How to apply for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card: complete step-by-step guide
This page explains how to apply for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card, including the current eligibility requirements, information you should have ready and the costs to review before proceeding.
Credit is subject to status, affordability and credit checks. Meeting the published requirements does not guarantee that an application will be accepted.
Step 1: check the eligibility requirements
To apply for the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card, you must currently be 18 or over and a UK resident.
New applicants must also have at least 12 months of UK address history.
You need a UK mobile phone number and an email address.
You cannot currently apply as a new customer if you have held a Partnership Credit Card within the previous 12 months.
NewDay will also assess affordability and your credit circumstances before deciding whether to provide the card.
Step 2: have your information ready
The application process requires personal, contact and financial information.
You should be ready to provide details such as your name, date of birth, current address and previous address information where relevant.
Information about your employment, income and financial circumstances may also be requested as part of the affordability assessment.
John Lewis Money does not state that every applicant must automatically upload a passport, driving licence, payslips, tax returns or utility bills.
Additional identity, affordability or fraud checks may still be required depending on your application.
If NewDay requests supporting information, follow the instructions provided during the application process.
Step 3: check your eligibility first
John Lewis Money provides an eligibility checker before the full credit application.
The eligibility check uses a soft search.
This means you can see whether you may qualify without affecting your credit score.
A positive eligibility result is not a guarantee that the full application will be approved.
NewDay still needs to complete the relevant affordability and credit checks before deciding whether to offer you the card.
Step 4: review the offer shown to you
Before making a full application, review the rates and any promotional terms shown through the application channel you are using.
John Lewis Money states that promotional offers available in stores can differ from those offered online.
For example, a promotional 0% purchase offer for six months is currently available through specified John Lewis in-store application channels.
Standard online applications made outside the qualifying in-store process do not automatically receive that particular offer.
Always rely on the specific promotion displayed when you apply rather than assuming that every applicant receives the same introductory terms.
Step 5: submit the application
You can start the application through the official John Lewis Money website.
The current programme terms also recognise applications made through participating John Lewis store channels.
Enter the requested personal and financial information carefully.
If you proceed after the eligibility check, NewDay may perform a full credit search as part of the lending assessment.
A full credit application can be recorded on your credit file and may be visible to other lenders.
Review the credit terms carefully before confirming the application.
Step 6: understand the lending decision
NewDay Ltd provides the credit and is responsible for deciding whether an application is accepted.
The assessment considers the information you provide together with information obtained from credit reference and fraud prevention agencies.
Your financial circumstances and affordability can affect both acceptance and the terms offered.
The eligibility checker should therefore only be treated as an indication.
If additional checks are necessary, NewDay may request further information before making a final decision.
Step 7: set up the card after approval
Once your card account is available, you can register for online account management and use the John Lewis Credit Card app.
The app allows you to activate your new card.
You can also view your PIN, review transactions, make payments and manage Direct Debits.
Additional features include customised alerts and the ability to freeze your card if it is temporarily misplaced.
The app also allows you to monitor your Partnership Credit Card reward points.
Step 8: review the APR and credit limit
The John Lewis Partnership Credit Card currently has a 29.9% representative APR variable.
The representative purchase rate is 29.95% p.a. variable.
The representative example assumes a credit limit of £1,200.
This does not mean every approved applicant will receive a £1,200 limit.
The current minimum credit limit is £250.
The maximum credit limit is subject to status and NewDay’s assessment.
The current Summary Box states that APRs can range from 29.9% to 45.9% variable, depending on individual circumstances.
There is currently no annual fee.
Step 9: understand purchase interest
Standard purchases can receive up to 56 days interest free.
To receive this interest-free period, you must pay your balance in full and on time every month.
If you do not repay the balance in full, interest can be charged according to the rate applicable to your account.
Interest is calculated daily.
NewDay also links its standard interest rates to the Bank of England Base Rate.
This means standard rates can change when the Bank Rate changes.
Step 10: check cash and overseas charges
Cash transactions currently carry a 5% fee, with a minimum charge of £4.
There is no standard interest-free period for cash transactions.
The annual cash transaction rate can also be higher than the standard purchase rate.
Foreign currency transactions currently carry a 2.95% foreign exchange conversion charge.
Transactions are converted into sterling using the applicable Mastercard exchange rate.
Using the card for cash abroad may therefore involve both foreign exchange costs and cash transaction charges.
Step 11: check other fees
The current late payment fee is £12.
A £12 overlimit fee can apply if you exceed your agreed credit limit.
NewDay also currently charges £3 for paper copies of statements, up to a maximum of £10 per request.
A £25 trace fee may apply if your contact details change and you do not provide updated information.
These charges can change, so check your latest credit agreement before relying on them.
Step 12: understand the rewards
New customers currently receive 10 points for every £4 of eligible spending at John Lewis and Waitrose during the first 60 days.
After the introductory period, the standard rate is 5 points for every £4 of eligible spending at John Lewis and Waitrose.
Eligible spending elsewhere currently earns 1 point for every £10.
For every 500 points collected, you receive a £5 John Lewis and Waitrose voucher.
Vouchers are issued automatically up to three times a year under the reward programme rules.
Rewards should be considered separately from borrowing costs, particularly if you expect to carry an interest-bearing balance.
Step 13: understand promotional conditions
Promotional rates and bonus point offers can have additional conditions.
For example, promotional rates may be withdrawn if you do not make at least the contractual minimum payment in full and on time.
Exceeding your agreed credit limit can also cause promotional rates to end.
Introductory reward offers can change or be withdrawn.
Check the offer displayed when you apply and review the applicable terms rather than relying on a previous promotion.
Before you apply
Use the eligibility checker if you want an indication of acceptance without affecting your credit score.
Review the APR and potential credit limit before continuing with the full application.
Consider whether you normally pay your credit card balance in full or expect to carry a balance.
The value of reward vouchers can be outweighed by interest and fees if borrowing is not repaid as planned.
Also check whether any promotional offer you are interested in applies to online applications, in-store applications or both.
Always review the latest Summary Box and credit agreement before accepting the card.
About the card provider
John Lewis Finance Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
The Partnership Credit Card is introduced by John Lewis Finance Limited under exclusive arrangements with NewDay Ltd.
Credit is provided by NewDay Ltd.
NewDay Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The Partnership Credit Card is issued by NewDay Ltd under licence from Mastercard International Incorporated.
NewDay is responsible for the credit assessment, credit limit and lending decision.
This website does not issue cards, process applications or participate in credit decisions.
You earn five points for every £4 spent at John Lewis and Waitrose. New customers receive double points for the first sixty days on eligible purchases at these retailers.
There is no annual fee. However, a 3 percent cash withdrawal fee (minimum £3) and a 2.75 percent foreign usage fee apply. Late, returned, or exceeded-limit fees are £12 each.
Applicants must be UK residents aged eighteen or over with at least twelve months UK address history, a valid mobile number, and an email address. You must not have held a Partnership Credit Card in the past twelve months.
You can manage your card through the John Lewis credit card app or digital banking on the website. Features include transaction tracking, statement viewing, points management, and instant notifications for added security.
Independent editorial notice: This website provides independent informational content. We are not a bank, lender, credit broker or financial institution, and we are not affiliated with John Lewis, Waitrose, NewDay or Mastercard. We do not issue cards, process applications or make lending decisions. Product rates, fees, rewards and eligibility requirements can change, so check the provider’s current information before applying.
Credit is subject to status, affordability and credit checks. Missing or late repayments and exceeding your credit limit may result in charges and can affect your credit record. If you are experiencing difficulties with debt, free and impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper.
