Financial
Services > Credit Cards
Welcome to the credit cards guide from the Financial
Services Network. We can help you find the best credit card deals,
whatever kind of plastic you are looking for.
Factors to Consider
The main factors to consider from a credit card are the long
term interest
rates, and the level of any additional services or rewards
offered. Remember to look for a good value long term APR, rather
than being tempted by 0% APR offers alone (read our advice
section for more on this).
Reducing Your Monthly Payments
You may also be looking to reduce your current monthly payments.
Whilst balance transfer
offers, or low interest rates on purchases may help you to do
this, remember that taking a look at your credit cards as part
of an overall review of your borrowing may open up ways to reduce
your payments further. A personal
loan, home-owner
loan, or a remortgage
package on your house may be options worth considering.
Which credit card is best for..
We can also show you which credit cards are best for international
transactions, and which ones are best if you are looking for
cash back or other rewards.
We can also answer your concerns about card fraud, and show which
cards are best for online purchases. You may also be considering
applying for a gold or platinum card, and wondering if these offer
any benefits beyond a boost to your ego.
Credit Card Advice, Glossary & Questions
For a general introduction to how to find the best credit card
to suit your needs, and how to make the best use of your existing
cards, please read our credit card advice
guide. Our glossary defines
the major terms relating to credit cards, and our questions
and answer section covers a number of common queries regarding
credit and debit cards in the UK.
What they don't like to tell you
With the constant daily bombardment of credit card offers through
the post, on TV, and on websites, some deals can appear to be
very appealing. We take a look at the small print on some typical
offers, so you know who really has the best deals. For example,
do you know how interest is calculated on balance transfers? Do
you know how much you are charged when you use your card outside
the UK? [More]
Caution: One At A Time
Please be aware that every loan or credit application you make
will be recorded by the credit reference agencies such as Equifax
and Experian. This can have a negative effect on your future credit
rating. Use our glossary to help you select the right kind of
credit card for your circumstances. [More]
Card Watch is the UK banking industry's body that works with police, retailers and organisations including Crimestoppers to fight plastic card fraud.
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