As the recent credit crunch takes hold, lenders are becoming increasingly picky about who they will give credit to.

This is making it hard for some people to get credit cards.

Any discrepancies on your credit report are only going to hinder your chances of getting the decision you need from the credit card provider. However, if you fix these issues you are likely to increase your chances of being granted a credit card with a decent APR and credit limit.

Plus, each instance of you making a credit card application will be recorded on your credit report so each rejected application will only lower your chances of getting accepted the next time.

The usual advice is to make a credit application and then if you get turned down ask the lender the reason for being rejected and try to fix it before making a new application.

However, in light of recent circumstances, you would probably be better off checking your credit report before making that first application.

Checking your credit report couldn’t be easier or cheaper these days because Experian are currently offering a free 30-day trial of their ‘Credit Expert’ service which allows you to view your credit report for free.

Once you have signed up for the free credit report trial and have your credit report in front of you, you can then use our guide, ‘How to improve your credit rating’, to identify areas that you can improve. The next step is also simple because in our tools section you will find several template letters aimed at fixing some of the most common discrepancies found on a credit report.

Click here for more information about the free credit report from Experian’s Credit Expert.

Credit report up to date? Click on the link to compare credit cards.