Play your cards right

With extended introductory offers and low typical APRs still available, Halifax is urging Christmas shoppers to choose their credit card wisely before they buy their Christmas gifts. With a range of different cards currently available, Halifax believes it has a card to suit every shoppers' needs.

Halifax is currently offering:

One Card - 0% for nine months on both balance transfers* and purchases, with a typical APR of just 9.9%. This card is available via halifax.co.uk/creditcards, by phoning 0800 169 1522 or by visiting your local branch.

One Card - 0% for 12 months on balance transfers* and purchases, with a typical APR of 12.9%. This card is available via moneysupermarket.co.uk/ **.

Flat Rate Card - The card with a rate of just 5.9% on both balance transfers and purchases. This card is available via halifax.co.uk/creditcards or by calling 0800 38 91 166.

*One Card deals '1' and '2' feature a 3% balance transfer fee
**Deal available for a limited time only

Peter Jackson, head of Products, Halifax, explains: "Many people may have already made their Christmas purchases on expensive store cards. Switching to a credit card with a 0% introductory offer on balance transfers could help them lower the overall cost of Christmas spends.

"Equally, shoppers who have yet to buy their Christmas presents could benefit from a card with an extended 0% deal on purchases – it's all about getting the right card for you."

It's important shoppers act now if they want to cut the cost of their Christmas spends.

The average credit card application takes 10 days – meaning if people applied today they would get their credit cards in early December, leaving them two or three shopping weekends before Christmas.