Credit Cards - Tackle credit card debt 'as quickly as possible'
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Latest News Tackle credit card debt 'as quickly as possible'
Tackle credit card debt 'as quickly as possible'
Britons have been reminded of the importance of paying off their credit card debts as quickly as possible, it has been revealed.
In taking steps to clear off money owed on credit cards as soon as possible, people should find they have more cash to spend on purchasing items, it has been reported.Claiming money owed on credit cards is "the devil's debt", Neil Faulkner writes in a lovemoney.com article that the less interest consumers have to pay on debt will free up disposable income.
One means of getting to grips with how much is owed, he states, is to seek out a 0% balance transfer credit card. By doing this, Mr Faulkner reveals borrowers will not have to pay any interest on the total amount they have transferred across for a set period of time, allowing debts to be repaid "much faster".
The lovemoney.com writer also claims creating a budget to ensure more than the minimal repayments are made can be helpful, with setting up a direct debit to take money out of an online bank account an effective way of doing this.
As an example of the difficulties just making the minimal monthly repayments on a card can cause, a debt of £5,000 where only the bare minimum is paid back will take more than 30 years to clear off and incur more than £5,000 in interest charges. However, paying back £200 every month will see such debt take three years to clear off.
In doing so, he asserts consumers should be able to avoid the problems that can be caused in missing a demand for payment. Indeed, should one repayment be missed he points out competitive introductory rates could be lost and borrowers will be charged interest and fined.
Furthermore, a negative mark will be placed on a credit report, which could mean access to credit in the future could be a more difficult and expensive process.
Such claims come as Neil Munroe, external affairs director at Equifax, claimed that in the current financial climate people need to be as informed as possible when making an application for credit. Research by the firm showed requests for credit reports during the first quarter were up 9.6 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Written by Mark Hornby
Tuesday, 30 June 2009 00:00
| Card | Balance Transfers | Purchases | Typical APR (variable) | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Full Table > | ||||
 |
Virgin Credit Card | |||
|
0%
16 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.6%
|
||
 |
Barclaycard Platinum | |||
|
0%
15 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
15.9%
|
||
 |
Egg Visa Card | |||
|
0%
until May 2011
|
0%
until Jun 2010
|
16.9%
|
||
 |
Tesco Clubcard | |||
|
0%
6 mths
|
0%
12 mths
|
16.9%
|
||
 |
MBNA Platinum | |||
|
0%
13 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.9%
|
||
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 16 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.98%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.6% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.6% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are in full time employment
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a Bank or Building society account
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are 21 years or over
- You are a permanent UK resident
- You have no history of bankruptcy, had an IVA's or CCJ's.
- You haven't missed a payment on either a credit card or mortgage in the last 12 months.
- You have a regular income of more than £20,000 per annum
- You have not been declined for credit in the last six months.
- You do not have debts on other credit cards greater than £20,000
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% until May 2011
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% until Jun 2010
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 22.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 45 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- Any Income Considered
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 51 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You have an excellent Credit History
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Balance transfer must be made within 90 days
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £25,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Balance transfer must be made within 90 days
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have an Excellent Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £25,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% until Apr 2011
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.50%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You haven't missed multiple payments on a credit agreement within the last 12 months
- You don't have a CCJ (County Court Judgement) or IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) and haven't been registered bankrupt
- You don't already have a Barclaycard
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE AN EXISTING NATWEST CUSTOMER
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £25,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £25,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.7% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE AN EXISTING HSBC CUSTOMER
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You have been a permanent resident/citizen of the UK for atleast the last 3 years
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.98%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 19.16% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have an income over £8,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 7.80% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 7.80% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 15.8% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 21 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £20,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 19.3% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 55 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 18.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
- You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 5.90% For Life
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are in full time employment
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a Bank or Building society account
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- I am aged 18 or over
- I have a current UK bank or building society account
- I have a permanent UK home address
- I have a household income of at least £30,000
- I have no history of bad debt
- If self-employed, I have been working for more than one year.
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 18.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
- You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- 4.90% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £10,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE A NATWEST CURRENT A/C HOLDERS
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £10,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- 4.90% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £10,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £10,000 per year
