According to Confused.com, there are now currently 23 credit cards that would potentially accept someone that was unemployed compared to 17 last year. 

The comparison website has warned consumers of the dangers of debt, as these cards are easier to attain by those who are unemployed or on lower income.

The latest employment figures from the Office for National Statistics show the number of unemployed people was 2.56m in the three months to June 2012, up 51,000 from a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the number of people unemployed for over one year was 882,000, up 1,000 from the previous quarter, with this study suggesting credit card providers could be aiming to meet increased demand from those out of work.

Nerys Lewis, head of credit cards at Confused.com, said: “As credit card providers make more cards available to more people, we are warning consumers of the dangers of debt as it appears to be increasingly easy to obtain yet more expensive to get rid of.”

Sponsored

Wellness and wellbeing holidays: Travel insurance is essential for your peace of mind

Out of the pandemic lockdowns, there’s a greater emphasis on wellbeing and wellness, with

Sponsored by Post Office

Many credit card providers have also reduced the amount someone would need to earn before successfully applying for a credit card.

The annual income required for a successful application has decreased year-on-year from an average of £9,718 last year to £9,035 in 2012.

Should the trend continue for another year, or at least stay the same, this would take it below the amount people need to earn before paying income tax, which the government announced will rise to £9,205 in April 2013.

Currently people can earn up to £8,105 per year before paying the basic rate of tax.

Credit card providers are also letting more of us in on their top cards – the minimum income required for a platinum credit card has decreased by 36% from an average of £18,425 in 2011 to just £11,838 this year.

Meanwhile, the number of credit cards available and aimed at people with substandard credit scores or limited credit histories have increased by more than half from five last year to 11 in 2012.

The average balance transfer fee has increased from 2.27% in 2011 to 2.81% this year.

A person transferring a balance of £2,137, which is the average balance moved onto new cards, would have previously paid £48.51 on average. With the increase, they will now pay an average fee of £60.05.

Lewis added: “However, credit cards can offer consumers a number of benefits, such as earning rewards on their spending, offering purchase protection, and improving their credit scores, so we’re simply urging people to use them in a responsible manner, as well as shop around to get the best deals.”