Requirements for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card

The John Lewis Partnership Credit Card is designed for UK residents who regularly shop at John Lewis and Waitrose. Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documentation ready.

John Lewis Partnership Credit Card Requirements

How to Qualify for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card

To be eligible for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card, you must meet several fundamental requirements designed to ensure responsible lending practices and regulatory compliance:

Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for this credit card, in accordance with UK consumer credit regulations.
UK Residency: You must be a permanent UK resident with at least 12 months of continuous UK address history. This requirement helps verify your stability and creditworthiness.
Contact Details: A valid UK mobile phone number and email address are required for account management, security notifications, and customer communication.
Previous Card Holders: If you've held a Partnership Credit Card before, you must wait at least 12 months since closing your previous account before applying for a new one.
Credit History: Whilst not explicitly stated, a reasonable credit history and the ability to manage credit responsibly will be assessed during the application process through a credit check with credit reference agencies.

Required Documentation

To complete your application for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card, you'll typically need to provide the following documentation to verify your identity, residency, and financial circumstances:

Proof of Identity: A valid form of photo identification such as a current UK passport, UK driving licence (photocard), or biometric residence permit.
Proof of Address: Recent documents dated within the last three months, such as utility bills (gas, electricity, water), council tax statements, bank or building society statements, or HMRC correspondence.
Financial Details: Information about your employment status, income, and existing financial commitments to assess affordability and determine an appropriate credit limit.
Proof of Income (if requested): Recent payslips (typically last 3 months), P60 form, bank statements showing salary credits, or tax returns for self-employed applicants.

Understanding the Costs

Before applying for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card, it's crucial to understand the associated costs and interest rates to ensure this card suits your financial circumstances:

Representative APR: 29.9% (variable). This includes the purchase rate of 29.95% p.a. (variable) based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200. The variable rate means it can change over time in response to market conditions.
Annual Fee: There is no annual fee for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card, making it accessible for regular shoppers seeking rewards without additional yearly costs.
Cash Withdrawal Fee: A fee of 2.99% (minimum £2.99) applies when you use your card to withdraw cash from ATMs or for cash-like transactions. Interest is also charged from the day you make the withdrawal.
Foreign Transaction Fees: Fees may apply when using your card abroad or for foreign currency transactions. Check the current fee structure on the John Lewis Finance website for the most up-to-date information.
Late Payment Fee: Missing your minimum payment deadline may result in a late payment fee and could negatively affect your credit score. Always ensure timely payments to avoid these charges.
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Benefits and Features Summary

The John Lewis Partnership Credit Card offers several attractive benefits that make it appealing for regular shoppers at John Lewis and Waitrose:

Welcome Bonus: New cardholders enjoy double points (10 points for every £4 spent) at John Lewis and Waitrose for the first 60 days, accelerating your initial rewards accumulation.
Ongoing Rewards: After the introductory period, earn 5 points per £4 spent at John Lewis and Waitrose, and 1 point per £10 spent elsewhere, ensuring consistent reward accumulation.
Automatic Vouchers: Every 500 points converts to a £5 gift voucher, automatically sent up to three times per year for spending at John Lewis and Waitrose.
Exclusive Offers: Access special cardholder-only promotions, prize draws, and opportunities to boost your points throughout the year.
Mobile Management: Track points, manage your account, and make secure contactless payments through the dedicated mobile app and digital wallet integration.

Application Process

Applying for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Follow these steps to submit your application:

1
Check Your Eligibility: Visit the John Lewis Finance website and use the eligibility checker tool to see if you're likely to be approved without affecting your credit score. This uses a soft search that isn't visible to other lenders.
2
Complete the Application: Fill in the online application form with your personal details, contact information, employment status, income, and existing financial commitments. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
3
Credit Check: Once you submit your application, NewDay Ltd (the card provider) will conduct a full credit check with credit reference agencies to assess your creditworthiness and determine your credit limit.
4
Receive Decision: Most applicants receive an instant decision. If approved, you'll be informed of your credit limit and can expect to receive your card within 7-10 working days by post.
5
Activate Your Card: Once your card arrives, activate it through the mobile app or by phone, set up your online account, and start earning points on your purchases immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score?

No. The eligibility checker uses a soft search that won't appear on your credit file to other lenders and won't impact your credit score. Only submitting a full application results in a hard credit check.

What credit score do I need for this card?

Whilst there's no published minimum credit score requirement, the John Lewis Partnership Card is generally accessible to applicants with fair to good credit histories. Those with excellent credit are more likely to receive higher credit limits.

Can I use my points immediately?

Points are converted to £5 gift vouchers automatically once you accumulate 500 points. Vouchers are typically issued up to three times per year, so there may be a delay between earning points and receiving vouchers.

What happens if I've previously held a Partnership Card?

If you've held a Partnership Credit Card in the past, you'll need to wait at least 12 months after closing your previous account before you're eligible to apply for a new one.

How do I avoid paying interest?

Pay your statement balance in full each month by the due date to avoid interest charges on purchases. Interest is only charged on balances carried forward from month to month.

Important Disclaimers

Representative Example: Representative 29.9% APR (variable) based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200. Purchase rate: 29.95% p.a. (variable).

Credit Subject to Status: Credit is subject to status and affordability assessment. 18+ years. UK residents only. Terms and conditions apply.

Warning: Missed or late payments may result in additional charges and may affect your credit rating and future access to credit. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

Not Financial Advice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always review the current terms, interest rates, fees, and eligibility criteria on the John Lewis Finance official website before applying. Consider seeking independent financial advice if you're unsure whether this product suits your circumstances.

John Lewis Finance Limited (FRN: 1018169) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a credit broker. Credit is provided by NewDay Ltd (FRN: 690292), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.