If you’re just starting your financial journey in the UK or looking to improve your credit history, Zilch Up might be exactly what you need. It’s a modern, convenient and fully digital card designed to make credit access easier, more transparent and safer for everyone.
Zilch Up was created to help you use credit responsibly—no hidden fees, no high interest rates, and no red tape. Everything is managed online, with full control right in the palm of your hand. It’s a smarter, more relaxed way to manage your spending while taking an important step towards building your credit score.
Key details about the credit card

Zilch Up is ideal for anyone building credit from scratch or recovering from past financial challenges. It offers an initial limit between £50 and £600, which can increase over time with responsible use.
It’s a card designed for everyday life, built around convenience, flexibility, and transparency. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, it adapts to your financial habits and helps you stay on track. You don’t have to worry about late fees, surprise charges or interest, as long as you keep your payments up to date.
With Zilch Up, you gain more than just spending power—you gain financial confidence. It encourages better money management while giving you rewards and room to grow. It’s a modern solution for those who want simplicity, control, and a smarter way to build credit without the usual complications.
How does the annual fee work?
Zilch Up comes with no annual fee, which is a huge plus compared to many traditional credit cards. That means you can access credit without being tied down by fixed costs—especially helpful if you’re new to credit or managing a tight budget.
Removing recurring charges also makes the card more transparent and accessible. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying (or not paying), which makes it easier to stay in control of your finances.
With more people across the UK turning to fee-free alternatives, Zilch Up stands out as a smart choice. It’s one of the card’s best features and reflects the company’s commitment to financial inclusion.
How is your limit determined?
Your Zilch Up limit is based on a personalised assessment of your financial profile. The company uses Open Banking to securely link to your bank account and understand your real financial behaviour—without affecting your credit score.
This quick and smart process replaces the outdated hard credit checks used by many banks. As a result, you get a fair limit that suits your current situation.
With consistent and responsible use, your Zilch Up limit can increase over time. Paying on time and maintaining a positive relationship with the platform are key to unlocking higher limits in the future.
Pros and cons of the credit card
Zilch Up offers a range of benefits, especially when compared to more traditional credit cards. But like anything, it has its limitations. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
No annual fee | Available only to UK residents |
Accessible starting limit (£50–£600) | Max limit may not suit all users |
Interest-free instalments over 6 weeks | Requires Open Banking connection |
Up to 5% cashback on full payments | Physical card not guaranteed for all |
Reports to TransUnion to build credit | Missed payments affect your score |
Fast, 100% online process |
If you’re after a simple, digital card with no nasty surprises, Zilch Up is a great option. But if you often make large purchases or prefer in-person customer service, it might not be the perfect fit.
Who can apply for this card?
Anyone over the age of 18 who lives in the UK can apply for Zilch Up. You don’t need to have a previous credit history, which makes it ideal for first-timers, students, or anyone looking to rebuild their credit.
To apply, you’ll need a UK bank account and be willing to connect it through Open Banking. This step is completely secure and allows Zilch to accurately assess your financial profile.
Approval is usually quick, and using the card responsibly can help boost your credit score over time—especially since Zilch Up reports your payments to TransUnion, one of the UK’s major credit reference agencies.
How to apply for the card
Signing up for Zilch Up is quick, straightforward and entirely digital. You can do it either through the official website or via the mobile app, available for both Android and iOS. No paperwork, no waiting in queues, no hassle.
When registering, you’ll be asked to provide some basic details like your full name, address, date of birth and phone number. Then, you’ll be prompted to connect your bank account through Open Banking so the platform can assess your financial situation and determine your initial credit limit.
Via the website
- Go to www.zilch.com and click on “Sign Up”.
- Enter your full name, email address, date of birth, and home address.
- Create a strong, secure password and verify your phone number using a code sent via SMS.
- Authorise the secure Open Banking connection so Zilch can access your financial data.
- The system will assess your bank activity and assign you a personalised starting limit.
- Once approved, your virtual Zilch Up card will be activated instantly.
- A physical card may also be issued, depending on your profile and eligibility.
Via the app
- Download the official Zilch app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
- Tap “Create Account” and follow the step-by-step registration process.
- Provide your full name, email, address, and phone number, then create a secure password.
- Verify your phone number with a code sent via SMS.
- Connect your bank account through Open Banking safely and quickly.
- After your account is verified, you’ll receive confirmation of your credit limit.
- Your Zilch Up card will be instantly activated in the app, ready for use with Apple Pay, Google Pay and other digital wallets.
In-store or branch application
Zilch is a fully digital company, so there are no physical branches or in-store support. Everything is done online—simple, fast, and without the need for any paperwork.