#Credit Card Eligibility Calculator Beta

Previously the only way to know if you’d be accepted for a credit card was to apply, but that left a mark on your credit file that could be seen by lenders impacting your ability to get future credit. The eligibility calculator matches your information from a ‘soft search’ enquiry (that lenders never see), to a wish-list from lenders to tell you your percentage chances of getting different credit cards.

We’ll tell you your chances of getting the products before applying.

Which credit card eligibility calculator should you use?

Balance Transfers - Cut existing debt costs

Shifting existing credit card or store card debts to a new balance transfer card can save you Ј100s or Ј1,000s. A balance transfer’s when one credit card repays debts on other credit or store cards, so you owe the new card but at a far lower rate, meaning you’re debt free quicker.

Bad Credit - For bad credit scorers

If you’ve applied for a credit card and been rejected STOP THERE. Assess why you've been knocked back, then either find cards that fit your profile with this tool, or try to rebuild your credit rating using the top 'bad credit' credit card, and always pay it off in full.

Purchases - Interest free & low interest spending

If you need to borrow for a defined purchase, then used correctly, credit cards are cheaper than loans - yet get it wrong and you'll be stuck in debt for years.

All-Rounder - Balance transfers spending

Lots of banks offer great intro deals to entice new customers. On cards these tend to be either good balance transfer deals, or an offer of low rates on new spending. All-rounder cards shout for custom by offering cheap intro rates on BOTH balance transfers AND purchases. So if you want to both move debts from an existing expensive card, and also need to use a card to spend on, these are worth checking out as they won't damage your credit score with unnecessary applications.

Travel Money - For spending overseas

Most cards add a 3% cost to the exchange rates banks themselves get. You can avoid this by packing a specialist card that doesn't add this 'load', meaning you'll get perfect exchange rates which beat even the best bureaux de change. Pocket one just for spending overseas, though always repay IN FULL to avoid interest.

Money Transfer - 0% cash into your bank account

Money Transfer credit cards allow you pay money from your new credit card into your current account for a small fee, you then get a long interest free period to pay off the debt. If you don’t pay it off in the given time you’ll be charged with a hefty interest rate. If you’re looking to borrow under Ј2,000 money transfer cards are often the very cheapest way to do so, but ONLY if you religiously make your payments each month.

Cashback - Pays you when you spend

Cashback credit cards pay you every time you spend on them, possibly Ј100s a year. Top cards can pay as much as 5% introductory cashback, others give 3% on fuel and transport spending. There are also some good fee-free, near-cash reward cards which come close to what cashback cards can offer.

Airline - Get air miles while you spend

Airline credit cards are an extension of frequent flyer programmes. You earn miles or points as you spend, not as you fly, plus you can get bonus ones for signing up. Miles earned from spending can be combined with those you've earned from flying – or through other credit card reward schemes, such as converting Tesco Clubcard points. Added together, you can build up your stash much more quickly.