Will I be accepted for a brand new bank card if I simply moved home?

I recently bought my first home and moved in six weeks ago. There are a few pricey purchases I need to make for the flat – some new furniture, white goods etc. – and I also have an expensive family wedding abroad coming up.

While I do have some limited savings left over after the move, I’d prefer to keep those aside for a rainy day. So I’m looking for a credit card with a long 0 per cent interest period to help spread the cost.

I don’t have another credit card at the moment – I cancelled my last one a few months ago when the 0 per cent period ran out. As I was in the middle of the mortgage application, I didn’t apply for another for risk of harming my credit score.

My question is, how likely am I to be accepted for a credit card at an address I’ve only lived at for a few weeks? I have bills in my name here and have changed my details in all the places I can think of, but have probably forgotten a few.

If six weeks isn’t long enough, how long should I wait? My credit score is very good and I don’t want to harm it with a rejected application.

I also have access to my old rented property for another two months. Could I apply with that address instead as I have a longer history there? And what should I look for in a card?

> Five best credit cards: This is Money’s pick of the best credit cards 

Waiting game: Our reader has just moved house and wants to get a new credit card but doesn’t want to risk hurting their credit score by being rejected

Helen Kirrane of This is Money replies: A 0 per cent credit card can be a great way to help spread the cost of expenses like a new boiler or repairing a car over several months or years without paying interest. 

They let you spread the cost over up to 22 months, so are a useful way of buying items that you might not be able to, or want to, pay for upfront.

However, as with any credit card, it is important to pay it off on schedule so that you don’t get hit with hefty interest charges.

When applying for credit, signing up to a credit agency such as Experian, Transunion or Equifax might be a good idea, so you can keep tabs on your credit score and be alerted if anything changes. 

Andrew Hagger director of personal finance website Money Comms replies: If you already have a very good credit record, then the fact that you’ve recently moved house shouldn’t have any significant impact on a new credit card application.

Prospective lenders will see your credit history going back six years even though it was at a different address.

It won’t impact your forthcoming application, however it is worth making sure that you are registered at your new address on the electoral register. You can do this here.

If your credit record is in good order, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be accepted for one of the best 0 per cent purchase credit card deals.

It makes sense to use a 0 per cent card to fund your forthcoming major purchases as that way you’ll still continue to earn interest on your savings balance(s).

Once you start using the card just make sure you make at least the minimum monthly payment on time – if you miss a payment you could see your 0 per cent promotional rate terminated immediately.

Try to clear the balance by the end of the 0 per cent introductory term – that way you won’t pay a single penny of interest on the amount borrowed on your credit card.

Guy Anker, money expert at price comparison website Compare the Market replies: When it comes to checking your eligibility for a credit card, you should research a provider’s terms and conditions. 

Different credit card providers will have different eligibility criteria. 

Ultimately, your eligibility for a 0 per cent credit card will depend on the provider’s specific requirements, as well as your personal circumstances and borrowing history. 

Generally, you must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a 0 per cent credit card and usually need to be a permanent UK resident with a UK bank account and a steady income.

What are the best cards? 

Helen Kirrane of This is Money replies: The longest 0 per cent interest term at the moment is 22 months, with Barclaycard’s Platinum All Rounder Visa. A handful of different providers offer 20 month interest free periods.

Interest kicks in at the end of the deal period, so its wise for shoppers to try and pay back the debt within that 0 per cent window.

Lloyds Bank, NatWest, RBS, HSBC and M&S Bank are all offering credit cards with a 20 month 0 per cent interest period.

HSBC’s card is offering £25 cashback when you spend or transfer a balance over £100 by 16 December.

Andrew Hagger replies: The top deals available at present for zero interest on purchases are from Barclaycard (Platinum) 22 months, MBNA 21 months and HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank and NatWest all offering 20 months.