Product Focus: Credit Cards

Category: Credit cards
Date: 7/2/2009

A crackdown on consumer credit is on the cards with the publication of a government White Paper, on Thursday 2 July. Today, we publish our 'Loan Alert' and look at some of the better credit card deals that are currently available.

0% Balance Transfer

Low Rate

Barclaycard's Simplicity Visa is offering the lowest purchase rate, with the card charging a typical APR of 6.8pc, which is over 2pc less than its nearest competitor. The annual rate that is charged for withdrawing money on the card is also low at 15.8pc, while the Simplicity also boasts an interest free period on card purchases of 56 days. Borrowers must have a minimum income of £15,000 to be eligible for the card.

For use abroad

Santander's Zero Credit Card Mastercard is a top choice for Britons abroad as withdrawals and purchases worldwide are not subject to any fees. The card's typical APR is 18.9pc and has a maximum withdrawal limit of £300 a day, whether at home or abroad. There is a 56 day interest free period on card purchases, while the monthly minimum payment is the greater of 2.25% of the balance of £5 a month.

Cashback

Customers looking for cashback on their purchases can get 5pc of their spending between £0 and £3,500 for the first three months with an American Express Platinum Cash Back Card, with 0.50pc paid thereafter. After the introductory rate, 1.00pc is paid on spending between £3,501 and £10,000, and 1.50pc on more than £10,001. The cashback period is yearly with the reward being paid on the card's anniversary.