We may still be officially in summertime, but supermarkets and department stores are already filling their shelves with Christmas goods and presents.

If you're planning on doing your shopping now rather than face a last minute squeeze on the high street, then why not also check you've got the right credit card?

You've got plenty of time to apply for a new one and receive it in time to do your shopping. Remember though that each application for a credit card will be marked on your credit record, so don't make multiple applications; pick the card which suits your circumstances instead.

If you don't need to borrow money and can pay off your balance in full each month, then you need a card which comes with cashback or rewards - you get a present as well in return for your spending.

The Santander 123 cashback card gives you 3% back on fuel, 2% on department store spending and 1% on supermarket trolley-loads. The American Express Platinum gives 2.5% on three months of spending up to a maximum of £100.

If you might need to spread the cost of Christmas, then a card with a 0% period of interest on spending is a good idea. Marks & Spencer gives 15 months at 0% on spending plus reward points.

Tesco Clubcard offers a similar deal. If you want 0% on spending and you also want it on a balance transfer, then Barclaycard Platinum with Purchase has 14 months 0% on both purchases and balance transfers.