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How to compare UK mortgages
Unlike most other forms of borrowing, a mortgage is likely to be the biggest financial commitment you will ever make so it's vital to get it right first time if you are to avoid paying thousands Read more...

Tips for borrowing with bad credit loans
Applying for a loan of any kind is not a pleasant experience.Just getting to the point of choosing a particular lender from the hundreds on the market can take hours of research and form Read more...

The easy way to compare credit cards
With more than 100 credit cards on offer in the UK with ever changing introductory offers, the odds of finding a good deal can appear stacked against you.In fact, it's far easier than you Read more...

The easy way to compare credit cards

With more than 100 credit cards on offer in the UK with ever changing introductory offers, the odds of finding a good deal can appear stacked against you.

In fact, it's far easier than you might expect to compare credit cards if you start by asking yourself the right questions. Once you know what you are looking for it's easy to use one of the many online comparison websites to narrow your choice down to a handful of credit card companies.

Understanding your personal spending habits is the key to finding the best credit card for you and getting the most from it. The crucial point is whether you pay the full balance of your card each month or just pay the minimum payment.

You Pay Off the Balance in Full Each Month

If this is you then you should never pay any interest on your spending so the rate shouldn't be the deciding factor unless you expect your spending habits to change. More important to you should be cashback or rewards offers with no annual fee and pay you back when you spend. Alternatively, if you like to donate to charity, there are lots of affinity cards that give a proportion of their profits to a range of charities.

You Pay the Minimum Payment Each Month

This is where the interest rate is crucial so look for 0% introductory rates but keep an eye on the rate after the offer period. If you have an existing balance to transfer there are still some cards that don't charge a balance transfer fee so look for them first.

Matching Your Habits to the Best Credit Card

Once you know which type of card matches your spending needs it's a matter of comparing the market and current deals. The easiest way to do this is to use a price comparison website such as MoneySupermarket.com or Uswitch. Once you've narrowed down the market to a few companies, approach them directly to verify the rates and offers before deciding on your best card.

Once you're in possession of your new credit card don't rest on your laurels. Rates and deals change frequently so keep an eye on the market and review your current deal on a regular basis to ensure you stay one step ahead.

Top Tips

TIP #1:
Always check the terms of any credit or loan agreement before completion to ensure you are fully aware of any charges or penalties.

TIP #2:
When shopping for a loan compare lenders using the TAR (total amount repayable) rather than the APR (annual percentage rate). The TAR is a more accurate measure.

TIP #3:
Pay your monthly credit card bills using a direct debit to avoid late payment penalties.