Citi Platinum MasterCard Credit Card

With so many benefits,
the Citi Platinum MasterCard has you covered.

As a Citi Platinum MasterCard holder, you’ll be recognised the world over, no matter where you travel, and you’ll always enjoy an array of exclusive benefits developed exclusively for our Platinum Card customers.

Citi Identity Theft Solutions
If someone gets their hands on your personal information, such as your bank account details, it’s possible that they could fraudulently open other financial agreements in your name. Citi Identity Theft Solutions is a free service we provide to all Citi Cardholders to help you restore your good name and good credit if you have your identity stolen. Find out more about Citi Identity Theft Solutions.

Shop online with confidence Any charges to your card made online without your consent will be refunded, so you can buy goods online with confidence.

Active fraud protection If we see something that looks suspicious when your card is being used, we'll alert you. If it proves to be fraudulent, you will not be liable for any purchase you haven’t authorised.

Price match guarantee If you buy something with your Citi Platinum MasterCard and then find it cheaper elsewhere within 60 days, we’ll refund the difference. See Insurance Information.*

Free peace of mind when you're abroad Book your holiday with your Citi Platinum MasterCard, and you’ll have up to £100,000 free cover if you’re injured whilst travelling. You can also access expert medical and legal assistance – free at any time of the day or night. See Insurance Information.*

12 months extended warranty Save money with an additional 12 months extended warranty on domestic electrical items you buy with your card. See Insurance Information.*

Free purchase protection Relax knowing that anything you buy with your card is covered against accidental damage and theft for the first 30 days. See Insurance Information.*

Optional cardholder repayment protection (CRP) If you can’t make your Citi Card repayments because of involuntary unemployment or need time off work following an accident or serious illness, after 30 consecutive days we can arrange for them to be taken care of (to a maximum monthly repayment of £500) for up to 12 months. What's more, your entire balance will be cleared in the event of your death (to a maximum of £20,000). You can have this peace-of-mind for only 85p per £100 of your statement balance at statement date. See Insurance Information.*

Optional Card Protection Plan Plus (CPP Plus) Protect against the fraudulent use of your cards when lost or stolen with Card Protection Plan Plus. CPP Plus cancels your old cards and orders new ones immediately for only £29 per year, or £70 for 3 years' cover.
See Insurance Information.*

Online account servicing You can manage just about every aspect of your account online, including accessing statements, viewing transactions, requesting a PIN reminder or a credit limit increase, and making debit card payments. More information. Citi Alerts Receive updates on your account by text message, email or both. It means you don't have to wait until you receive your statement to find out the latest on your account. It's a great way of staying on top of your finances wherever you are - and of making sure your account stays secure. To register for Citi Alerts, call Card Services today on 0870 908 6000.**

Link to previous articles: Citibank Shell Master Credit Card Citibank EasyJet Credit Card Halifax Ipoints Loyalty card Halifax Marriott Rewards Visa Card Halifax Amazon Master Card Halifax NSPCC Charity Card

Citibank Shell Master Credit Card

Drive down your fuel costs
You could save around £130 each year~

So how does it work?

1. You will earn Shell rebate every time you use your card:^
The Shell MasterCard from Citi gives you:

• 3% rebate on Shell purchases in Great Britain

• 1% rebate when you use your card anywhere else

• Typical standard rate of 16.9% APR (variable)
For example:



And there's no limit on how much you can earn!

2. Redeeming your Shell rebate
Just keep buying Shell fuel in Great Britain each month, and we will automatically credit your Shell MasterCard from Citi account with your accrued rebate up to the value of your Shell fuel purchase - saving you money every time you fill up!^

Plus...

Save with 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 9 months*, typical standard rate 15.8% per annum (variable) thereafter. 3% fee, (minimum £5).

Additional benefits
• Up to £50,000 motor legal protection†

• Free travel accident insurance†

• Discounted motoring benefits • No annual fee • More benefits *View Terms and Conditions for this credit card. View Rates and Charges for this credit card. Important Legal Information. †For important information on our insurance products see Insurance Terms and Conditions. If you require assistance, please contact Card Services on 0870 330 4330#. ~Around £130 annual saving based on spending £160 on Shell fuel in Great Britain and £600 on other purchases each month on your Shell MasterCard from Citi. # Calls may be recorded and/or monitored for training and quality purposes.

Link to previous articles: Citibank EasyJet Credit Card Halifax Ipoints Loyalty card Halifax Marriott Rewards Visa Card Halifax Amazon Master Card Halifax NSPCC Charity Card Halifax Cancer Research UK Charity Card

Citibank EasyJet Credit Card

Free easyJet flight (worth £40 - inc. taxes)#

When you spend £250 in the first 3 months.#
Earn 10% back on easyJet flights (for 3 months)~

For every £1 you spend at easyJet.com on flights and other purchases made in the same transaction using your card in the first 3 months, you’ll get 10 Miles.

That means you’ll get 10% back for every £1 you spend.
0% on balance transfers for 9 months.*

Typical standard rate 15.8% (variable) Fee of 3%, minimum £5.

Collect Miles when you use your easyJet MasterCard
£1 all UK spend = 1 Mile

£1 overseas spend = 2 Miles

£1 easyJet flight spend = 3 Miles

The value of your Miles will automatically be credited to your account when you use your card to purchase a flight at easyJet.com

Typical 16.9% APR (variable)

Earn Miles for money off easyJet flights

Every time you use your easyJet MasterCard you will be rewarded for spending on easyJet flights and all other purchases too. And with our special introductory offer you could make some great savings!
Your special introductory offer:
• Free easyJet flight worth £40#
Simply spend £250 in the first 3 months and we'll give you 4,000 Miles, which can be used to pay for an easyJet flight worth up to £40 (including taxes). Once you have spent £250 you will receive your 4,000 easyJet Miles. These will be shown on your next statement. When you have received your statement, simply purchase your next flight at easyJet.com and your £40 will be credited to your account.1 There are no limitations on when and where you can fly within the easyJet network and you have thousands of flights to choose from.
• Earn 10% back on easyJet.com flights for 3 months~
For every £1 you spend at easyJet.com on flights and other purchases made in the same transaction with your card in the first 3 months, you'll get 10 Miles - that means you will get 10% back for every £1 you spend (up to a maximum £1,000 spend).
This could add up to a further £100 worth of savings on future easyJet flights. As soon as you receive your statement, your Miles will be available to use. The value of your Miles will be redeemed automatically next time you use your card at easyJet.com.²




How to earn Miles: Every time you use your easyJet MasterCard you'll collect Miles.
£1 all UK spend = 1 Mile
£1 overseas spend = 2 Miles
£1 easyJet flight spend = 3 Miles
Plus, when you purchase car hire, travel insurance or accommodation in the same transaction as a flight at easyJet.com, you'll get 3 Miles for every £1 spent.
Typical 16.9% APR (variable)
Mile value is 1 Mile = 1p
One easyJet Mile is not equivalent to a nautical mile.




Redeeming your Miles: Every time you use your card to make a flight purchase at easyJet.com, the value of your Miles will automatically be credited to your account. 10% offer based on earning 10 miles per £1 in first 3 months, to a maximum £1000 spend.
As soon as you receive your statement, refer to the section marked "easyJet Miles Available Balance" to see how many Miles you have ready to use. The value of these Miles can now be redeemed. This will happen automatically next time you use your card at easyJet.com.2




Free easyJet Alerts: Receive updates on your account by text message, email or both. This means you don't have to wait until you receive your statement to find out the latest on your account. It's a great way to stay on top of your finances wherever you are - and helps keep your account secure. To register for easyJet Alerts call Card Services on 0870 161 5000ˆ with your new account details.




Free Citi Identity Theft Solutions: If someone gets their hands on your personal information, such as your bank account details, it's possible that they could fraudulently open other financial agreements in your name. Citi Identity Theft Solutions is a free service we provide to all our Cardholders to help restore your good name and good credit if you have your identity stolen. More information is available on Citi Identity Theft Solutions.




Active fraud protection: If we see something that looks suspicious when your card is being used, we'll alert you to it in order to safeguard you against fraudulent activity.




Free travel accident insurance: Book your holiday with your easyJet MasterCard and you'll have up to £100,000 free cover if you're injured whilst travelling abroad, as well as access to expert medical and legal assistance. Please note this does not substitute your standard travel insurance cover. See Insurance Information.†





Free extended warranty: An additional 12 months extended warranty on domestic electrical items you buy with your card. See Insurance Information †





Free purchase protection: All eligible purchases are protected against theft or accidental damage for 30 days after purchase. See Insurance Information.†





Online fraud guarantee: We will investigate any charges made to your card online without your consent, so you can shop online with confidence.




Free price match guarantee: If you buy something with your easyJet MasterCard and then find it cheaper elsewhere within 60 days, we'll refund the difference. See Insurance Information.†





Optional Cardholder Repayment Protection (CRP): For a small monthly fee, you can protect your repayments in case of illness or involuntary unemployment. Contact Card Services on 0870 161 5000ˆ for more details. See Insurance Information.†





Optional Card Protection Plan Plus (CPP Plus): In the event of fraud, loss or theft, this insurance will cancel your old cards and order new ones immediately. It costs just £29 a year – or £70 for three years if you pay in advance. See Insurance Information.†





No annual fee




Up to 56 days interest free on purchases




Chip and PIN protection: For extra security with your transactions.




Cash whenever you want it: Your card is accepted at over 23 million outlets and a million cash machines worldwide. For larger amounts, simply use our cash advance service – call Card Services on 0870 161 5000ˆ and we can arrange for a cheque to be with you within three working days. Most customers will also receive a credit card cheque book, which you can use to pay utility bills or other lenders, or simply pay into your own bank account.

# Simply spend £250 anywhere in the first 3 months. ~ 10% offer based on earning 10 miles per £1 in first 3 months, to a maximum £1000 spend. ¹ Providing you spend more than the value of your Miles on your flight purchase. If you spend less than the value of your Miles, your remaining Miles will be carried over until your next flight purchase. ² This will only be credited up to the cost of the flight

Link to previous articles: Halifax Ipoints Loyalty card Halifax Marriott Rewards Visa Card Halifax Amazon Master Card Halifax NSPCC Charity Card Halifax Cancer Research UK Charity Card Halifax Student Credit card

Halifax Ipoints Loyalty card

Apply now for an ipoints loyalty credit card and enjoy earning ipoints every time you make a purchase. Here are some of the outstanding benefits you'll enjoy:

• Special rate of 3.95% p.a on balance transfers fixed for the first five months

• Typical 17.9% APR (variable)

If you would rather speak to somebody, call us on 0800 032 3295 between 7am and 10pm 7 days a week
Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans

Earn loyalty points every time you make a purchase

• Earn 100 ipoints the first time you use your ipoints loyalty card

• Earn even more ipoints when you shop with ipoints partners

Other extras

• No annual fee

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month • Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet • Accepted wherever you see the MasterCard sign – in over 24 million locations worldwide • Card replacement if lost • Extra cards for family members over 18 • Around the clock service To benefit from the promotional rate you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time.

Link to previous articles: Halifax Marriott Rewards Visa Card Halifax Amazon Master Card Halifax NSPCC Charity Card Halifax Cancer Research UK Charity Card Halifax Student Credit card Halifax Classic Credit Card

Halifax Marriott Rewards Visa Card

• 0% on balance transfers for the first 9 months

• A handling fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer

• 0% on purchases for the first 6 months

• Typical 15.9% APR (variable)

If you would rather speak to somebody, call us on 0800 032 4406 between 7am and 10pm 7 days a week
Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans.

Earn loyalty points every time you make a purchase

• Earn Marriott Rewards points every time you spend with your card which you can redeem for free accommodation, flights, upgrades and much more

• Receive one point for every £1 you spend with your card or double points when you use your card with Marriott, plus 10,000 points the first time you make a purchase

• Automatic upgrade to Silver Elite membership entitling you to extra privileges including 20% extra points for each stay

Other extras

• No annual fee

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month • Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet • Accepted wherever you see the Visa sign – in over 24 million locations worldwide • Card replacement if lost • Extra cards for family members over 18 • Around the clock service To benefit from the 0% rate you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time.

Link to previous articles: Halifax Amazon Master Card Halifax NSPCC Charity Card Halifax Cancer Research UK Charity Card Halifax Student Credit card Halifax Classic Credit Card Halifax One Credit Card

Halifax Amazon Mastercard

Benefit from interest free introductory offers on both balance transfers and purchases and earn points to spend at Amazon.co.uk every time you make a purchase with your card. You'll also receive a £15 Amazon gift certificate when you make your first purchase using your card.

• 0% for 9 months on balance transfers

• 0% for 6 months on purchases

• Typical 15.9% APR (variable)

• A handling fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer

Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans.

Earn loyalty points every time you make a purchase

• Receive a £15 Amazon gift certificate when you make your first purchase

• One point for every £1 spent at any Amazon website

• 0.5 points for every £1 spent elsewhere

• Receive a £15 Amazon gift certificate to spend at Amazon.co.uk every time you reach 1500 points

Other extras

• No annual fee

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month • Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet • Accepted wherever you see the MasterCard sign in over 24 million locations worldwide • Card replacement if lost • Extra cards for family members over 18 • Around the clock service To benefit from the 0% rate you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time.

Link to previous articles: Halifax NSPCC Charity Card Halifax Cancer Research UK Charity Card Halifax Student Credit card Halifax Classic Credit Card Halifax One Credit Card Halifax Plus Credit Card

Halifax NSPCC Charity Card

To benefit from interest free offers on balance transfers and purchases whilst supporting the NSPCC every time you spend, apply now for this outstanding charity card

• 0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first 6 months

• Typical 16.9% APR (variable)

• We'll donate £20 when you first use your NSPCC Charity Card

• 0.25% of all purchases donated by Halifax to NSPCC

• A handling fee of 3% applies per balance transfer

If you have any questions call Halifax on 0800 028 4214 between 7am and 10pm 7 days a week.
Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans

Other extras

• No annual fee

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month • Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet • Accepted wherever you see the MasterCard sign in over 24 million locations worldwide • Card replacement if lost • Extra cards for family members over 18 • Around the clock service To benefit from the 0% rate you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time.

Link to previous articles: Halifax Cancer Research UK Charity Card Halifax Student Credit card Halifax Classic Credit Card Halifax One Credit Card Halifax Plus Credit Card Halifax Credit Card

Halifax Cancer Research UK Charity Card

If you want a card which has interest free offers on both balance transfers and purchases, which will also donate to Cancer Research UK each time you make a purchase, apply now for this outstanding charity card.

• 0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first 6 months

• Typical 16.9% APR (variable)

• We'll donate £20* when you first use your Cancer Research UK Charity Card

• 0.25% of all purchases donated by Halifax to Cancer Research UK

• A handling fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer

If you have any questions call us on 0800 028 4214 between 7am and 10pm 7 days a week.
Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans.

Other extras

• No annual fee

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month

• Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet

• Accepted wherever you see the MasterCard sign in over 24 million locations worldwide • Card replacement if lost • Extra cards for family members over 18 • Around the clock service To benefit from the 0% rate you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time. * If you choose a Cancer Research UK Card, £16 will be given to Cancer Research UK and £4 to the Charity's trading company, which transfers its profits to the Charity. Registered Charity No. 1089464.

Link to previous articles: Halifax Student Credit card Halifax Classic Credit Card Halifax One Credit Card Halifax Plus Credit Card Halifax Credit Card American Express Nectar Credit Card

Halifax Student Credit card

Putting you in control

As well as the benefits you get with any Halifax credit card, we've added lots of additional features to our Student Credit Card to give you more control of your account and your payments. You will benefit from:

• An adjustable credit limit, allowing you to choose how much is right for you - anything from the maximum of £500 right down to £100 - Let us know what credit limit you want when you activate your card

• Free text alerts to remind you when to pay your bill and the minimum payment required

• Weekly balance updates via text message

• Great discounts with a range of well-known brands

Passionate, Radiant, Brilliant or Winning?

The Halifax Student Credit Card comes in a great choice of colours - Brilliant Black, Passionate Pink, Radiant Red and Winning White. Which one are you? - Choose when you apply

Additional Featutes • Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month • No annual fee • Typical 17.9% APR (variable) If you have any questions call Halifax on 08457 28 38 48. Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat and Sun 8am-5pm.

Link to previous articles: Halifax Classic Credit Card Halifax One Credit Card Halifax Plus Credit Card Halifax Credit Card American Express Nectar Credit Card Bad Credit History? Apply for Credit Card

Halifax Classic Credit Card

First Credit card or a fresh start?

These days, it is almost become mandatory having a credit card, seems to be a part of everyday life, but it’s not always easy to get that first foot on the ladder. Whether you are looking for your first credit card, or to boost your credit history, the NEW Halifax Classic Card could be the one to start you off in building a better credit score.

Control, convenience and credit

We understand that people’s circumstances are different so we have created a new card that could suit your needs. As a responsible lender, we’ll set your credit limit between £500 and £2000 to help you manage your account. What’s more we’ll send you free text alerts with repayment reminders and weekly balance updates to help you stay in control. From time to time we’ll review your account, and if you have stayed within your credit limit and made your monthly payments on time, we may increase your limit.

With no annual fee and a typical 27.9% APR variable, your Halifax Classic Credit Card has hundreds of uses – including booking a holiday or for emergency purchases and online shopping.

Plus - It comes with all the great Halifax extras:
• Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet

• Accepted wherever you see the MasterCard sign in over 24 million locations worldwide

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month

• Card replacement if lost

• Extra cards for family members over 18

• Around the clock service • Manage your card online Take a few minutes to apply online (new window) for an instant decision (in most circumstances). If you have any questions call us on 08457 28 38 48. Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat and Sun 8am-5pm. Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans. By applying for a card with one of the UK's largest high street banks, your application should be very straightforward, even if you have been turned down for Credit before.

Link to previous articles: Halifax One Credit Card Halifax Plus Credit Card Halifax Credit Card American Express Nectar Credit Card Bad Credit History? Apply for Credit Card MasterCard v/s or Visa Card

Halifax One Credit Card

If you want a card that gives you a great introductory offer on both balance transfers and purchases then look no further. What's more you could keep on saving even after the introductory period with a fantastically low 9.9% APR (variable).

• 0% for 9 months on balance transfers made in the first 90 days

• 0% for 9 months on purchases.

• A very low typical rate of 9.9% APR (variable)

• A handling fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer
Take a few minutes to apply online (new window) for an instant decision (in most circumstances).

If you have any questions call us on 08457 28 38 48. Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat and Sun 8am-5pm.

Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans.

Other Extras:

• No annual fee

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month

• Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet

• Accepted wherever you see the MasterCard sign in over 24 million locations worldwide

• Card replacement if lost

• Extra cards for family members over 18 • Around the clock service • Manage your card online • Choice of 4 card colours - Black, Pink, Red and White To benefit from the 0% rate you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time. Balances transferred from other Halifax or Bank of Scotland cards are not eligible for the 0% balance transfer offer.

Link to previous articles: Halifax Plus Credit Card Halifax Credit Card American Express Nectar Credit Card Bad Credit History? Apply for Credit Card MasterCard v/s or Visa Card Lloyds TSB Platinum Card

Halifax Plus Credit Card

Apply for the Halifax Plus Credit Card and you could save serious money. We’ll give you a lengthy 0% for the first 13 months on balances transferred within the first 90 days (3% balance transfer fee applies). You’ll not only make great savings on your balance transfers, but you could also save money on your purchases as you’ll pay 0% for the first 6 months.

• 0% for 13 months on balances transfers made in the first 90 days.

• 0% for 6 months on purchases.

• A typical 15.9% APR (variable)

• A small handling fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer.

If you have any questions call us on 08457 28 38 48. Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat and Sun 8am-5pm.
Protect your credit cards with our comprehensive cover plans.

Other extras:

• No annual fee

• Up to 59 days interest free credit on all purchases if you pay off your balance in full each month

• Cover against online fraud when purchasing on the Internet

• Accepted wherever you see the MasterCard sign in over 24 million locations worldwide • Card replacement if lost • Extra cards for family members over 18 • Around the clock service • Manage your card online • Choice of 5 card colours - Black, Pink, Red, White and Blue To benefit from the 0% rate you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time. Balances transferred from other Halifax or Bank of Scotland cards are not eligible for the 0% balance transfer offer.

Link to previous articles: American Express Nectar Credit Card Bad Credit History? Apply for Credit Card MasterCard v/s or Visa Card Lloyds TSB Platinum Card Cahoot Credit Card Halifax Credit Card

Sainsbury Platinum Credit Card

0% interest for 10 months on purchases

typical 15.9% APR (variable)

Features of Sainsbury Platinum credit card

 5.94% p.a. for life of balances transferred in the first 6 months. Any balances transferred after the first 6 months will be charged at either 15.94% p.a. variable, 18.95% p.a. variable or 20.95% p.a. variable, depending on your personal circumstances

 No annual fee or balance transfer fee

 Optional protection for your credit card repayments if you are unable to work

 Optional protection against loss or theft of your card

 Convenient online servicing

 Emergency medical and legal assistance abroad.

Personal pricing All applications are treated on an individual basis, so the APR and interest rates we offer are determined by the details customers supply, along with an independent verification of credit and repayment history. For the first 10 months you will get 0% on purchases. You will also get 5.94% p.a. on balance transfers made in the first 6 months, until they are paid off. Your personal APR for purchases will be either 15.94% APR (variable), 18.95% APR (variable), or 20.95% APR (variable). Your interest rates for balance transfers will be the same as for purchases. Two thirds of customers are offered our best typical rate of 15.9% APR (variable). We'll let you know your interest rate as soon as we've assessed your application.

Link to previous articles: American Express Nectar Credit Card Bad Credit History? Apply for Credit Card MasterCard v/s or Visa Card Lloyds TSB Platinum Card Cahoot Credit Card Halifax Credit Card

American Express Nectar Credit Card

Card Features

• Earn up to 4 points for every £1 spent when you use both your Credit Card and your Nectar loyalty card at participating Nectar sponsors1

• Earn 1 point for almost every £1 spent anywhere else that accepts American Express

• Collect 5,000 bonus points when you spend £200 on your Card plus Double Nectar points for your first 3 months2

• Typical 15.9%APR variable3

• No annual fee

• Chip and PIN

Membership Benefits: • Purchase Protection Benefit • Refund Protection Benefit • Online Fraud Guarantee • Online account access • 24/7/365 telephone service • 24hr Card replacement

Link to previous articles: Bad Credit History? Apply for Credit Card MasterCard v/s or Visa Card Lloyds TSB Platinum Card Cahoot Credit Card Halifax Credit Card Post Office Credit Card

Bad Credit History? Apply for Credit Card

Bad Credit Quick links:

Capital One Classic Card - Apply even with poor credit history

Vanquis Abacus Card - Apply even with CCJ's

Not only in UK, but across the globe lots of people at some point in their lives struggle with their bills and can miss payments, whether it be on loans, credit cards, utility bills -you name it! The problem is that when this happens, sometimes through no fault of your own, you end up with a poor credit record. Maybe you even have a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against you. This can often mean that getting credit is difficult, be it a credit card or a loan or even signing up for a mobile phone or book club.
So is there anything you can do? Fortunately yes - and here are the steps to follow:

1. Pay your bills on time

It is often easy to miss payments on loans or cards but if you simply make the monthly minimum payment this will ensure your credit record is without blemish. Whenever you apply for any form of credit this payment history is examined by the finance provider and any missed payments will count against you. Easy? yes but what if you have already missed lots of payments and your credit record is already poor?

2. Assess your situation

If your looking to take out a finance product make sure you can afford the repayments. The reason banks look at your past history is that they do not want to lend money to people who do not pay them back - irregular payments make a bad risk. So why not check your credit record? Banks, like everyone else make mistakes, so its well worth checking your credit record to make sure any information held is accurate. It could be that the bad history is from a spouse or relative who you no longer have a financial connection with or they have simply got their details wrong.

You can get a free30 day trial of the credit expert monitoring service provided by Experian. This lets you access and keeps you updated of all the information on your credit file - the same credit file that lenders and other institutions use to evaluate your credit applications. Its provided in a simple easy to read format and allows you to make sure that decisions are made by correct information about you.

If you don't want to check your credit report online I suggest you contact Equifax or Experian - these are the two main credit scoring bureaux. It costs £2 to get a copy of your record and this will list all the credit information banks use to evaluate credit applications. You should write with your details and a cheque or postal order for £2 to Equifax, Experian or both of the following:

Equifax Credit File Advice Centre PO Box 1140 Bradford BD1 5US Tel: 08705 143700 or Experian Ltd Consumer Help Service PO Box 8000 NOTTINGHAM NG1 5GX Tel: 0870 241 6212 Once you have this information you should know whether you have good or bad credit history. If its good then you should have few problems. If it's really that bad, then read on... Continue to Part II

Link to previous articles: MasterCard v/s or Visa Card Lloyds TSB Platinum Card Cahoot Credit Card Halifax Credit Card Post Office Credit Card Goldfish Credit Card

MasterCard v/s or Visa Card

Whenever we apply for a credit card, we are sometimes asked by the credit card bank or credit card organization about which brand of credit card should we opt for? - a MasterCard or a Visa or sometimes even an American Express (AMEX) card.
It is important to understand that Visa & MasterCard are payment systems instead of credit cards by themselves and they rely on banks all around the world to issue credit cards that use their payment system. From this they take a % of the amount charged to retailers to take payments via these cards. In return the retailers get a certain degree of assurance that the goods / services they have sold will be paid for. The shopkeepers or establishments also have to have the credit card payment acceptance, otherwise the customer will not bring any business to them.
American Express are slightly different in that they run their own payment system and issue cards themselves - both charge cards and credit cards.
So the big question that a credit card customer might face is which type of credit card do you choose?

Visa

Visa is probably the largest payment network in the world with a claimed 20 million outlets in 150 countries around the world accepting a Visa credit card. Visa is issued by 20,000 banks and there are over 1 billion cards in circulation

MasterCard

MasterCard is fast becoming the number 1 payment system in the world. with 25,000 banks issuing cards and cards being accepted in 210 countries around the world. There are an estimated 22 million locations around the globe where mastercard is accepted.

Amex

American Express operate in 130 countries around the world and is one of the most famous names in financial services. It is also the worlds largest travel agency,

So which do you choose? We'll the choice between Visa and MasterCard is easy. Don't have any choice. Both visa and MasterCard are widely accepted all around the world and you’re unlikely to find too many outlets that will accept Visa and not MasterCard and vise versa. Some UK banks give you the option of choosing either and some may only offer a Visa or MasterCard - decide on the values of the card itself - interest rates, cashback etc rather than whether its a Visa or MasterCard.

With American Express it’s more difficult choice. Its not a widely accepted as Visa and MasterCard in the UK although the number of outlets are growing. But if you like the products and services offered by Amex then don't feel put off by this. most major shops and restaurants accept the card and if you travel abroad regularly it can be used in most places - especially in the USA.

Link to previous articles: Lloyds TSB Platinum Card Cahoot Credit Card Halifax Credit Card Post Office Credit Card Goldfish Credit Card Buy & Fly Credit Card

Lloyds TSB Platinum Card

Lloyds TSB is one of the biggest banks in the UK market and their platinum credit card is a very good product from one of the more traditionally higher rate large banks.

The Lloyds Platinum credit card offers 0% for 9 months on balance transfers so is an ideal card to get to make use of introductory rates. The standard rate of 15.9% APR (typical) is also very competitive.

Details Lloyds TSB Platinum Card

Introductory Balance Transfers	0%
Monthly Rate	0%
Period	9 Months
Introductory Purchases	n/a
Monthly Rate	n/a
Period	n/a
Standard APR	15.9%
Monthly Rate	1.24%
Cash Advance APR	19.505%
Cash Advance Fee	2.5% (Min £2.50)
Minimum Payment Required	2% (Min £5)
Annual Fee	None
Loyalty Points	none
Travel Accident Insurance	up to £100,000
Free Purchase Protection	180 days up to £2.5k
Foreign Usage Fee	2.75%

Other Lloyds TSB Platinum Card Features and Benefits

• 0% balance transfers
• internet fraud guarantee

• apply online • free purchase protection • free travel accident insurance Lloyds TSB Platinum Card Review Summary The Platinum credit card from Lloyds TSB, as per the UK credit card market conditions, is a competitive product. Though the rates are very competitive, with 0% being offered on balance transfers and purchases - the standard rate is also very competitive.

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