Get the right credit card for your credit rating

Different credit card deals suit different people, and it can be hard to know which credit card is right for you. Whether you've got an excellent credit rating and want to make sure you get the credit card deal you deserve, or you want to reduce your chances of having your credit card application rejected, it makes sense to ensure you're chasing the right credit card deal.

It's also important to apply for the right credit card for your credit rating, because when you apply for a credit card and the lender looks at your credit report, it makes an impression on your credit history. If you apply and are rejected for lots of credit cards, it could harm your credit rating. 

Here, we explain why it's important to know your credit history, and suggest credit cards that are right for your credit profile.

If you are looking to strengthen your credit rating, because you don't have much of a borrowing history, or because you have had credit problems in the past, there are special credit card deals open to you.  

• Read more about strengthening your credit rating with a credit card.
• Compare credit cards for strengthening your credit rating

If you've got a good credit rating, you'll want to make sure you keep it that way. Look for a card that will make your monthly payments as affordable as possible. Credit cards with a 0% introductory period on balance transfers will give you a break from interest and a chance to shrink your balance.

If you've got a good credit rating and you want a credit card that's as good for purchases as it is for balance transfers, try the Halifax All In One  - you get 0% for the first 9 months on balance transfers made in the first 90 days (3% handling fee applies), 0% for the first 9 months on purchases and 15.9% APR typical variable.  Find out more about the Halifax All In One.

• Compare 0% balance transfer and purchase cards
• Compare balance transfer cards

If you've got an excellent credit rating then some of the best credit card deals on the market will be open to you. Shop around and find the credit card deal that's right for your needs - you could go for a low rate APR card, like Barclaycard Simplicity, or earn some money back with a cashback credit card, like the American Express Platinum Cash Back card, which gives you an initial rate of 5% cashback for the first three months.

• Compare cashback credit cards
• Compare low rate APR credit cards

If you have a bad credit rating, it can be hard to find a credit card but there are credit card deals open to you. Credit cards for people with bad credit may come with a higher than usual APR, but they can help you to improve your credit rating in the long-term if you pay off what you have borrowed in full and on time each month.

• Compare bad credit credit cards

Your credit report contains the information lenders see when they are deciding whether to lend to you or not. If you know what it contains, you will have a better idea of what type of credit card to apply for.

Particularly if you've been turned down for a credit card, checking your credit report is vital. Look for any information you think is wrong or out of date - you can contact the relevant lender and explain your side of the story, but be prepared to provide proof. You can also add explanations for any credit problems you've had in the past, with what's called a 'Notice of Correction'.

You can get access to your credit report for free with a 30-day trial of Credit expert from Experian*

 

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