In the past, the only way to know if you’d be accepted for a credit card was to apply. If unsuccessful, this would leave a mark on your credit report, which could impact your ability to get credit in the future: A classic Catch 22.

Nowadays, an eligibility check allows you to check your likelihood of being accepted before you apply. By matching your information to the lender’s criteria, it calculates your chance of getting a credit card. marbles FastCheck offers a free, easy to use eligibility checker. Simply answer a few questions and you’ll receive an indication of your likelihood of being accepted in seconds. This could be the difference between unintentionally damaging your credit score and completing a successful application.

Unlike applying, which can leave a footprint on your credit report, marbles FastCheck carries out a ‘soft search’. This protects your credit score, and doesn’t leave a footprint that can be seen by lenders. You’ll be able to see this search yourself when you next check your credit file, but nobody else will.

When using an eligibility checker, you’ll be asked for the following information:

• Your full name, address and date of birth;
• Your length of residence at your current address;
• Your employment status and annual salary. Your personal details and data will always be fully protected by marbles. Read through our Terms and Conditions for further information.

Eligibility checking for marbles is carried out by HD Decisions – an Experian business (HD), who are experts in working with lenders to find out the type of customers they normally accept for each credit card. HD regularly check their predicted approval rates against the amount of people actually accepted when they apply.

Eligibility for a credit card will depend on your circumstances. Keep in mind that an eligibility check is only a guide and results may vary once you’ve made a full application.