From APR, to zero interest and sign-up offers – we sift through the jargon to help you find a card that works for you

Before applying for a credit card, it is worth checking your credit record. Some providers may charge, but you can check your credit score for no fee using the statutory reports available from Experian or TransUnion. You can check your score with Equifax if you sign up for a free trial, but after 30 days it charges £14.95 a month. NatWest also offers a free credit score tool and you do not need to be a customer to use it.