Santander for Intermediaries says it has improved its lending decisions for broker clients who pay off their credit card in full each month from 17 January. 

The high street lender says if a credit card balance has been paid in full each month for at least the last six months before application, this will not be included in its affordability assessment.    

It adds if there has been a £0 credit card balance on the client’s account during the latest six-month period, this counts as repaid in full for the purpose of this policy. 

The bank says where the balance has been paid in full each month for at least the last six months, brokers should make sure they do not enter the credit card commitment in either the introducer internet or the affordability calculator. 

It has updated the lending criteria on its website, the lender adds.