Compare cards carefully, including the interest rate, fees, rewards and eligibility criteria, before applying. Most applications ask for your personal details, address history, income and regular outgoings, and the provider will usually carry out a credit check. An eligibility checker may show your likely acceptance chance using a soft search that should not affect your credit file, so consider using one before making a full application. Only apply if the repayments are affordable, and check that the provider is FCA-authorised.