Not so long ago getting approved for credit card in the UK was a piece of cake.  Even for people with bad credit there were quite a few options available.

UK credit card providers have tightened their lending criteria and are now focused on good quality customers with immaculate credit ratings and secure jobs.

As credit ratings in the UK start to deteriorate many people are being rejected for credit cards or being offered less than competitive APR’s

The first thing you should do before applying for a credit card is to check your credit history with the credit reference agencies.  Credit reference agencies are companies which compile information including electoral roll status, county court judgement history and information from financial institutions.

These credit reference agencies sell this information to lenders in the form of credit reports which help the lenders work out whether to accept a persons application for credit.  The main credit reference agencies in the UK are Equifax and Experian.  You should check your fie to make suuk credit cardsre all the information they hold on you is accurate and up to date.

The mist important part of your credit report is your credit history. The credit history details on these reports are very thorough with information listed such as all your credit card accounts, the date they were opened and the credit limit.  These companies also keep a record of any payments you have missed in the last six years.

If you want to increase your chance of being approved for a credit card you should ensure that you are on the electoral roll.  Being on the electoral roll shows lenders that you live in the address that you are applying under for credit.

The 0% balance transfer deals are still on offer if you shop around. If you are interested in one of these cards you should insure that your credit rating is well maintained as banks will usually offer these deals to the customers with a good credit rating.

If your credit rating is not good you will find it extremely hard to get accepted for a new credit card that offers a decent rate.

The current credit card market in the UK is designed to entice new customers in the form of 0% introductory offers and rewards, although even if you are lucky enough to be offered a 0% balance deal, your credit limit on the new card may not be enough to cover the entire balance transfer.

You may, for example, have an outstanding balance of £6,000 but only be authorised to transfer £3,000

You should remember that no lender in the UK is obliged to provide anyone with credit.  However, you can ask a lender to reconsider your application if you believe you have further information that may benefit your case.

Companies such as Virgin, Natwest and Barclaycard are all currently offering 0% credit card deals to UK customers and if your credit rating is good, you should definitely consider taking advantage of these deals and make them work in your favour.


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