Are you planning a plastic Christmas?

People planning to hit the credit cards for their Christmas spending need to apply for new cards now or risk being empty-handed for their shopping.

With about nine weeks left to Christmas, moneysupermarket.com urges festive shoppers to start looking for the best credit card deals now. Card providers typically take up to four weeks to process an application and issue the card. However, the Christmas rush can sometimes means this takes even longer.

Present buyers should ensure they apply for the right type of credit card if they are planning to use it to pay for Christmas. There are several balance transfer cards on the market, however if you are spending on your card, the best bet is to head for a 0 per cent purchase credit card.

Rob Kenley, head of credit cards at moneysupermarket.com, said: “Credit cards offer a simple way to help spread the cost of Christmas when used correctly. However, people need to ensure the card they apply for is not going to end up costing them more than they can afford.

“Taking the time to shop around for cards now will ensure people have the right card when they hit the shops. Opting for a 0 per cent deal means consumers using plastic for their Christmas spending pay nothing more than the cost of their goods – they just need to make sure the balance is paid off before the introductory offer ends."

Rob Kenley added: "There are currently some great deals around – with providers such as Halifax offering a whopping 15 months interest free on purchases which means people can do next year’s shopping on it too.”