How to Compare Gold Credit Cards
Gold Credit Card Best Buys
Gold Credit Card FAQ's
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There are a number of different credit cards available these days to suit different circumstances, and if you have a good credit rating, a gold credit card can bring you extra prestige services and benefits.
A gold credit card works in the same way as a regular credit card, but these cards are able to offer greater spending power to cardholders as well as a range of additional benefits.
You will find a wide range of gold credit cards available on the market today, and by comparing the different cards and deals on offer you can find the one that best suits your needs.
These cards are best for...
Will a gold credit card be suitable for you?
If you are looking for a credit card that offers higher credit limits (subject to financial status), purchase securities, fraud protection, and a variety of other benefits, you could find that a gold credit card is the right card for you.
It is important to bear in mind that in order to qualify for a gold credit card you will need to be earning a minimum annual income as specified by the individual card issuers, which is usually around £20,000 p.a. Also, you will need to meet the minimum age requirement as specified by the card issuer, which is usually twenty-one or over.
If you do meet the qualification requirements, a gold credit card can offer some great added services and benefits to help protect your purchases, your money and even yourself!
These cards are not suitable for...
A poor credit history
If you have a tarnished credit history then a gold credit card is not going to be suitable for you, as you will find that these cards are only available to eligible applicants with a good credit history.
There are credit cards designed for people with a poor credit history, that allow you to rebuild and strengthen your credit score, like the Capital One Classic credit card, which may be more suitable, or you can view all credit cards for a poor credit history here.
If you do not meet the income and age requirements
You will be unable to take out a gold credit card if you are earning lower than the minimum required annual income and in most cases if you are under the age of 21.
If you do not meet the required income or you aren't quite 21 yet, many classic credit cards offer similar cardholder features including purchase securities and fraud protection.
Classic credit cards are generally available to people aged over 18 and have lower income requirements.
Knowing what's on offer...
The main benefits of a gold credit card include increased purchasing power with higher credit limits, and cardholder services to help keep your purchases and your money safer.
If you travel regularly, some gold credit cards offer free travel services, including travel accident insurance policies and can also provide help in the case of medical or legal emergencies whilst abroad.
It's important to decide exactly what you want out of a gold credit card, so that you know what to look for when comparing gold credit cards and choosing the right card for you.
Increased purchasing power
If you are looking for a gold credit card because you want to be able to pay for very large purchases or several large purchases by credit, then you should definitely check out the maximum credit limit offered by each gold credit card.
Generally, gold credit cards offer a maximum credit limit of up to £10,000. Though it's important to remember that credit limits are subject to status, and you will usually have to hold the gold card account for a short while before you can request a credit limit increased.
Purchase security
One of the best features of a prestige credit card is that they can offer security on your purchases in the form of insurance policies.
The most common purchase security available on gold credit cards is 'purchase protection insurance' - a policy that will cover most items bought on the gold card against theft, loss or accidental damage for a period when they are first purchased.
Purchase security can add real peace of mind and is a credit card must when buying large items.
Fraud protection
Paying by credit is by far the most secure method you can use when paying for goods or services, and gold credit cards often offer increased fraud protection to help keep your money safe and protect you from any unauthorised use of your card.
Shopping online can sometimes feel like risky business, but if you follow precautions and make use of the right gold credit card you can make sure shopping online stays safe and convenient.
Some gold credit cards come with an Internet fraud guarantee, a promise that your card issuer makes to not hold you liable for any fraudulent use of your card on the Internet.
Some gold credit cards, like the Royal Bank of Scotland Gold credit card and the Natwest Gold credit card offer a 'secure' service, a password system that can be set up for online shopping. Once you've set it up, a password will be required along with your credit card details when you shop with retailers who have signed up to the 'secure' system.
Travel services
If you travel regularly you may want to choose a gold credit card that offers extra travel services.
Travel services can include travel accident insurance policies and the card issuer can provide help in the case of any medical or legal emergencies whilst abroad.
Whilst travel accident insurance is not a substitute for a good comprehensive travel insurance policy, the emergency assistance service can be a real life saver if you ever come unstuck abroad.
Comparing gold credit cards
Once you have decided what's important for you with a gold credit card you can compare the different gold credit cards available on the market today through our gold credit card comparison page, where you can easily see exactly what is offered by each gold credit card.
When you've chosen the right gold credit card for you, you can read more about the card and apply online.
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Compare gold credit cards
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