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Credit Cards

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Financial, Financial Services, Money, Personal Finance

M&S Money Credit Card Holder Margaret Claxton Is Celebrating After Winning A Caribbean Cruise

M&S Money has announced the name of the lucky customer who has won the latest M&S Money prize draw to win a Caribbean cruise.

Retired Margaret Claxton, of Heswall, The Wirral, will set sail on the P&O cruise ship Ventura after scooping the top prize in the competition organised by M&S Money.

The prize follows a competition in which anyone using an M&S Credit Card at M&Sstores or on the M&S website between 2nd April and 1st June 2008 was entered into a draw to win the cruise. Mrs Claxton used her card at the M&S store in Chester.

Margaret said: “I’ve never won anything like this – it’s amazing. I can’t wait to enjoy my first cruise with a close friend. It will be lovely to soak up the sun.”

This draw is just one of a series of competitions for M&S credit card customers and comes in addition to earning Marks & Spencer points and 0% interest on all shopping everywhere for six months from account opening.

The competitions are scheduled to continue at M&S Money, with the company currently offering their cardholders the chance to win one million M&S points worth £10,000. Cardholders are automatically entered into the prize draw upon purchase of financial services from Marks & Spencer. The offer ends on 29th October.

M&S Money was voted best credit card provider in the Your Money Awards 2008, which recognise excellence in online & direct service provision. The accolade means that M&S Money has won the award three years in a row.

About M&S Money:
M&S Money (originally called Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc. The company is now a top-ten credit card provider and the second largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers insurance for homes, cars, travel, pets and weddings, as well as loans, savings and investments.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations with over 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories. The business continues to operate under the M&S Money brand, with an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

The company employs 1,200 staff at its headquarters in Chester, delivering personal financial services to its customers, reflecting the core values of Marks & Spencer – quality, value, service, innovation and trust.

Via EPR Network
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M&S Money Has Announced A Brand New 0 Per Cent Offer Exclusive To New Credit Card Customers

M&S Money, the financial services division of Marks & Spencer, has announced an exclusive offer on its credit cards for new customers.

The offer, which began at the start of September, provides new M&S Money credit card holders with 0% interest on all shopping for ten months from the account opening and 0% interest for six months on balance transfers made within six months of the account opening.

New M&S Money Credit Card customers will also benefit from earning M&S points with every use of the card as well as well as no cash advance fee and 55 days interest free when buying M&S Travel Money with the card.

Brendan Cook, M&S Money Chief Executive said, “This new card means that M&S are now one of the few providers in the market to be offering excellent 0% deals on both purchases and balance transfers. This card not only has a competitive APR but also benefits from the M&S Loyalty Scheme, making it one of the most attractive credit cards in the market.

“Additionally, whilst a number of other providers have recently been raising their interest rates and shortening their 0% offers, we’re delighted to be bucking this trend – at a time when consumers will appreciate this the most.”

The credit card offer from M&S Money also allows customers to conveniently manage their account online, with additional security from Spend Safe fraud protection. M&S Money has also guaranteed savings of 8% on holidays with the exclusive travel club.

About M&S Money:
M&S Money (originally called Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc. The company is now a top ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers insurance for homes, cars, travel, pets and weddings, as well as loans, savings and investments.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations with over 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories. The business continues to operate under the M&S Money brand, with an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

The company employs 1,200 staff at its headquarters in Chester, delivering personal financial services to its customers, reflecting the core values of Marks & Spencer – quality, value, service, innovation and trust.

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Business, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Services, Money

According To The Latest Annual Barclaycard Business Travel Survey Cost Conscious Businesses Travellers Are Driving Budget Airline Sales

According to the latest annual Barclaycard Business Travel Survey, increasingly cost conscious UK business travellers are opting for no-frills airlines over traditional carries as they seek to maintain current levels of business travel in a bid to grow their businesses. Rail travel has also increased with a quarter of respondents (26%) claiming to have travelled by rail more than in previous years.

The newly released Barclaycard Business Travel Survey, now in its 12th year, canvasses the views of more than 3,000 business travellers across the country, building a comprehensive picture of the UK’s business traveller, gauging views on business travel and travel behaviour.

These current Barclaycard results show that 64% of business travellers have flown internationally on business in the last 12 months with 12% of respondents claiming to have flown on an international flight more than 11 times. This breaks down to an average of eight international flights per traveller in 2007. Domestic flights are less popular however, with only 43% claiming to have flown domestically in the last year. On average the business traveller takes six domestic flights a year. Only a few (4%) flew more than twenty times internationally (4%), while 5% flew more than ten times
domestically.

While British Airways remains the most used airline for business travel (28%) both easyJet (ranked 2nd) and Ryanair (ranked 3rd) have increased their market share. British Airways has for the seventh year running retained its status as the business traveller’s favourite business travel airline as voted by almost a third (28%) of the business travellers surveyed.

When selecting a class of travel, 44% of respondents cited cost as the overriding purchasing decision factor, with 17% claiming class is dictated by company policy, 12% by length of flight and only 7% down to personal preference. Despite the heavy investment of some airlines in premium economy products, standard economy is the most popular class with more than half (55%) of respondents claiming to use it the most often, an increase of nine percentage points from last year’s survey.

Denise Leleux, Director of Commercial Cards, Barclaycard Business said: “Our latest survey shows that business travel numbers continue to climb as businesses seek economic growth however travellers appear to be downshifting to economy class travel as they attempt to maximize increasingly pressured business travel budgets. “

The 12th annual Barclaycard Business Travel Survey was conducted in December 2007, amongst a nationwide sample of Barclaycard Business commercial card holders. A total of 3397 respondents (CEOs, chairmen, company directors, managers and executives) provided their thoughts on all aspects of business travel including airlines and hotels preferences to online bookings. Keeping in line with key public interests and new industry developments, this year saw the introduction of a new subject area, the environment, and also the continuation of two topics introduced in last year’s survey – security and advanced travel technology.

Via EPR Network
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Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Services, Loans, Money, Personal Finance

Co-Operative Bank Has Shown That Despite Fears Over Rising Inflation Most People Will Not Be Curbing On Their Holiday Spending This Year

At the start of summer holidays, as many people begin their travels abroad to sunnier climes, new research* by The Co-operative Bank Credit Cards has shown that despite fears over rising inflation most people (53%) will not be curbing on their holiday spending this year.

Many spend before reaching there destination, where on average people spend £18 each before even boarding their flight, which equates to £72 for a average family. Most people spend this on food and drink (84%), next came books and magazines (60%), 3rd was duty free (35%), 4th last minute essential’s (17%) and last was currency exchange (4%).

In addition the research also highlights that this year over than three quarters of people (77%) are planning to pay for at least part of their holiday on their credit card.

Maxine Xodo, Product Manager for Credit Cards at The Co-operative Bank says, “The findings clearly show that despite the current economic climate, after working hard all year many people are reluctant to cut back on their summer holiday spending. However as more people are putting holiday spending on their credit cards, it pays to make sure they are getting the best deal for their needs.”

The Co-operative Bank offers a fixed rate platinum card, with a low fixed rate of 9.9% APR typical variable for the first five years.

In addition to this the card provides people with access to a large amount of benefits when travelling this includes up to £100,000 free travel accident insurance when the card is used to pay for travel tickets, 24 hour medical and legal assistance overseas, as well as money off on holidays, travel, airport parking, airport hotels and car hire.

Maxine Xodo, adds, “When travelling either home or away this summer, this card offers customers a wide range of market leading travel benefits, with no annual fee to pay as well as peace of mind that the low rate they sign up to will remain fixed for five years.”

More details of the card are as follows

– A low fixed rate of 9.9% APR (typical variable) for the first 5 years
– Up to 46 days interest free credit
– Free 90 days purchase protection insurance
– Card replacement service and emergency cash
– 24 hour medical and legal assistance overseas
– No annual fee
– Up to £100,000 free travel accident insurance, when the card is used to pay for travel tickets
– Travel benefits including discounts on holidays, travel, airport parking, airport hotels and car hire.

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Loans, Money

Debt Management Company Gregory Pennington Say The Recent Report On Student Credit Card Debt Reflects The Growing Problem Of Student Debt In The UK

Responding to a report suggesting that 37% of students rely on credit cards as an additional source of finance, debt management company Gregory Pennington (GregoryPennington.com) commented that this echoes the growing problem of student debt in the UK.

The report from Halifax building society follows an NUS (National Union of Students) poll suggesting the average student is likely to leave university with debts of £17,500.

A spokesperson for Gregory Pennington said: “It’s worrying that so many students are choosing credit cards as an option for extending their finances, although on the other hand, it has to be accepted that fast-rising costs of living may play a part.

“Credit cards typically should only be used for emergency purchases, or other purchases that can be repaid quickly. Most credit cards carry a high interest rate, so failing to repay on time means those debts grow far more quickly than other forms of credit.

“Students typically only have a very low income, with disposable income often minimal – so the temptation to make purchases on credit cards is probably best avoided. Repaying credit card debts could prove difficult on such a low income, and the high interest means that the debt can grow very quickly.”

The Gregory Pennington spokesperson said that credit card debts make up a small part of what is a much wider problem with student debt in the UK.

“Ever since the Government stopped paying for tuition fees, many would-be students have had a choice to make: become a student and land up in debt, or go straight into work.

“Student loan debts are not necessarily the problem, since they allow repayments in small amounts over a long period of time. The real issue is the pressing need for students to raise extra finances on top of their student loans, which often takes place through overdrafts and other forms of credit.

“But when money is tight in the first place, many students find these ‘extra’ debts impossible to pay off on time. The problem only gets worse if it is left until graduation – many graduates can find their income reduced for several years because they are repaying the debts they incurred on top of their student loans.”

The Gregory Pennington spokesperson went on to say that students are best advised to avoid additional credit wherever possible. “Student loans should cover all costs, since that is what they are designed to do. If not, many banks offer student accounts with interest-free overdrafts, which is good in the short term, but remember that this will have to be repaid once you have graduated, so we advise students to consider how they plan to do that.

“Credit cards should be seen as a last resort for students, unless they are absolutely positive they can pay back the balance each month. If that doesn’t happen, there’s a very real risk of getting into unmanageable debt, and it can happen more quickly than you might think.”

The spokesperson also urged anyone who is concerned that they may struggle to repay their debts to seek expert debt advice as soon as possible. “Even if your qualifications get you a good salary, graduate debt can still be a burden,” she said. “The longer they are left, the bigger they are likely to grow, so it’s essential to put a stop to that as soon as possible.

“Some debt solutions are only available if you have a steady income, but if you’re in trouble, it’s still worth getting in touch with a debt adviser for some valuable, free advice on managing your debts. Once you graduate and go into work, though, you should get back in touch to discuss whether any alternative options are more appropriate.

“For smaller debts, a debt management plan is a good way of coming to an agreement with your creditors on how best to repay your debts. For multiple debts, a debt consolidation loan can reduce your monthly payments and simplify your finances – but bear in mind you are likely to repay the debt over a longer period of time.

“There are also debt solutions available for more serious debts, such as an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) for debts of around £15,000 or higher. If you’re unsure, contact a debt adviser for more information.”

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Services, Loans, Money, Personal Finance

With A Recession Looming Many Are Watching The Pennies. Research Shows This Doesn’t Seem To Be The Case With Holidays This Year

At the start of the school holidays, as most start there travels abroad, new research* by The Co-operative Bank Credit Cards has shown that even though most are worried over rising inflation the majority of people (53%) will not be watching the pennies on their holiday expenditure this year.

Many spend before reaching there destination, where on average people spend £18 each before even boarding their flight, which equates to £72 for a average family. Most people spend this on food and drink (84%), after this came books and magazines (60%,), 3rd was duty free (35%), 4th last minute essential’s (17%) and last was currency exchange (4%).

In addition the research also embolds that this year more than three quarters of people (77%) are planning to pay for a period of their summer break on their credit card.

Maxine Xodo, Product Manager for Credit Cards at The Co-operative Bank says, “The findings clearly show that despite the current economic climate, after working hard all year many people are reluctant to cut back on their summer holiday spending. However as more people are putting holiday spending on their credit cards, it pays to make sure they are getting the best deal for their needs.”

The Co-operative Bank offers a fixed rate platinum card, with a low fixed rate of 9.9% APR typical variable for the first five years.

In addition to this the card provides everyone with access to a large amount of travel benefits this includes up to £100,000 free travel accident insurance when the card is used to pay for travel tickets, 24 hour medical and legal assistance overseas, as well as money off on holidays, travel, airport parking, airport hotels and car hire.

Maxine Xodo, adds, “When travelling either home or away this summer, this card offers customers a wide range of market leading travel benefits, with no annual fee to pay as well as peace of mind that the low rate they sign up to will remain fixed for five years.”

Full details of the card are as follows

– A low fixed rate of 9.9% APR (typical variable) for the first 5 years
– Up to 46 days interest free credit
– Free 90 days purchase protection insurance
– Card replacement service and emergency cash
– 24 hour medical and legal assistance overseas
– No annual fee
– Up to £100,000 free travel accident insurance, when the card is used to pay for travel tickets
– Travel benefits including discounts on holidays, travel, airport parking, airport hotels and car hire.

Customers wanting further information should call 0800 731 9474

The platinum credit card is available at
www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1193206374589,CFSweb/Page/Bank-CreditCards they are available to people over the age of 25, with an income of over £25,000.

Full product details are as follows:

– 9.9% APR (typical variable) for the first five years
– 9.9% Purchases
– 9.9% Cash
– 9.9% Cheques
– 9.9% Balance transfers (excludes balance transfers from other Co-operative Bank credit cards)
– Up to 46 days interest free period if balance is paid in full by the due date (purchases & balance transfers)
– Minimum repayment 2% of outstanding balance or £5 (whichever is greater)
– Minimum credit limit of £500, maximum credit limit subject to status
– No annual fee

Via EPR Network
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Bankruptcy, Banks, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Loans, Money, Personal Finance

Prepaid Credit Card Market Expected To Rise £4.5billion By 2010 In Light Of The UK Credit Crunch

As the credit crunch hits the UK, Fairinvestment.co.uk, leading online comparison site, announces that prepaid credit cards are no longer just for people who have bad credit histories, and could be the answer to those who are looking for the functionality of a credit card but want to avoid the risk of debt.

“A prepaid credit card offers a simple, effective and safe way of paying. You top up the card with money and then use it to pay for goods, safe in the knowledge that you can never go overdrawn or into debt,” explained Phil Alcock, credit card expert at Fairinvestment.co.uk.

There are currently about 2.3 million prepaid credit card holders in the UK, and this figure appears set to keep on rising as people realise the benefits of a prepaid card – by 2010, the prepaid credit card market is estimated to be worth around £4billion with more than 7 million prepaid card holders*.

Because prepaid credit cards offer the same functionality as a credit card but without the risk, they have generally been associated with people who have bad credit histories and who have found it difficult to get a normal credit card. Although prepaid credit cards still offer this valuable service, they are increasingly being used by people who could easily get a standard credit card but choose prepaid for their flexibility and convenience.

Prepaid credit cards are a good method for making online payment, this is because the only money that is at risk is what is loaded onto the card. The Optimum Prepaid Master Card has been specifically aimed at people concerned about the security of online spending.

Anthony Graham, Marketing Director at 360money, the prepaid network behind Optimum, commented, “People are increasingly worried their banking details might fall into the wrong hands when they purchase online, and with good reason. Optimum allows people to enjoy all benefits of shopping online without having to fear of fraudsters accessing their banking details.”

Prepaid credit cards are also a very good budgeting tool – users can pick their limit, load it onto the card and that becomes their budget. It is for this reason that they have become very popular with parents who want to give their children financial independence but limit their spending power.

“Parents looking for a way to educate their children to be responsible with their money find that prepaid cards provide an excellent teaching method because they give the child the chance to be independent and even purchase goods online, but there is a strict budget in place. This can be handy for everyday life, or perhaps if a child is going on a school trip where they need cash,” said Mr Alcock.

Prepaid cards, which can be used all over the world, have also seen a hike in popularity as families begin to use them on holidays abroad to keep their holiday spending in check.

The currently available prepaid credit cards are also highly convenient as they can be topped up at designated retailers, online, in banks, via BACs and then spent in store, online, at cash points and anywhere in the world with the Maestro acceptance mark.

About Fair Investment
www.fairinvestment.co.uk, is an independent online finance portal, providing comparison tools, including a free prepaid credit card comparison service, personal finance news, reviews and information on a wide range of financial products and services, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, loans, savings and investments.

Fair Investment Company is a leading internet player that sees 400,000 unique users per month, sells over £5 billion worth of mortgage enquiries and is a Hitwise 100 Banks and Financial Institutions site.

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Business, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Financial, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Loans, Money

Prepaid Debit Cards for everyone by Sterling Card

Sterling Card have been officially accredited by MasterCard as issuers of their prepaid credit cards and are definitely a brand within the personal finance industry to keep an eye out for and their new website illustrates just this with its stunning graphics and flash animation along with simple interfaces making signing up for prepaid credit cards easier than ever.

Prepaid cards (other known as pay as you go debit cards) are a relatively new product to the UK market and are the perfect solution to the mounting debt crisis that the country faces as unlike traditional credit cards they do not carry hefty interest charges or the risk of getting into debt.

A prepaid MasterCard means that like a pay as you go mobile phone, holders need to put money on their account before they can use it. It is not a debit card that is linked to a bank account or credit card where holders pay for their transactions at a later date allowing its users to easily control their spending. Similarly to pre pay mobile phones, Sterling pay as you go debit cards can easily be “topped up” for free in UK Post Office branches or alternatively can be recharged online, via standing order, or direct by paying in wages onto the card. Alternatively, top-ups can be loaded onto the card in one of 500 retailers nationwide.

Michael Valentine, operations director of Sterling Card comments: “Getting a Sterling Prepaid Debit Card is the best way to enjoy the freedom and security of a MasterCard credit card without the risk of running up debts as there are NO interest fees. Also no bank account is required to get a Sterling Card and customers still get the same fraud protection as a conventional credit card. It is also ideal for travelling abroad because regular banks may charge exorbitant cash withdrawal, exchange rate and transaction charges.”

The Sterling Prepaid MasterCard is accepted globally in stores and online in approximately 25 million locations and 1 million ATMs wherever the MasterCard acceptance mark is displayed. Also the chip and pin facility means that having a Sterling Card is far safer and more secure than carrying cash around with the same protections against fraud that a normal credit card offers.

This makes owning such a card not only ideal for everyday use, but also a particularly useful tool for travelling and shopping online. Another increasingly popular use for pre pay debit cards is for parents to have added peace of mind by giving an additional card to their children whilst at University. This is because they can feel safe in the knowledge that their children are not creating more debts for themselves while at University than necessary with a secure MasterCard that encourages them to manage their finances sensibly.

Unlike many other Prepaid Credit Card providers, Sterling Card’s new website is uncomplicated with everything explained in plain English. The new website lists the core benefits of applying for prepaid debit cards as follows:

• Top-up at a Post Office(R) branch or online for free
• 100% acceptance guaranteed*
• No credit history required
• No bank account required
• No hidden charges
• Stylish MasterCard design
• Accepted wherever the MasterCard acceptance mark is displayed (internationally)
• Great security for all Internet usage
• Easy online application
• Same protection against fraud that card holders would expect from a normal credit card

For more information or to apply online for a sterling card please go to www.sterlingcard.co.uk

Via EPR Network
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Welcome to EPR Financial News

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Welcome to EPR Financial News.

EPR Financial News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the financial news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

EPR Network has thousands of clients around the world including global 500 corporations like Hilton Hotels, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Tesco UK, eBay/Skype, Emirates, just to name a few. The network’s PR web sites are currently reaching from 150,000 to sometimes 500,000 unique visitors per month while our viral reach could possibly go to as much as 1M people per month through our presence across various social media sites. EPR Network was established in 2004 and as of May 2008 it had more than 800,000 press releases (pages) published on its network.

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