What cards will I qualify for?
The most popular credit cards will often require a minimum household income or a ‘perfect credit history’ and there are some which prefer applicants to be a certain age.
The leading credit card deals are usually only available to those with impeccable credit histories who have never been in debt or missed any monthly repayments.
These will include cards offering a longest 0 per cent interest deals on balance transfers and purchases or the cards with the lowest interest rates.
The most attractive rewards and cashback cards tend to be even harder to get your hands on.
If you do not have a great repayment history you might best off opting for a less popular card to increase your chances of acceptance.
But if you are applying for your first credit card or you have a history of missing repayments you may find it difficult to be accepted for a standard credit card at all.
There are cards specifically designed for those with poor credit ratings. A credit-builder card will usually come with a much higher interest rate attached of around 30 or 40 per cent - but it can help you build up a good score if you manage your repayments well.
Read more about picking the right credit card for you here.
How to apply
Once you have chosen the right card and done your research the next step is to actually apply.
There are a number of ways of doing this. One of the easiest is to fill out an online application form - this can be done through the provider's website and even via a comparison website.
Some cards are only offered online or with comparison sites. Other companies also allow applications over the phone, with a form sent out by post - and, of course, you can apply in branch.
You could also consider using a cashback website - some offer around £50 for acting as a referrer to your chosen card.
Cashback accounts are easy to set up and the money can be transferred into your bank or to a PayPal account, but it can take a while before it hits your online account.
TopCashback and Quidco tend to offer the most choice - remember this should be seen as an added bonus rather than influencing your card choice.
You will usually be told whether your are eligible or not as soon as you apply and then asked to fill out some some extra forms to post back.
When filling out applications forms you should be as honest as possible. Once you have completed and returned any forms lenders will make the relevant checks and then contact you to confirm your applications and the rate you will be offered.
After that you simply wait for your new card to be delivered.
