APACS, the UK payments association, has today (22 July 2005) launched a new website offering impartial credit card advice for consumers. www.choosingandusing.com helps people get to grips with the choices, benefits, potential risks and terminology around using and borrowing money on credit cards.

The site offers unbiased information to help people decide which credit cards best suit their needs, and if they want to use them as a borrowing tool, whether or not they are the most appropriate choice. The site also provides advice on managing money and reminds anyone who gets themselves into financial difficulties, or struggling with repayments, of the help and support that is available. As well as providing a one-stop site to answer basic questions about credit cards, the site also includes more detailed information for those wanting a greater understanding.

As part of the credit card industry's contribution to improving levels of financial literacy in the UK, APACS and its members have ensured the site gives advice and information on the full breadth of credit card products currently available.

Sandra Quinn, Director of Communications at APACS, says:

"The UK has one of the most competitive credit card markets in the world with around 1,500 different cards to choose from, so selecting the right one can be a time-consuming process. With this in mind, we've launched the choosingandusing.com site to provide a handy one-stop-shop for consumers to help them make the best choices about using credit cards. The UK cards industry is committed to improving consumer understanding of credit cards to encourage responsible borrowing. This goes hand in hand with our members' commitment to responsible lending".