You have been pre-approved for a low interest credit card with a typical APR of 12.5%, and an introductory rate of 7% for the first three months. There's an application fee of £25, and an annual membership fee of only £22.50. Does it sound like a good deal to you? Unless you take the time to compare credit cards with similar terms and rates, how would you know?

Think twice before you apply - or three times, or four. If you're considering applying for a new card, you should take the time to compare options to be sure you're getting the best credit card deal available to you. When you take the time to compare before you apply for a credit card, you'll save yourself money, time and possibly the headaches that go along with black marks on your credit report in the future.

1. You should compare credit cards based on how you intend to use them.
Make your comparisons based on the way you handle your finances. Do you pay off all your accounts on time every month? Then you'll want to apply for a card that offers you rewards for using it - or one that shares its profits with a charity through a spending rewards program.

2. Compare credit cards by APR if you intend to carry a balance.
If you tend to purchase things on impulse even if you'll have to pay them off over several months time, then you should be aiming for the lowest possible APR that you can get.

3. Compare credit cards by adding up all the fees and costs associated with using them, and choosing the ones that will cost you the least and offer you the highest benefit.

You can find all the information that you need to compare credit cards online. You can find many different offers for various kinds of credit cards, and check the details and terms and conditions before you apply. That way you'll only apply for the options that you're most likely to be approved for. That's important because whenever you apply, the company reports it to a credit bureau, and the credit bureau notes it on your record. Every time you apply for finance, try to let a flat or apply for a position, chances are that your potential creditor, landlord or employer will check your credit record or credit score. While there's nothing implicitly wrong with applying for many credit cards, lenders often cast a wary eye on people who've applied for many in a short period of time. It's far better to sift through the offers, figure out which ones are likely to approve you, and apply for those credit cards.

If you don't compare credit cards - if you just apply for the first one that catches your eye - you could be doing yourself out of a deal that will cost you far less in the long run.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Why You Should Compare Credit Cards Before Applying

About the Author

Jon Francis has been involved with finance for many years! With an in-depth knowledge of the credit card UK market help helps others get the best from a credit card.