Barclaycard announced at the end of last month, a new pre-application check for their credit cards and more than 4000 potential clients have applied.

Since its launch, on 25 August 2009, thousands of customers used the system to verify whether or not they are eligible for a Barclaycard.

The unique set up has allowed customers to utilise an online facility that allows potential and existing clients a chance to establish the likelihood of being acknowledged for a card, without the unnecessary hassle of filling in a full application form.

Chief Executive Amer Sajed of Barclaycard UK, said: “This unique pre-application check solves this problem. The check can be completed in a few minutes and gives consumers a good indication of whether their application will be accepted."

The credit check service leaves a search ‘footprint’ on the clients credit file to show their information has been accessed, however this system does not officially do a credit check and will not affect their ability to get credit in the future.

Mr Sajed added: "Consumers currently need to apply in full for a credit card in the UK, without knowing whether they are likely to be accepted or not, leaving a search on their credit file which can potentially have a negative impact on their credit rating.”