Natwest Credit Card Protection

Nothing is more important to us than your security. We promise to do everything in our power to keep you and your money safe - both online and on the high street.

We offer the following additional monitoring and security services at no extra cost:

Identity theft help line

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft or would like to know how to protect yourself, our advice line can guide you through the best course of action

Fraud warnings

When we suspect a fraudulent transaction on your Credit Card we will call you in person to check everything's okay. You can also sign up for our free text alerts so we send details of any suspicious transactions straight to your mobile phone.

NatWest Secure - Internet Fraud Protection

NatWest Secure enables you to create a password for using your Credit Card with many participating online shops. You will then be prompted to enter random characters from your password when you shop to make sure you are the genuine cardholder.
Internet Fraud Protection guarantees to refund losses caused by online fraud, so shopping online with your NatWest Credit Card is as safe as shopping on the high street
For your further peace of mind, we also offer the following optional insurance:

NatWest Card Protection Plus

Protect all of your credit and debit cards from fraud if your cards are lost or stolen with NatWest Card Protection Plus. Just one phone call from anywhere in the world will cancel all your cards and order replacements. And if you move home, your bank card providers will be notified of your change of address, saving you time and hassle.
For £29 for 1 year and £70 for 3 years, all your locks and keys are also covered should you need these replaced. NatWest Card Protection Plus covers you and up to 4 people in your household, so everyone can take advantage of the policy.
You can select Card Protection Plus when you apply for your card online.

Payment Protection

Independent financial product research company, Defaqto, has rated our Cardholder Payment Protection Insurance product five stars for its features and benefits.
Protect your repayments against involuntary unemployment, accidents and illness, for just 79p for each £100, or part thereof, of the highest balance on your statement that month.
While you can't work, Payment Protection pays up to 10% of your outstanding balance per month, for up to a year, direct to your NatWest Credit Card.
You need to have been in paid employment for at least 16 hours a week for the last six months.
You can select Payment Protection when you apply for your card online.

PrivacyGuard®

Effective protection from identity theft, with regular credit reports and payment history, fraud alerts and up to £10,000 for legal fees and other expenses to help defend your name and reinstate your credit status. Cover costs just £6.99 a month.

Link to previous article: Natwest Platinum Credit Card

Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card with Long Term Balance Transfer

If you are looking for a card with a consistently low rate on balance transfers for the life of the balance

Suits you if you:

• Are looking to transfer your balance to a new credit card

• Have a good credit history

• Are 21 or over

• Have a permanent UK address for 3 months or more

• Have a regular income of more than £10,000 pa

• Don't already have a Barclaycard

• Haven't missed multiple payments on a credit agreement within the last 12 months

• Don't have a CCJ,IVA or have not been registered bankrupt

• Aren't a student

5.9% interest

on balance transfers for the life of the balance - no balance transfer fee in first 60 days

0% interest

on purchases for 10 months from opening account

14.9% APR typical (variable)

People choose Barclaycard because all customers could enjoy:

• No annual fee

• Identity Protection Service – advice about protecting yourself from identity theft

• Safer shopping with Fraud Protection – including chip and PIN, and watching for unusual spending on your account

• Purchase Delivery Protection – protecting your online, phone or mail orders against loss or damage, from despatch to door (excludes second-hand goods and services)

• Emergency help when travelling abroad

• Great holiday deals with our Travel Service

• Convenient online account management

• Emergency cash advance and credit card replacement service

• Text alerts five days before payment is due (opt in required)

• 24 hour helpline
* Terms and conditions apply to all benefits

Important details

This information was taken from Barclaycard website. Barclaycard reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. This offer is only available to new customers. You will be required to use a PIN with this credit card in order to pay for goods and services over the counter in shops and other outlets. If you have any particular requirements concerning communications with Barclaycard or use of your credit card arising from a disability please contact us on 0845 7660 758 before completing the application.

Important tips for cardholders for safe online gambling- II

It is the gambling operator’s responsibility to prevent under-age gambling. However you can help by making sure you know what the rules are.

• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in the UK.

• Where a minor can get access to your cards, either as an agreed secondary cardholder or possibly without your knowledge, make sure you follow basic security measures – keep your PIN or online password safe and never pass these on and always check your statement so that you always know what is being spent on your account.

• Immediately notify the gambling operator if you think that your child has registered themselves so that the gambling account can be locked.

• To protect your family, consider installing software to restrict access to gambling websites. For example:

www.netnanny.com,

www.gamblock.com,

www.icra.org/parents,

www.cyberpatrol.com

www.getnetwise.org.

• For general help on the internet and children, Childnet International’s mission is to “help make the internet a great and safe place for children” and they can be found at www.childnet-int.org.

The majority of people who gamble in the UK do not encounter any difficulties.
However, a minority may find themselves addicted and need support. The following organisations can provide further advice:

GamCare:

www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamblers Anonymous:

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Gordon House Association:

www.gordonhouse.org.uk


If you do find yourself struggling with debts from online gambling, you should seek advice as soon as possible. The following sites provide support and assistance.

Citizens Advice:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

National Debtline:

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Consumer Credit Counselling Service:

www.cccs.co.uk

Community Legal Service Direct:

www.clsdirect.org.uk

Choosing and Using:

www.choosingandusing.com

Previous Article: Safe online gambling with Credit Cards

Safe online gambling with Credit Cards

Online gambling is becoming more and more popular, and while it is up to you how you spend your money, we should all take certain steps to safeguard our cards when using the internet. This guide aims to provide simple tips to UK cardholders for safe online gambling.

Using our credit cards for online or telephone betting is legal in this country, but there are significant variations internationally. In addition, there have been recent legislative changes abroad that will affect those who choose to gamble online. It is your responsibility to ensure that whatever you are doing is legal.

Here we outline some of the key considerations you should make when gambling online.

Important tips for cardholders for safe online gambling

• Check that your credit card issuer will allow you to use your card to gamble online.

• Check the website is secure before sending your card details. Ensure that the security icon – the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol – is showing in the bottom of your browser window. The beginning of the gambling operator’s internet address will change from “http” to “https” when a deposit is made to your gambling account using a secure connection.

• Look for gambling sites that are accredited by one of the main gambling associations and those which follow a code of conduct for responsible gambling. For more details, see the links overleaf.

• Always check your statements as soon as you receive them. If you find a transaction on your statement that you did not make, contact your bank or card company immediately. Tear up, or preferably shred, any documents that you no longer need that contain information relating to your financial affairs.

• Check whether you will be charged a fee. Some card companies will levy a small charge on gambling transactions and interest rates on any borrowings for bets or gaming may be higher than normal. This information will be clear in your terms and conditions.

Previous Article: Transactions in foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies

When using a credit card to pay for goods or services it is likely you will be charged a foreign exchange fee which covers the charges for converting the currency and the costs of providing customers with access to a global service. Charges on foreign credit card transactions are always a percentage of the transaction value. Credit card exchange rates (which are based on the current wholesale exchange rates) are generally better than the tourist rate.

Check your statement, or with your card company for information on these rates. In addition to these charges if you withdraw cash using your credit card you may be charged a cash advance fee, as well as a fee for using a foreign cash machine. As at home, if you withdraw cash at a cash machine with your credit card you will be paying interest from the date of the withdrawal.

• Increasingly you will find you can pay by debit card abroad and you should be able to do so wherever you see the logo that appears on your card (e.g. Maestro or Visa). Although the currency conversion may well be at the same rate as you would get on your credit card, instead of paying a percentage of the transaction value you will be charged a flat rate for all transactions. You can check this rate in your terms and conditions or by contacting your bank. As with a credit card there may be additional charges if you use a cash machine and any fees for using a foreign cash machine can be checked in your bank’s terms and conditions.

• When paying on plastic abroad the retailer may offer you a choice either to pay in the local currency or have the transaction converted into your home currency there and then. If you decide to do this you should check the exchange rate being used by the retailer because it may not be as competitive as the rate offered by your card company. The shop should make you aware of this optional service – called “Dynamic Currency Conversion” – and if you choose to pay in sterling, the shop assistant should let you know the exchange rate they will use, including any commission charged.

• When using your credit or debit card abroad to make purchases or obtain cash in a foreign currency you will usually be charged a fee. Rates vary between different cards and it is worth checking which

Previous Article: Tips to avoid credit card fraudsters

Tips to avoid credit card fraudsters

We all know that losing your cards, or having them stolen, is a huge inconvenience. It is even more inconvenient when you’re on holiday. By following some simple advice you can help protect yourself against card theft abroad:

1. Only take cards away with you that you intend to use on holiday. Leave others in a secure place at home.

2. Be aware that your card and card details are as valuable to the fraudster as cash. When paying be wary of letting your card out of your sight and carefully dispose of any receipts or statements that include your card details.

3. Check your statement carefully for unfamiliar transactions when you return home.

4. You should consider letting your bank know in advance if you are going to be using your cards abroad. If your bank spots unusual spending patterns it may try to contact you to check that the transactions are genuine.

5. If you drive on holiday, keep handbags and wallets out of sight of opportunist thieves – especially in slow moving traffic. Always remove plastic cards and other valuables from parked cars.

6. In hot weather, wearing fewer clothes can mean personal items such as wallets are more visible. Take extra care to ensure that valuables are safe. A concealed money belt is an ideal way to carry your cards and valuables. If you’re staying in the UK this summer, here are some tips to stop the card criminals going on a shopping spree abroad with your cards.

• Guard your card and card details at all times. Safeguard your PIN. Don’t give it to anyone – even if they claim to be from the police or your bank.

• When entering your PIN at a cash machine or PIN pad in a restaurant or shop, use your hand or body to shield it from prying eyes. If the PIN pad is on a flexible cord, pick it up and hold it so that you can’t be overlooked.

• Memorise your PIN and never write it down – you can change your PIN at most UK cash machines to something you can easily remember.

Previous Article: Tips for safe Credit Card usage on holidays

Tips for safe usage on holidays

Know your PIN

We are now used to seeing chip and PIN terminals in shops, restaurants and hotels in the UK and, with the global rollout now well underway, it is increasingly likely you will be asked to give a PIN abroad. It’s worth knowing that just because you see a PIN pad it doesn’t mean that you will be asked for your PIN –some countries are still using older versions of the technology and in these cases the retailer may be prompted by their pin pad to automatically ask you for your signature.

Remember that if you are asked to give a PIN the process is exactly the same as at home and all you need to remember is your four-digit number to make a payment.

You should also know that, just as at home, if you are asked to give a PIN and you can’t remember it, the transaction is likely to be declined, so it is essential that you memorise your PIN before your travel. Of course, if you think you’ll have difficulty remembering your PIN, why not change it to a number of your choice using the PIN services option at most UK cash machines?

If you know of someone from abroad who is coming to the UK for a holiday this summer, and they do not have chip and PIN in place at home, do let them know that they will still be able to pay for goods and services in the same way as they do at home. They can still sign when using non-chip and PIN cards issued by an overseas bank - the terminal will read the card and instruct the retailer to ask them for their signature rather than a PIN.

Remember you are protected

One of the most enjoyable aspects for many when on holiday is snapping up that holiday bargain we hadn’t expected to stumble across. The good news for the travelers amongst us is that we are now protected on all international purchases made on UK-issued credit cards of between £100 and £30,000. This means that credit card companies are responsible along with the supplier of the goods or services for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by the supplier. This is useful protection if there is a problem with your purchase that you cannot resolve with the supplier.

Remember though - you only get this particular protection if you pay using your credit card. You do not have the same protection if you pay by debit card, charge card, traveller’s cheque, or cash.

Keep phone numbers handy

For those cards you do take with you, make sure you have the 24 hour phone numbers for canceling your cards in case they are lost or stolen – and don’t keep these numbers in your wallet; keep them in a separate place away from your cards. If you forget to take these numbers, but have access to the Internet, a list of contact numbers is available from www.cardwatch.org.uk.

If you know that your card has been stolen or is being used fraudulently contact your bank to cancel your card(s) immediately. Your bank will be able to advise you on how to access your money for the remainder of your trip. You may find that they will be able to organise a replacement card and send it to where you are staying.

Previous Article: Dealing with Credit card Debt: Where to get help

Dealing with debt: where to get help

Being a student is becoming more and more financially demanding. Don’t ignore debt problems; if you are unable to meet your monthly repayments, and you are finding it difficult to pay off the outstanding balance on your credit card, you should contact your card company immediately. The earlier you speak to someone the easier it will be for them to help you with your situation – they will also assist you in developing a plan to manage your debt.

Trying to avoid the problem will only make it worse.

Banks and lenders are sympathetic towards debt and urge customers to address problems straight away. The sooner you seek help the better.

It is also important to be aware of the various support bodies that you can turn to for debt advice:

Choosing and Using	www.choosingandusing.com	Helps consumers make sensible decisions when choosing and using a credit card. The site now contains downloadable guides on choosing and using credit cards
Citizens Advice	020 7833 2181 www.citizensadvice.org.uk	Helps people solve their legal, money and other problems with free information and advice from over 3,200 locations.
National Debtline	0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk	Provides free, confidential and independent debt advice.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service	0800 138 1111 www.cccs.co.uk	Provides free debt management assistance, budget counselling and educational programmes.
Community Legal Service Direct	0845 345 4345 www.clsdirect.org.uk	Provides free legal advice on debt related issues.

Previous Article: Tips for safe online card usage: beat the fraudsters

Tips for safe online card usage: beat the fraudsters

More and more people are using their card online to pay for goods and services. Using your credit card in these instances gives you extra protection in case things go wrong – protection you don’t get paying by debit card, charge card, cheque or cash.

Take the following steps to protect yourself from all types of card fraud and to bank online with confidence:

1. Surf safe.
You should only ever use a PC with a firewall and up-to-date anti-virus software. If you’re buying online only ever shop at secure websites.

2. Say no to strangers.
Don’t give your PIN or bank passwords to cold callers or e-mails. Always check who you are dealing with. Are they who they say they are?

3. Keep it secret, keep it safe.
Keep your cards safe and never give out your PIN to anyone. Never write down your PIN.

4. Check your statements.
If you spot anything you weren’t expecting contact your bank, building society or card company immediately.

5. Dispose of personal information safely.
Tear up or shred statements or documents containing personal information before throwing them away.

If you discover you have been a victim of card fraud tell your card company immediately and it will be cancelled straight away. It is also recommended that you report the theft to the police.

It can be inconvenient and time consuming but it will make it easier to get your money back.
If the worst does happen then protection provided by the card companies means that you can usually get your money back. If a criminal uses your card before you tell your credit card company that it has been lost or stolen, or if someone else knows your PIN, the most you will ever have to pay is £50.

For more information about how to shop and bank safely online, visit the following sites:

www.cardwatch.org.uk

www.banksafeonline.org.uk

www.getsafeonline.org

www.identitytheft.org.uk

Previous Article: Tips for safe borrowing and using credit card

Tips for safe borrowing and using credit card

It’s important that once you have found the right card you use it responsibly. Living away from home gives you more freedom than ever before but the reality of rent, utilities, food and bills means you will have to budget to ensure you don’t run into problem debt. Below is a list of top tips to help keep your finances healthy and give you peace of mind:

1. Budget before you borrow. You should work out a budget and stick to it. When making purchases shop around for the best deal. Ask yourself if you can afford the repayments before you make a purchase. Do NOT use your credit card to buy goods you can't afford or to fund a lifestyle that is beyond your means.

2. Consider setting up direct debits. If you make monthly payments on any credit cards you can ensure that you never incur any late payment fees. Talk to your card issuer to find out how. It may pay to set up direct debits on other regular bills as many companies will give you discounts.

3. Beware of only making minimum repayments on credit cards. Unless you’re taking advantage of a special deal or a zero per cent offer, only ever paying the minimum repayment will cost you more and increase the time taken to clear your debt. It is NOT a suggested payment schedule.

4. Check all your monthly statements. Managing your money means knowing what you are spending and, on a credit card, what you owe. How much interest are you paying? What repayments must you make? The answers are all on your monthly statement.

5. Keep your details up to date. If you’ve moved out of home to start university you will need to notify your bank and any credit card companies of your change of address so that you can continue to receive your monthly statements. Alternatively, you may be able to access your accounts online allowing you to check your finances regularly.

6. Keep your PIN safe. Never ever write your PIN down or tell it to others, not even your friends. If you have difficulty remembering your PIN then you can always change it to a more memorable number at most cash machines.

7. Allow time for card payments to reach your account. Debit and credit card payments can take several days or more to reach your account. There will normally be information on your statement that tells you how long you should allow.

8. Be wary when withdrawing cash. Even if you only use your debit card to get cash from cash machines, remember most cash machines operated by banks and building societies let you withdraw money for free. Non-bank cash machines, however, will usually charge a fee. You will always be told if you are going to be charged. Constantly incurring a fee to access your cash will soon mount up and eat into the money you have to spend on yourself. Withdrawing cash on a credit card is more expensive with interest charged from the day you make the withdrawal.

Previous Article: Student Credit Cards - II

-(As advised by FSA)