Aqua credit card review

Aqua offers credit-builder cards issued by NewDay Ltd.

Credit-builder cards are suitable for those who have a limited credit history or struggle with debt and are keen to boost their credit score .

The Aqua Classic card (representative 34.9% APR variable) is a no-frills option that helps you build up your credit history when you use the card and pay it back each month.

Aqua also provides an app, text alerts, and guides to help you on your journey to improve your credit rating.

Be more money savvy

Get a firmer grip on your finances with the expert tips in our Money newsletter – it's free weekly.

This newsletter delivers free money-related content, along with other information about Which? Group products and services. Unsubscribe whenever you want. Your data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy policy

How does Aqua compare with other providers?

Aqua achieved a customer score of 60% in our credit card satisfaction survey, placing it joint-bottom of our table, along with 118 118 Money.

Aqua specialises in lending to borrowers with a poor or limited credit history, yet its rates start at 34.9% APR — well above average even in this sector.

Is Aqua a good credit card provider?

Our survey also reveals how Aqua customers rated it across the following five categories:

Table notes: star ratings are out of five and show levels of satisfaction for each category. We carry out this survey annually and update our review pages accordingly. Jump to the section on how we review Aqua to find out more about our research.

Your Aqua credit card questions answered

Grace Witherden, credit cards expert

Grace, our credit card expert, answers the top questions people have about Aqua credit cards.

Does Aqua offer an eligibility check?

Yes - Aqua's 'Safecheck' can tell you how likely you are to get accepted for one of its cards.

Safecheck will do a soft search of your credit report, which won't affect your credit score.

Who owns Aqua credit card?

Aqua finance is issued by New Day - a UK-based credit provider.

New Day is behind a range of brands including Bip, Marbles and Fluid.

What is the credit limit on Aqua credit cards?

Aqua's starting credit limits range from £250 to £1,200 depending on the card you go for and your credit profile.

How we review Aqua

Here's some more information about our research and the terms we use in this review.

Customer score

Our customer scores for credit card companies are based on an online survey of 3,775 members of the public, conducted in October 2023.

The score is calculated using a combination of overall satisfaction with the brand and the likelihood of recommending the provider to a friend.

Star ratings

We also ask credit card customers to rate brands on five categories including customer service, application process, clarity of statement, transparency of charges and ability to manage the account online or via a mobile app — so you can get an idea of the quality of service you might receive before you sign up.

Star ratings for each category are calculated independently of each other and the provider customer score.

Providers must receive a minimum sample size of 40 respondents to be included in our customer satisfaction tables.

Why should you trust Which? research?

We’re not influenced by third parties. We work entirely on behalf of you, the consumer – nobody else. See our statement of editorial independence for more.

Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms & conditions of a provider before committing to any financial products.

Credit card companies

Credit card companies

Which? Limited is registered in England and Wales to 2 Marylebone Road, London NW1 4DF, company number 00677665 and is an Introducer Appointed Representative (FRN 610689) of the following:

1. Inspop.com Ltd for the introduction of non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635). Inspop.com Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635) and is registered in England and Wales to Greyfriars House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, South Wales, CF10 3AL, company number 03857130. Confused.com is a trading name of Inspop.com Ltd.

2. LifeSearch Partners Limited (FRN656479), for the introduction of Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the FCA to provide advice and arrange Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance Contracts. LifeSearch Partners Ltd is registered in England and Wales to 3000a Parkway, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FX, company number 03412386.

3. HUB Financial Solutions, for the introduction of equity release advice and an annuity comparison service, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) to provide advice and guidance on financial products for those who have retired or are approaching retirement (FCA Firm Reference Number: 455713). HUB Financial Solutions is registered in England and Wales to Enterprise House, Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH12 7RP, company number 05125701.

4. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252.

Other financial services:

Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), Unit 26 (2.06), Newark Works, 2 Foundry Lane, Bath BA2 3GZ. London & Country are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

We do not make, nor do we seek to make, any recommendations or personalised advice on financial products or services that are regulated by the FCA, as we’re not regulated or authorised by the FCA to advise you in this way. In some cases, however, we have included links to regulated brands or providers with whom we have a commercial relationship and, if you choose to, you can buy a product from our commercial partners.

If you go ahead and buy a product using our link, we will receive a commission to help fund our not-for-profit mission and our campaigns work as a champion for the UK consumer. Please note that a link alone does not constitute an endorsement by Which?.