A QUICK GUIDE to...

PICKING the RIGHT Credit CARD For you

With less than 100 days till Christmas, it’s time to get your finances in order

you need 1 to... make A BIG purchase

If you’re planning a bigmoney single spend or multiple buys, then you might consider an interestfree purchase card or low-rate credit card. our Suggestion: Sainsbury’s Bank nectar purchase Credit Card offers 27 months interestfree on new purchases; sainsburysbank.co.uk.

you need 2 to... pay OFF DEBTS

If you have debts to pay then you’ll need a balance transfer card. Some will even be fee-free, such as tesco Bank’s 24-month interest-free deal on transfers. our Suggestion: Halifax Credit Card currently has a 25 month interest free option with no balance transfer fees; halifax.co.uk.

you want 3 to... Go on HOLIDAY

want to minimise the charges you pay while abroad? then go for a card that won’t charge you for spending or withdrawing cash while you’re away. our Suggestion: Halifax Clarity credit card has no fees on spending or withdrawals abroad.

Do A Soft SEARCH

Some comparison services offer a ‘soft search’. this lets you know how likely you are to be accepted for a card before you make a formal application – and it won’t affect your credit rating. Check out moneysupermarket’s Smart Search.

AND WATCH out For...

Some football clubs offer fans savings accounts or credit cards to make extra cash. they usually include perks such as free tickets. But the rates of interest for the credit cards tend to be high and the savings accounts low – so not such a good deal.