Category Archives: Credit Cards

Credit Cards

Banks, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Money, Personal Finance

Barclaycard Customers Stay Alert To Spending With mybarclaycard

mybarclaycard, the next-generation online account servicing system offered to Barclaycard customers, will now provide SMS and email alerts to enable customers to keep on top of their spending when out and about.

The new service offers Barclaycard customers the choice of up to six alerts:
– Account balance
– Notification of statements posted online
– Payments due
– Payments received
– Spending limit reached
– Balance limit

One set of alerts is available for every credit card account, allowing customers complete control and flexibility over how they manage their finances. Customers opt in for these free alerts if they wish to receive them, and can select the ones they feel are most relevant to them. They also have the option to set their own spending limits, and to choose whether to receive full alerts via email, or SMS alerts containing a link to the online system and a description of the alert in question.

mybarclaycard alerts are the latest addition to Barclaycard’s range of online services, and form part of Barclaycard’s wider strategy to encourage customers to try paperless email and SMS in place of traditional channels. By offering a proactive electronic alerts system, mybarclaycard now offers additional support to customers who might otherwise be reluctant to go paperless.

mybarclaycard is the next generation of online card and banking services, offering customers new ways to interpret and manage their spending. It enables customers to personalise their pages, and offers visual representations of spend to make card management easier.

In addition to mybarclaycard, Barclaycard customers can also take advantage of Barclaycard Freedom, the broadest rewards scheme in the UK, which allows customers to earn and redeem Reward Money in pounds and pence in thousands of retailers across the UK without the need to carry additional cards or vouchers. Customers also enjoy the flexibility of contactless technology: payments of £15 and under can be made with just a simple swipe; all backed up by Barclaycard’s advanced security and fraud prevention measures.

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Rollercoaster Extreme Shoots To Top Spot

Barclaycard Rollercoaster Extreme has shot to the top spot in app charts in 40 countries since it launched. In just over two weeks this worldwide phenomenon has sparked over 4.3million downloads, as fans across the world clamour for position at the head of Barclaycard’s global leader board, and a chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to Las Vegas.

The competitive lure of Rollercoaster Extreme has made the game into a truly worldwide phenomenon with no fewer than twelve countries now represented in the current top twenty leaderboard, from Sweden to Thailand and Tajikistan. Argentina currently leads the pack, closely followed by Japan, Germany and the USA, and new gamers continue to sign up to challenge their position at the top of the rankings.

And it is well worth the challenge. Each month from now until December, Barclaycard will reward the gamer at the top of the leaderboard with an Apple iPad, and in January 2011, the top four players will be invited to Las Vegas for a global play-off. All four will stay at the New York, New York hotel in Las Vegas where they can ride a real rollercoaster among the New York landmarks around the outside of the building before battling it out for the ultimate prize of £50,000.

Hannah Deans, Senior Digital and New Media Manager, Barclaycard said: “We are thrilled to see the public embrace Rollercoaster Extreme with such enthusiasm. The number of downloads to date is fantastic, and we hope the global challenge will encourage people to enjoy the game to the full over the next six months.”

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Launches Barclaycard Platinum Purchase

Barclaycard has announced the launch of Barclaycard Platinum Purchase, the all in one solution for balance transfers and purchases.

Under the new scheme, Barclaycard customers can take advantage of twelve months interest free on credit card balance transfers, for a fee of just 2.9%. In addition to this, they will enjoy twelve months interest free on purchases, making the card a solution for customers who want to pay off an existing balance without being penalised by high charges on purchases.

At the end of the twelve month period, interest will be charged at 16.9% APR.

Barclaycard Platinum 0 Purchase credit cards are a good option for those wishing to make frequent purchases on their card such as petrol, food and travel. By offering this interest free period on both balance transfers and purchases, Barclaycard enables customers to effectively plan repayments and day to day spending over the twelve months.

Cardholders will also enjoy a range of associated benefits delivered by Barclaycard: from Barclaycard Freedom, the broadest rewards scheme in the UK, to revolutionary online account management with mybarclaycard and the exclusive music world of Barclaycard Unwind.

Barclaycard Freedom allows customers to earn and redeem reward money in pounds and pence in thousands of retailers across the UK without the need to carry additional cards or vouchers. Customers will also enjoy the flexibility of contactless technology: payments of £15 and under can be made by simply holding the card over the contactless reader, backed up by Barclaycard’s advanced security and fraud prevention measures.

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Launch Global iPhone Game And Competition

Barclaycard is inviting people across the world to ride Rollercoaster Extreme, bringing the concept of the rollercoaster advertising campaign to the iPhone.

In the advert, aired for the first time in January 2010, the main character enjoys a hassle free journey to work on a rollercoaster, riding high above the clutter and congestion of the world below. In Rollercoaster Extreme, players will ride the rollercoaster through four New York environments, avoiding the obstacles and racing against the clock.

The new Barclaycard rollercoaster game ‘Rollercoaster Extreme’ looks set to be bigger and better, offering an improved gaming experience and a competitive edge with top prizes at stake. The global vision of the competition reflects the global presence and ambitions of the Barclaycard brand. This is the first time Barclaycard has created a global community of gamers.

Hannah Deans, Senior Digital and New Media Manager, Barclaycard said: “Rollercoaster Extreme is an exciting development for Barclaycard. We are building on the success of the advertising campaign and the overwhelming success we experienced with Waterslide Extreme, offering customers the chance to engage with the rollercoaster concept, but also encouraging Barclaycard fans across the world to get involved in an innovative global challenge. The game is sure to be a big success, particularly with such great prizes on offer.”

Via EPR Network
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M&S Insurance Scoops Industry Awards

M&S Money has been named ‘most trusted motor insurance provider’ and ‘best travel insurance provider for service’ at the 2010 Moneywise Customer Service Awards.

M&S Insurance Scoops Industry Awards

The award winners results follow the largest dedicated customer service survey held in the UK and were presented in front of 270 guests and industry leaders at a black-tie gala in the City of London. From January to March 2010 more than 10,000 responses were received via Moneywise magazine and Moneywise.co.uk which were then carefully analysed by CoreData Research. This information was used to identify those companies, which offer the best service and those, which are most trusted to provide these services, according to the British public.

M&S Money was also highly commended in the ‘most trusted travel insurance provider’ and ‘best motor insurance provider for service’ categories.

Colin Kersley, M&S Money Chief Executive, said: “All our insurance policies are designed with the M&S customer in mind, and we are delighted that M&S Car and Travel Insurance have been recognised at the Moneywise awards.”

M&S Premier Car Insurance protects the policy holder, not just their car, and includes RAC breakdown cover, motor legal protection and a hire car for up to 14 days (breakdown cover provided by RAC for M&S customers and is not available directly from RAC.co.uk).

M&S Money travel insurance offers single trip or annual multi-trip cover. The independent traveller section of the policy* helps customers who choose to travel independently and may not benefit from the protection provided via a package tour. This year M&S Money helped travel insurance customers who were affected by the volcanic ash which grounded flights.

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Launches New Prepaid Card

Barclaycard Commercial has announced the launch of its new Prepaid card, providing organisations with a simple way to improve efficiency and gain more control over their spending and the way funds are distributed.

The new card will benefit organisations by removing the need for them to rely on traditional paper-based methods of making payments, which are becoming increasingly costly, complicated and time-consuming. In addition to speeding up the process of managing funds, the new card will provide extra accountability and control, with the ability to implement bespoke spending controls.

The product has been used successfully by a number of clients for some time. One who has already benefited from this product is:

Adecco UK & Ireland – part of the Adecco Group, the world’s leading provider of HR solutions, with over 31,000 employees and 5,500 offices, in more than 60 countries and territories around the world. The Office Angels branches within the Adecco UK & Ireland group were sending out cheques frequently for petty cash purposes to their local offices. They adopted Barclaycard Prepaid to increase their control over their funds and to enable a much simpler and more efficient reconciliation process, and are now rolling this product out to their other brands.

Via EPR Network
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M&S Money Credit Card Scoops Industry Award

M&S Money has won the 2010 Moneyfacts award for Best Card Provider (Introductory Rate). The awards were announced at the Millennium Hotel, Mayfair, London in front of 300 industry professionals from leading financial institutions who had gathered for the special luncheon which was hosted by ITV News’ Economics Editor, Daisy McAndrew.

M&S Money Credit Card Scoops Industry Award

The awards were presented to those companies that have consistently offered the most competitive products, the best levels of service and shown the greatest innovation in the personal finance world during the last twelve months.

The M&S Credit Card offers:
– 0% interest on all shopping for ten months from account opening
– 0% interest for six months on balance transfers made within six months of account opening (2.9% fee, minimum £5)
– No cash advance fee & 55 days interest free when buying M&S Travel Money with the card
– M&S points earned every time the card is used, with regular bonus offers of extra points on purchases at M&S
– 15.9% APR typical variable. Actual rate received will depend on an individual assessment of circumstances.

Colin Kersley, M&S Money Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that the M&S credit card has been recognised at the Moneyfacts awards. The card not only has a competitive APR but also 10 months at 0% interest on shopping, making it one of the most attractive credit cards in the market.”

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Contactless To Receive Consumer Awareness Boost

Barclaycard contactless is to receive a consumer awareness boost as EAT. and London branches of Subway both launch in-store marketing campaigns to highlight that customers can use contactless enabled debit and credit cards to make purchases of £15 and under.

Barclaycard Contactless To Receive Consumer Awareness Boost

The in-store ads and point-of-sale material have started appearing in EAT. with the aim of making the millions of contactless cardholders in the capital aware that they can make transactions quicker and easier. The marketing campaign and roll out of contactless in EAT. and Subway shops in London have been run in partnership with Barclaycard, the biggest provider of contactless debit and credit card payment terminals in the UK.

The campaign seeks to raise the profile of the contactless symbol, which is common to both the cards with the relevant technology and the retail outlets that are able to accept payment by contactless.

Rene Batsford, head of IT at EAT. said of the campaign: “We see contactless as a major product differentiator – we can say to customers that choosing to pay contactless in EAT. will give you valuable lunchtime minutes to spend away from queues. But whilst we have the technology, thanks to Barclays and Barclaycard, we now feel we have to help inform customers how contactless works and some of the benefits that they can expect.”

Julie Pottier, services purchasing manager at Subway, believes that the future is contactless: “Subway is proud to be involved with the first generation of contactless payments and pleased to be part of a payment revolution that is making life easier and quicker for consumers. Subway is sold on the innovation, and we now want to educate our customers that contactless exists, how it works and where they can use it.”

Stuart Neal, head of UK payment acceptance, Barclaycard, said: “We are working with our retailers to champion contactless, helping raise consumer awareness of a step change in payment technology. With so many consumers already able to pay without the need to enter their PIN and more retailers discovering the benefits of adopting contactless payment, educating customers this year is going to be key, as the technology becomes more commonplace.”

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Has Reduced The APR On It Barclaycard Simplicity Card To 6.8%

The new rate, which is one of the lowest rates available on any card in the UK, applies to both purchases and balance transfers. Barclaycard Simplicity offers customers an affordable way to manage their finances, from significant purchases such as large household goods and holidays, to everyday spending.

Barclaycard Has Reduced The APR On It Barclaycard Simplicity Card To 6.8%

In addition to the low rate offered by Barclaycard Simplicity, Barclaycard has also increased the balance transfer deal on Barclaycard Platinum. Barclaycard Platinum now offers 15 months at 0% for new customers with a handling charge of 2.9%. Barclaycard Platinum also offers 0% interest on purchases for the first 3 months. The typical APR on Barclaycard Platinum is 16.9%.

Both credit cards have a range of associated benefits delivered by Barclaycard: from Barclaycard Freedom, the broadest rewards scheme in the UK, to revolutionary online account management with mybarclaycard, and the exclusive music world of Barclaycard Unwind.

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Wins At The 2010 Cards International Awards

Barclaycard has taken two prizes at the 2010 Cards International Awards for its Visa CodeSure card and its innovative loyalty programme, Barclaycard Freedom.

Barclaycard Wins At The 2010 Cards International Awards

Barclaycard Freedom is the broadest retail rewards scheme the UK has ever known: a rewards coalition of unprecedented size and scope which opened loyalty up to small retailers alongside household names. Barclaycard Freedom was automatically available to eight million Barclaycard holders at launch on 17 March 2010, and more than 30,000 retailers of all sizes were invited to be partners in the scheme. It is a first in the UK market, bringing a new level of simplicity and convenience to the concept of loyalty and rewards.

Barclaycard Commercial’s Visa CodeSure Card is an industry first which expands card functionality beyond payment. The card combines a standard Visa corporate credit card with additional identity protection functionalities. A keypad, LCD screen and battery are embedded into the back of each card, allowing it to become the platform for secure applications such as extranet access.

Sarah Alspach, Marketing Director for Barclaycard Freedom, said: “These two awards demonstrate our investment in innovation, and our commitment to developing card technology across the board for the benefit of our customers. Barclaycard Freedom is giving customers a simple, modern way to enjoy rewards. At Barclaycard we are committed to improving products and services for businesses and consumers alike, and are thrilled to have been recognised with these awards.”

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Retail Card Spending Index Shows April Spending Was Flat

Barclaycard Global Payment Acceptance has released new data that shows spending on credit and debit cards in April was broadly flat with a slight increase of 0.8% from March. Barclaycard Payment Acceptance processes credit and debit card transactions for 87,000 businesses across the UK. Whilst the monthly increase was flat, the year-on-year comparison with April 09 showed an increase in credit and debit card spending at UK retailers of 8.9%.

Barclaycard Retail Card Spending Index Shows April Spending Was Flat

During April, Barclaycard Payment Acceptance saw transactions peak at 12.19pm on Saturday 3rd April, with 340 transactions per second being processed. However, the busiest day for transactions overall was the 30th April, which was the Friday of the May Day bank holiday weekend when 12.7 millions transactions were processed.

The Barclaycard Retail Card Spending Index is the most comprehensive index of its kind and is based on spending on all credit and debit cards across a wide range of retail sectors, at retailers that use Barclaycard to process their credit and debit card transactions – about a third of UK businesses.

Commenting on the data, Stuart Neal, Head of UK Payment Acceptance said: “We’ve seen a much lower increase in retail card spending in April, although it’s still positive news for retailers following the 18% increase we saw between February and March. Looking forward to next month, I’d expect credit and debit card spending to be broadly flat again.”

In addition to the monthly spending index, Barclaycard has also released early figures for May, covering the May Day bank holiday weekend. Overall, debit and credit card spending over that weekend was down slightly (1.4%) on the same bank holiday period in 2009.

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Announces Major New Partnership With Wembley Arena

Barclaycard has announced a major new partnership programme with Wembley Arena. The partnership sees Barclaycard’s 10.4 million UK customers gaining preferential access to tickets and onsite exclusive benefits at the world renowned venue.

Barclaycard Announces Major New Partnership With Wembley Arena

Gary Twelvetree, Barclaycard’s Global Brand Director said, “Wembley Arena is one of the best-known and respected venues in the British music business and for over fifty years it has played host to some of the greatest music acts of all time.”

“So the opportunity to link our own customer benefit programme, Barclaycard Unwind with Wembley Arena was irresistible. This partnership is part of our wider involvement in the music and entertainment business alongside existing title sponsorships Barclaycard Mercury Prize and Wireless sponsored by Barclaycard. We have resisted the temptation to create another corporate rock venue, so Wembley Arena retains hero brand status with ‘A Barclaycard Unwind Venue’ signoff underlining our commitment to providing enriched experiences for Barclaycard customers. As well as providing unique benefits for our customers, this partnership will allow us to showcase the latest payment technology such as contactless technology aimed at making payments simpler.”

Wembley Arena has recently undergone a £36 million redevelopment programme by owners Quintain Estates and Development plc and forms the centrepiece of the company’s substantial Wembley City redevelopment.

Quintain’s James Saunders said “The decision by Barclaycard to partner Wembley Arena demonstrates the calibre of the venue and the strength of its brand amongst the music loving public. Wembley Arena sits at the heart of the Wembley City development, which brings together retail, leisure, residential and commercial buildings in a world class entertainment district.”

Via EPR Network
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VocaLink Take Home Pay Index Reverses Recent Increase Hitting Record Low In April

The VocaLink Take Home Pay Index reflects the continuing uncertainty in the UK labour market as it drops to its lowest level on record of 0.9 per cent. The Index has now fallen below its previous lowest level of 1.0 per cent recorded in February this year. In March, the VocaLink Take Home Pay Index showed signs of recovery as it leapt up 0.5 percentage points to 1.5 per cent, but these gains have been reversed in April’s figures. As the Index continues to fluctuate between a low range of 0.9 per cent and 2.0 per cent, it indicates a fragile, sluggish economic recovery.

VocaLink Take Home Pay Index Reverses Recent Increase Hitting Record Low In April

The gains made in manufacturing sector pay growth in March have been reversed in April with the VocaLink manufacturing index falling by 0.7 percentage points. Services sector pay growth has also contributed to the drop in the overall VocaLink Take Home Pay Indexfor April by decreasing 0.5 percentage points to hit just 1.0 per cent.

While the latest industry figures show that the UK economy has continued to grow in the first quarter of 2010, it has done so at a slower pace than in the final quarter of 2009. This fragile recovery means that 2010 is likely to remain tough for households as the recent spike in inflation is not being reflected in higher pay growth. As such, real income growth is weak, which is placing downward pressure on increases in consumer spending.

Marion King, Chief Executive Officer at VocaLink, said: “The drop in this month’s VocaLink Take Home Pay Index continues to show the long-term trend of depressed pay growth. The last 13 months have seen take home pay fluctuate between a range much lower than the 4.0 per cent pre-recession average. Firms are continuing to keep their labour costs contained as competitive pressures remain high and economic activity recovers only gradually. In addition, the uncertainty surrounding the impending General Election is likely to result in caution over major business decisions.”

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Figures Show Increase In Easter Credit And Debit Card Spending

The latest figures from Barclaycard Global Payment Acceptance, which enables 87,000 retailers to accept debit and credit card payments, shows spending was up 8.5% this year compared to last Easter. The figures which cover businesses traditionally associated with the Easter Weekend and who use Barclaycard to process their credit and debit card transactions, shows shoppers spent £205.5m in 2010 compared to £189.4m over the same weekend in 2009.

Barclaycard Figures Show Increase In Easter Credit And Debit Card Spending

Eating out was a popular choice with restaurants seeing a 13% increase in turnover on debit and credit cards compared to 2009. Other winners over the weekend included furniture and floor covering stores with spending up at 16.5% and 21.6% respectively. However DIY stores, a traditional beneficiary of the Easter weekend saw card spending staying flat with a slight increase of 1.5% on card spend compared to 2009.

Commenting on the data, Stuart Neal, UK Director of Barclaycard Global Payment Acceptance said: “The increase in overall spend is testament to customers wanting to get away or treat themselves over the four day weekend – with a significant increase in restaurants and holiday related activity. Unfortunately, it looks like garden centres were a victim of the weather with debit and credit card spending down 16.8% compared to 2009”.

Via EPR Network
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Make Overpayments To Lower Cost Of Credit Card Debt

Financial solutions company Think Money has welcomed a report from Moneysupermarket.com advising that credit card borrowers could significantly reduce their overall repayment term and the amount they pay by making more than the minimum payment.

Make Overpayments To Lower Cost Of Credit Card Debt

Moneysupermarket claimed that the difference between the average interest earned on savings and the interest payable on an average credit card debt (currently £1,989) is £308 a year – meaning it may make good financial sense to use savings to pay off debt.

The price comparison site said with this level of credit card debt, making just the minimum payment could mean the balance takes 22 years and 10 months to pay off. By contrast, paying just £20 more each month would reduce this by 17 years, and would reduce the overall interest paid by a third.

A Think Money debt expert said:

“Making any payments above the minimum, even below Moneysupermarket’s suggested increase, can help the borrower to clear their balance more quickly and reduce the amount of interest they pay.

“Making only the minimum payment may be a tempting option for some people, as it frees up cash in the short term – but it is likely to cost the borrower much more in the long run. As such, we advise people with credit card balances to try and budget for higher repayments where possible.

“But of course, this is not an option for everyone. Some people may find they’ve got to the point where they simply can’t afford even the minimum repayments – and anyone in that situation should speak with a debt adviser about debt solutions that could help.

“Even if the borrower can’t see any way of repaying their debts in full, there is help available – in the form of an IVA [Individual Voluntary Arrangement] or bankruptcy, for example.”

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Reveals February Card Spending Trends

Data from Barclaycard Global Payment Acceptance shows payments made on credit and debit cards were up 7.1% in February compared to the same month last year. The increase follows on from figures that showed that credit and debit card spending was up 3.6% in January 2010 compared to January 2009.

Whilst February 2010 showed an increase over the previous year, on a month-by-month basis, spending on debit and credit cards declined slightly by 2.5% from January, in line with expectations.

The Barclaycard Retail Card Spending Index is based on spending on all credit and debit cards across a wide range of retail sectors, at retailers that use Barclaycard to process their credit and debit card transactions. Barclaycard Global Payment Acceptance processes payments for 87,000 businesses in the UK both physically and online – about a third of the market.

Commenting on the data, Stuart Neal, Head of UK Payment Acceptance said: “The numbers show that things are looking up for retailers this year. The small drop from last month is typical of what we see at this time of year and is caused by the residual effects of the January sales and households returning to a more regular spending pattern.”

With an overall market share of over 30%, Global Payment Acceptance captures a significant proportion of all retail transactions in the UK. The index is based on the analysis of the 12-month variation in volumes of card transactions month-on-month, and incorporates specific filters to ensure the data is not affected by changes to the customer base over time.

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Freedom, One Of The Broadest Rewards Schemes In The UK, Has Been Launched

Barclaycard Freedom, one of the broadest rewards schemes in the UK, has been launched, with over eight million Barclaycard cardholders now able to earn Reward Money for simply using their Barclaycard to buy goods and services in participating outlets. As well as the launch of the scheme, Barclaycard is delighted to announce that Shell has joined Barclaycard Freedom, with over 900 petrol stations across the UK now offering rewards.

Reward Money can be earned at around 30,000 retail outlets across the UK, including big name retailers and brands such as npower and Pizza Express, as well as many small and medium retailers who are able to be part of a rewards scheme for the first time.

Barclaycard cardholders will earn 1% in most participating outlets (0.5% at Shell) alongside other special promotions and discounts in store. Reward Money is recorded in pounds and pence, with no vouchers or coupons to save and no points to calculate. Barclaycard cardholders will be rewarded for simply using their card to make a purchase, with no need to register or receive a new card.

Barclaycard customers making a purchase in most participating retailers will see the value of their Reward Money appear on the card machine before they enter their PIN to pay. They will then be able to redeem some or all of their Reward Money on that transaction, or continue to save up for a future purchase.

Cardholders can search for participating retailers online at barclaycardfreedom.co.uk, or they can text ‘Freedom’ to 67777 to access a list of retailers and offers whilst on the move. Shops that are taking part in the rewards scheme will be clearly visible, with point of sale materials promoting the scheme in store. Cardholders can view their Reward Money account by logging onto mybarclaycard. This will display their current Reward Money balance, list transactions where Reward Money has been earned or redeemed, and display relevant offers.

Melanie Lane, General Manager, Shell UK Retail, said: “At Shell we want our customers to get the most out of every drop of fuel they buy and we believe Barclaycard Freedom will help them to do just that. It is simple and easy to use, which is important for busy people on the move, and we are looking forward to many more Barclaycard customers experiencing our quality fuels whilst earning Reward Money at Shell.”

Sarah Newman, Managing Director of Barclaycard Freedom said: “We are delighted to welcome Shell to Barclaycard Freedom. The range of retailers in Barclaycard Freedom means that our customers can earn Reward Money when they are shopping on the high street, filling up the car, going out for a meal or shopping online. The simplicity of Barclaycard Freedom means that customers earn Reward Money without the need to do anything extra – they simply use their Barclaycard to make a purchase. The beauty of the scheme lies in the fact that Reward Money can then be redeemed on purchases in most retailers and with around 30,000 retail outlets participating from today, the options to redeem are endless.”

Via EPR Network
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A New Government-Run Service Is Set To Provide Impartial Financial Advice For Millions Of UK Citizen

A new Government-run service is set to provide impartial financial advice for millions of UK citizens looking for help with money matters.

A New Government-Run Service Is Set To Provide Impartial Financial Advice For Millions Of UK Citizen

The service – called Moneymadeclear – was launched by Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling and will provide free consumer advice from independent financial experts.

Moneymadeclear gives people the chance to pick up the phone, talk face-to-face or get information online with regard to money worries, financial planning and information on consumer rights.

The service also gives advice to consumers who think they may have been mis-sold a financial product and don’t know what action to take.

A service such as this is long overdue says life insurance comparison site QuoteBoffin.co.uk:

“Consumers have long deserved a service that is concise and impartial as Moneymadeclear, especially for people who have concerns over money but do not know who to turn to.

Moneymadeclear also supports the different ways in which people take in information as well as the resources consumers have available. For example, some people prefer to use the web to get information whilst others are more comfortable meeting an advisor face to face and so forth.”

The Government has trialled the service in the North East and North West since last April. The trial helped 500,000 people and is expected to assist a million people in the next year alone.

Chancellor Alistair Darling said:

“Moneymadeclear is free, impartial advice for all, whether you are unsure about the small print in a mortgage form; want advice opening a savings account for your children or grand-children or want some help dealing with repayments before they get out of hand.”

In a post recession economy the importance of financial support for concerned consumers will undoubtedly be welcomed by people looking to firm up their finances.

QuoteBoffin.co.uk went on to say “Although the UK has officially left the recession it’s going to take many years to see a full recovery. This means that continued job losses, mounting debt and high interest rates will put continued strain on consumers.

Via EPR Network
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VocaLink Scales Charity Heights

VocaLink, the specialist provider of transaction services to banks, has launched a scheme to help raise money for Bonita Norris in her attempt to become the youngest British female to reach the summit of Mount Everest, in order to raise money for Global Angels.

VocaLink Scales Charity Heights

VocaLink, as the official sponsor of the challenge, is trying to raise funds for Bonita and the Global Angels charity through its network of almost 50,000 Mobile Phone Top-Up (MPTU) ATMs across the UK.

To raise the money, VocaLink has managed to get together some of the major UK banks* who have agreed to donate 5p to Global Angels every time someone tops-up a mobile phone** during March and April using a VocaLink ATM.

Bonita will be climbing Mount Everest to raise money for Global Angels, an international foundation which champions the causes of children around the world to help provide sustainable solutions. Every pound received from public donations goes directly to projects working at grass-roots level to empower children and their communities.

Bonita will be looking to climb Mount Everest’s towering 8,848 meters during May 2010 when conditions are at their best. To complete her climb, Bonita will be putting herself at risk from the dangers of frostbite, hypothermia, snow-blindness, alongside the many other perils associated with extreme altitude climbing.

The MPTU service is available through ATMs bearing the green top-up logo which include Barclays, Bank Machine, Cardpoint, Cashzone, Clydesdale Bank, Cooperative Bank, Coventry Building Society, First Trust Bank, Halifax, Hanco, HSBC, Infocash, Lloyds TSB, Nationwide Building Society, Nat West, Note Machine, Royal Bank of Scotland, Sainsbury’s Finance and Yorkshire Bank.

In addition to the Mobile Phone Top-Up service, Bonita is also auctioning 3 flags which will feature the highest bidders name or personal message. Bonita will take the flags up Mount Everest on her record breaking journey. The first flag auction will run from the 8th to the 14th March, the second flag 15th-21st and the third flag 22nd -28th.

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

Barclaycard Rollercoaster Glides To Top Spot

Barclaycard’s rollercoaster campaign has topped the AdWatch list of current advertising campaigns, with 60% of adults questioned by Marketing Magazine recalling the advert.

Barclaycard Rollercoaster Glides To Top Spot

Launched on 22 January 2010, the advert tells the story of an adventurous and innovative commute to work – on a rollercoaster. Filmed in New York and Hollywood using the ‘Spidercam’, the process involved a real rollercoaster cart, 40ft of working track, and complex CGI to create a complete, realistic vision of a rollercoaster weaving in and out of the city’s skyscrapers.

This new advert follows on closely from the success of Barclaycard’s previous waterslide advert, which also used the Spidercam, which had not been used since Sam Raimi employed it to film sections of the Spiderman movies, in order to highlight the flexibility and ease of use which contactless payments provide for cardholders and retailers.

The TV advert, created by BBH and directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, is part of a wider campaign that will include online adverts and a social media campaign set to reach more than 10 million people using Facebook. Barclaycard also plans to launch a Rollercoaster download game later this year.

The contactless payment technology at the centre of the advert was pioneered by Barclaycard in the UK in 2007; now, over six million contactless enabled cards are in circulation in the UK, and over 20,000 retailers across the country now accept contactless payments.

Via EPR Network
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