s weighing you down, and maybe save on high-interest rates while you’re there.

Credit-builder credit cards

A credit-builder credit card comes with higher interest rates and lower credit limits, which, in many cases, can help bad spenders break their unhelpful habits.

These are great for improving your credit score and showing financial stability.

Using a current account well

By opening and managing a current account well, by staying within the overdraft limit, you’re quickly showing future lenders that you can handle a loan.

Taking out a personal loan

A personal loan is a great option if you need to pay for something important, like rent or bills.

Of course, only take what you can afford and look for ones with fixed interest rates and repayment terms that you can follow.

If you want more help on other ways to improve a bad credit score, MoneyHelper has a great guide filled with plenty of options.

Find the right catalogue credit account for you

If you’re thinking about opening a catalogue account, make sure you choose an option that fits your budget and supports your credit goals.

At Catalogues Bad Credit, we take the stress out of your search, helping you compare catalogue options for bad credit more easily so you can find a provider that works for you.

Browse our latest catalogue offers today and take the next step towards rebuilding your credit with more confidence.

Why was I refused a catalogue account? 8 common reasons

If you’ve tried to apply for a credit account with a catalogue before and you’ve been refused, you may be wondering what went wrong.

After all, they’re designed for people who can’t pay for things upfront or have a bad credit score, so how can you be refused?

However, there’s more that goes into the approval process for a catalogue credit account than just your credit history. Things like ID checks, affordability, a thin history, and recent applications all play a role in whether you’re approved.

Today, we’ll run through some of the most common reasons for rejection of a catalogue credit account and what you should do next. If you’re looking for catalogues that will likely accept a low credit score, browse our list.

1. Your address details don’t match

This is one of the most common (and most frustrating) reasons people get refused, because it can happen even when your credit history is improving.

When you apply for any credit account, the provider will do a check of your details against information held by credit reference agencies (CRAs) and public records to confirm your identity.

If the address you have listed doesn’t match the address on your credit file, the system won’t be able to match you properly. Even a small mistake with the address can lead to a decline or a request for more checks.

What to do

  • Use the same address format you use for your main bank account and bills.
  • Raise any address errors with the CRA.
  • Check that there are no typos, e.g., “Road” vs “Rd” and “Street” vs “St”.

2. You’re not (yet) on the electoral register at your current address

A lot of people get caught out by this, especially if you’ve recently moved, you’re in a flat share, or you’re renting and your bills aren’t in your name.

Most catalogue providers use the electoral register as part of an identity and address check when going through your application.

If you aren’t listed at your current address, it can be harder for them to match you correctly, leading to a refusal even if you’re doing everything else right. Some councils update records monthly, so if you’ve only just registered, there may be a slight delay.

What to do

  • Make sure to re-register after changing your address.
  • Contact your local council’s electoral services team or register again online at GOV.UK.
  • Pause new credit applications until it’s updated.

3. Recent missed payments, defaults, or court records

While a low credit score doesn’t mean that you won’t be accepted, a lot of missed payments in the last few years can affect your likelihood of approval.

Catalogue accounts are credit, so the provider is trying to gauge how likely you are to keep up with repayments. If you’ve continuously shown that you can’t make repayments on time, some lenders will see this and think you can’t handle another credit account.

If you have a recent default due to multiple missed payments or a court order requiring you to pay a debt, this will further impact your application.

What to do

  • Set up a Direct Debit so you don’t miss any payments.
  • Ask for a reduced payment plan if you’re juggling bills.
  • Pay off any defaults and ask for written confirmation that it will be marked as satisfied.
  • Pay off a CCJ within one calendar month, as this can remove it from the public register.

4. You have a limited credit history

Sometimes you can be denied a credit account simply because there isn’t enough information on how you can handle credit repayments for the lender to go on.

If you’ve never really used any credit accounts, you’ll have a limited credit history, also known as a thin file. A lender wants to see proof that you can handle repayments, so a thin file means a provider can’t confidently make a judgement on this.

What to do

  • Open a current account with a major UK lender so your data is more likely to be shared and show on your credit history.
  • Put one regular bill in your name and pay it on time (e.g., a mobile contract or broadband).
  • Build up your history with small limits and predictable repayments.

5. Too many applications in a short period

Applying for too many credit accounts at once can make lenders think that you’re relying too much on borrowing money to get by.

Some catalogue applications also involve hard credit checks, which leave a visible record on your credit report so other lenders can see you’ve recently been applying for credit. This can affect your credit score for about 6 months.

Too many applications can appear as though you’re struggling to get accepted elsewhere, and it shows a likelihood that you’ll miss repayments.

What to do

  • Wait a while in between applying for different credit accounts.
  • Use eligibility-checking tools to avoid hard checks.

6. Affordability doesn’t stack up on your income and outgoings

If you’re spending more than you can comfortably borrow, and you’re not bringing much money in, then lenders are less likely to approve you.

An affordability check considers factors such as your income, monthly commitments, existing credit payments, and other daily expenses. If your outgoings are already high for your income, lenders aren’t going to trust that you can make repayments on time.

People who freelance work and whose income fluctuates from month-to-month may also struggle being accepted, as it’s harder to predict if you can afford it.

What to do

  • Set up a better budget plan to limit outgoings.
  • Clear or reduce “buy now, pay later” plans if you have several running.
  • Avoid taking on new monthly contracts right before applying.
  • If you’ve just moved or changed jobs, wait a while before applying.

7. High existing debt or high credit utilisation

High existing debt or credit utilisation can look risky on paper, even if you’ve never missed a payment.

If you already owe a fair amount across credit cards, overdrafts, loans, etc., or you’re using a large chunk of the credit limits you already have, it can look like you’re over-relying on credit, which can put lenders off.

What to do

  • Keep your credit utilisation under 25% to increase your chances of being approved for new credit.
  • Pay down balances that are close to your credit limit.
  • Pay more than the minimum amount to decrease interest.

8. You’re financially linked to someone with poor credit

Unfortunately, our own spending habits aren’t the only thing that can affect our credit score.

If you have a joint credit product with someone else, mispayments on their behalf can stay on your credit report until you ask for them to be removed (once you no longer share finances).

This could be a joint mortgage, loan, bank account, or credit agreement. Because you’re linked, the lender may decide your household finances could be under strain, or that repayment risk is higher and refuse the account.

What to do

  • Close joint accounts, or have them converted into one person’s name.
  • Ask for financial associations to be removed if you no longer share finances.

Get approved with Catalogues Bad Credit

When you’re ready to try again, Catalogues Bad Credit can help you compare catalogue options that may be more suitable if you’re rebuilding your credit.

We will point you in the right direction to catalogues that will most likely accept you, even with a low credit score. That way, you aren’t guessing and hoping for the best.

You can browse, pay weeklypay monthly, and buy now, pay later catalogue credit accounts to find the best option for you.

The Biggest List of UK Catalogue Companies

What are catalogues?

Catalogue shopping is an important sector in retail. It has been around since the middle of the 19th century in the UK and has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. 

Catalogues sell a wide selection of products, such as:

  • Clothing 
  • Technology
  • Child and baby products
  • Appliances and furniture
  • Beauty and wellness products

You can find almost anything in a catalogue, as they will host a range of products from different brands and put them all in one place for your convenience.

Catalogues are unique to online stores as they will offer you different credit options to pay for your product. With most catalogues, you will have the option to buy now, pay later and pay in monthly or weekly instalments. This helps people take control of their finances and build up their credit score. 

Even if you have a bad credit score, you will likely be accepted for a credit account on a catalogue. 

What are the payment options on catalogues?

Catalogues offer you more payment options than other online stores. Some of the popular options include:

Buy now, pay later: if you pick this option, you will not have to pay upfront costs and you will not have to pay anything for 12 months. You can delay the payments until you are ready to start paying off the purchase. However, you will have to pay compound interest. The longer you wait to pay, the higher the amount of interest you will have to pay. 

Pay monthly: if you decide to pay monthly, the catalogue will divide the purchase cost across a few months. Typically it will be between 3-12 months, depending on how much you spend and what you would prefer. You will pay instalments each month. Usually, this is an interest-free method of payment, unless you are late with payments and do not pay the full amount within the agreed period of time. 

Pay weekly: if you decide to pay in weekly instalments, the purchase will be divided across the number of weeks that you decide on. Many sites offer weekly payments between 6 to 52 weeks, depending on how much you spend.

What are the benefits of catalogues? 

There are many benefits to using catalogues to pay for the things that you need. One of the main advantages of catalogues is that it helps to improve your credit score. Catalogues accept people with all credit scores. So if you have a poor credit score, you are still eligible for credit payments. If you are reliable with the payments, it will have a positive impact on your score.

If your credit score is low, you might only be accepted for a low credit limit, but this is often still between £80 to £150 depending on the site you are using. If you are a reliable customer, this limit will increase monthly. So, starting small is a great way to build up your credit score whilst buying the items that you want.

Another benefit is that it helps you take control of your finances in terms of budgeting and being able to afford the things you need and want. Splitting payments into affordable instalments is a great way to make payments more manageable. So you do not need to save up for months to buy the things that you need. 

By paying in instalments, you do not need to set up your own budget to pay for your purchases and it does it for you. This saves you both time and energy. Often, you can set payments up as a direct debit, which means that the money will come out of your bank account on the same day every month. Therefore, this helps you budget without having the hassle of setting your own up.  

Also, catalogues sell a wide selection of products all in one place. From technology to clothes to toys – catalogues have it all. This means that you can make any purchase more affordable. Additionally, by having everything in one place you are avoiding the need to go shopping in person.

Usually, if you needed to buy clothes and toys on the same day, you would have to go to at least two stores. But with catalogues, everything is in one place, and you can shop from the comfort of your own home. Catalogues will often have better deals on their products too, such as sale and clearance items always available. 

List of UK catalogue companies

Studio 

Studio is an online catalogue that sells thousands of different products such as clothing, technology, toys and much more. New products are added every day from top brands. Studio offers a buy now, pay later option and the option to pay in instalments. 

Very 

Very is a popular online catalogue in the UK, with a vast selection of products from top brands at a competitive price. The catalogue sells everything you could need, from technology to clothes to furniture.  A typical starting credit limit for Very is from £500, and this can increase over time if you are reliable with your repayments. 

Littlewoods

Littlewoods is a fantastic and very popular catalogue in the UK, and they even have a mobile app so you can shop on the go. They offer great repayment plans, including not having to pay interest if you fully pay for your purchase in under 12 months. Littlewoods sells a huge range of products from top brands such as appliances, smartphones, jewellery and beauty products.  

Freemans 

Freemans specialises in clothing for men, women and children. This catalogue offers fantastic prices and different payment options to make purchases affordable. The credit limit starts from £100, and you can increase this over time if you prove yourself to be a reliable and loyal customer. New customers get 25% off their first order. 

Sunshine Mobile

Sunshine Mobile is a great site to purchase a mobile phone from as they do not run any credit checks. So if you have a really poor credit score, or you do not have one at all then this is the choice for you! They have different repayment options available such as paying weekly, monthly or buy now, pay later. 

Argos 

Argos is a popular catalogue in the UK with different products, but with a focus on appliances and technology. You can pay your purchases back over 3 or 6 months without having to pay interest. Argos consistently have amazing offers on their products. 

Next

Next is a fashion and homeware specialist catalogue. Next offer a great credit limit range, starting from £200 to £1500. There are different repayment options available, and you can use your Next credit card online or in-store. 

JD Williams

JD Williams is a great clothing specialist catalogue for men, women and children, making it an ideal choice for families. They run a soft credit check on you to determine your credit limit, which can be increased over time. If you are a first time user of this site, you can get 20% off your first order. 

Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is a fashion and homeware specialist, with a wide range of amazing deals and products available to buy. They offer a credit limit of between £100 to £1,000. A great deal they offer is 25% off your first order! 

Fashion World

Fashion World sells a great range of plus-size clothing and accessories from a huge list of brands. You can spread payments across a period of time that suits you. They run a soft credit check on you to determine your credit limit, which is increased every 28 days. 

Jacamo

Jacamo specialises in men’s clothing and accessories from a wide range of brands in a variety of sizes (from medium to 5 extra large). A typical starting credit limit is £100, which is increased every 28 days if you are reliable with payments. 

Curvissa

Curvissa is a plus-size women’s clothing company that offers a huge selection of brands at a competitive price. On average, a starting credit limit is £100, which is increased every month if you prove you are a reliable customer. 

Simply Be 

Simply Be is a very popular plus-size women’s clothing company that sells an amazing range of stylish clothing and accessories. It has a competitive credit limit, which can be increased every month. 

Ace 

Ace is an online catalogue that sells a huge range of products from a wide range of brands, including their own clothing brand. This catalogue started as a paper catalogue and has been around for over 50 years! Ace offers flexible payment options to help make the products more affordable for you. 

La Redoute 

La Redoute is an online catalogue that aims to bring French items to the UK. This includes stylish clothing straight from Paris for men, women and children as well as a small range of furniture at excellent prices.