'Important' to shop around for credit cards
Published On 30 November 2007
Anyone thinking about applying for a new credit card should ensure they research different products to get the best deal for their circumstances.Cathy Neal, senior researcher for consumer group Which? said that consumers should reassess periodically what kind of card they need.
"You just need to review your card on a regular basis, make sure that new fees haven't crept in - and that you're using a card that suits your spending habits," she advised.
In the run-up to Christmas choosing the right credit card is more important than ever, Ms Neal explained, as it is "a time when people spend more".
Many cards offer protection for expensive purchases, "so it's always a good idea to use your credit card to pay for anything over £100, whether it's online or on the high street", she added.
According to CreditExpert, shoppers spent on average £397 last Christmas and 76 per cent intend to splash out the same amount or more this festive season.
Add these spending intentions to the recent credit crunch, Ms Neal said, and it's vital that Britons are using an affordable and practical credit card.
"Even if you've got the best credit card today, keep checking it every two months to make sure that it still is one of the best," she advised.
