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Speaking to the Times, David Black of Defaqto suggested that the best credit cards are only available to people with the best credit histories, so it makes sense to do research before applying.

"Otherwise you could end up being rejected and making multiple applications, which will harm your credit rating," he added.

According to the paper, there are three credit reference agencies that potential credit card holders can use to check their record. These are Equifax, Experian and Callcredit and they are the same agencies that lenders use to decide who they will offer credit cards to.

The service costs £2 and takes a few days, the publication notes.

Issues that may affect credit records include previous defaults or late payments on credit cards or multiple recent applications for credit.

James Jones of Experian told the paper that credit card companies can look more favourably on people who are on the electoral register and have lived at the same address for a few years.

Those who already have a credit card should take a few steps to ensure they are protected against fraud when shopping online this Christmas.

These include using up-to-date anti-virus software and logging out of sites when purchases are complete, the UK Payments Administration notes.

Written by Sarah Nyman

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Credit Cards	0% Balance Transfers	0% Purchases	APR Representative (Variable)
	Tesco ClubCard Credit Card
	9 months	15 months	16.9%
** 16.9% APR representative (variable). Based on a credit limit of 1200 and purchase rate 16.9% p.a(variable). **
	Virgin Credit Card
	20 months	3 months	16.8%
** 16.8% APR representative (variable). Based on a credit limit of 1200 and purchase rate 16.8% p.a(variable). **
	Barclaycard Platinum with BT
	22 months	3 months	17.5%
** 17.5% APR representative (variable). Based on a credit limit of 1200 and purchase rate 17.5% p.a(variable). **
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