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Worldcore: 15 countries where you may encounter problems with cryptocurrency transactions or mining

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, May-10-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — 2018-2019 may be called the era of cryptocurrency regulation. After we’ve followed ICO success stories in 2016-2017, in the next 1.5-2 years we will observe various countries bringing cryptocurrencies and related processes, such as ICOs and smart contracts, out into the legislative framework.

Worldcore international company has comprised a rating of countries according to the stringency of their cryptocurrency regulations. It starts with the countries where cryptocurrencies are entirely banned, followed by those states where cryptocurrency circulation is not merely significantly restricted, but also criminalized in the framework of the national financial legislation.

Thus, there are currently four countries in the world where residents may end up in prison for several years for any cryptocurrency transactions.

  1. Nepal
  2. Bolivia
  3. Bangladesh
  4. Algeria, a recent addition to the list.

Besides the countries with criminalized cryptocurrency trade and ownership, there are numerous countries where a national ban has been imposed on specific types of cryptocurrency transactions. The degree of regulation in this sphere varies notably — from a ban on using cryptocurrency as legal tender (common in countries that have not legalized free cryptocurrency circulation) and to a complete ban on exchanges and ICOs in China (which enterprising Chinese enthusiasts forego by launching hard forks of popular currencies as ICOs and trading on foreign exchanges). Here’s a list of these states:

  1. China (ban on ICO, buying and selling cryptocurrency, advertising)
  2. India (since April 2018, the Central Bank of India has forbidden buying or selling cryptocurrency; cryptocurrency also isn’t recognized as legal tender)
  3. Russia (when cryptocurrency market regulation legislative proposal comes into effect, it will limit the legal annual transaction volume to 50,000 rubles for unqualified investors; allow purchase and sale exclusively on registered national platforms, provide for full participant de-anonymization; mining will be considered an entrepreneurial activity with mandatory sale of the mined assets on national exchanges; cryptocurrency/crypto-token will be recognized as a digital asset, but not legal tender). Cryptocurrency advertising is forbidden on certain platforms (i.e. Yandex).
  4. Vietnam (stringent national anti-money laundering regulations; gradual legalization is planned starting in August 2018)
  5. Indonesia (a ban on purchase and sale of cryptocurrency)
  6. Thailand (in February 2018, the Central Bank of Thailand has forbidden five key transactions with cryptocurrencies to financial institutions: investment, trading, establishment of cryptocurrency platforms, using credit and debit cards to purchase currency and consulting people on cryptocurrency investments).
  7. Kyrgyzstan (cryptocurrency is not recognized as legal tender, liberalization of regulations is currently under consideration)
  8. Ecuador
  9. Iceland (under the umbrella prohibitive currency regulation)
  10. Morocco
  11. Malaysia

“In the countries that have restricted cryptocurrency circulation and mining, it primarily involves cryptocurrency as a digital asset coming under the restrictions of investment or money laundering regulations. Perhaps, these states will address the issue of cryptocurrency regulation later, when the more developed countries establish adequate legislation and provide positive examples of regulation and taxation. Another aspect of the ban, i.e. in China or Ecuador, is the clearing out of the competition prior to launching a national cryptocurrency. Many countries today are implementing a partial, rather than a full ban on cryptocurrency. In case of cryptocurrencies, governments understand that it is impossible to ban them entirely. With regard to the globalization of economy and  distributed registry technologies, which form the foundation for cryptocurrencies, a complete ban will lead not only to the migration of financial assets and mining farms out of the country, but also to the departure of startups outside the country’s jurisdiction, startups that could have become taxpayers in the presence of supportive regulations,” believes Alexey Nasonov, the founder and CEO of Worldcore.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

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

Barclaycard research reveals just how much the British are embracing the trend of self-gifting

New research* has revealed the British public are taking it upon themselves to get the things they really want by self-gifting.

Research commissioned by Barclaycard shows that over half of us (58%) believe it’s the thought that counts when receiving a gift but one in six (16%) would rather have chosen the gift themselves. Almost half of Brits (43%) have indulged in self-gifting around Christmas or birthdays at one time or another while one in ten (10%) say they always do.

The most popular reason for the new trend is simply people wanting to ‘treat themselves’ (44%) as it seems family and friends aren’t as good at present buying as many would like with almost a quarter (23%) admitting they indulge in self-gifting because ‘it’s the most sensible way to get what they want’. Even more surprising is that this rise in self-gifting comes at a time when almost a quarter of families (23%) are planning to reduce the amount they spend on gifts this year due to tighter economic conditions.

The top 5 most popular self-gifted gifts in order are: clothing and footwear; TVs and music equipment (including iPods, iPads, laptops); alcohol and tobacco; recreation and culture, and restaurants and hotels

When asked how they are able to afford their treats a large proportion said they are embracing cashback, points and mileage schemes (36%). Women are much more likely to use loyalty programmes to treat themselves (30%) compared to men (17%), which makes sense since the research showed that almost a quarter of women see indulging in self-gifting as a guilty pleasure, compared to just 13% of men.

Nick Clements, Managing Director at Barclaycard UK explained: “We took time to speak to our customers to understand how they want to be rewarded when they spend. Choice and value came out as the key to meet people’s needs.

“We know that purse strings are being tightened and we also know that people like to treat themselves and their families. The new Barclaycard Cashback card helps you do just that. The only thing we can’t help out with is what your loved ones want to receive this festive season.

“Our Cashback card is built on choice and simplicity, giving customers 2% on their five biggest monthly purchases and 0.5% on everything else. Our Cashback card puts you in control of what you get the 2% boost on each month; unlike other cards that only give you a bonus for certain types of spend. All customers need to do is make fifteen purchases a month, of any amount to qualify for the 2% cashback rate.”

For more information on the Cashback card; visit: www.barclaycard.co.uk/cashback

Via EPR Network
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OKPAY.com Introducing Virtual Prepaid MasterCard

OKPAY is one of the most dynamically developing financial company nowadays. OKPAY is available to clients worldwide since 2010. Providing a customer-focused, convenient and fully fledged financial services have always been the Company’s credo.

Almost a billion of consumers don’t have a credit card and many who have a card don’t wish to use it because of the various security concerns. In order to provide a solution for these customers OKPAY Company is offering a Virtual Card feature.

Main benefits of the virtual cards are maximum security, no credit assessment, availability for immediate use.

OKPAY Virtual Debit Card Benefits

OKPAY MasterCard provides clients an easy and secure online payment source with several million retailers worldwide. A short time upon card application approval client obtains virtual card credentials (containing primary card information required for online purchases).

Virtual card has a temporary number that can be used for one time or several online purchases. This card number is useless to hackers, because even if the card number becomes uncovered it will not be useful as the card most likely won’t have available funds.

To keep online shopping even safer OKPAY Company recommends transferring funds to the virtual card at the moment when ready to make a purchase. This way the transfer amount can match the checkout price and the card balance will remain empty until next payment.

Identity theft is also a major concern nowadays. The virtual card number does not lead to any real credit card numbers or bank accounts associated with it. OKPAY Virtual Card is a Pre-Paid card, which means that it has a spending limit, which is not linked to a Wallet balance.

It only takes a few days to generate and receive a virtual card number that can be immediately used for purchases as a valid card over the internet. There are over 33 million MasterCard® merchant locations worldwide.

“Our goal is to create an ultimate payment financial service, suitable and convenient for both sellers and buyers. We have celebrated our second birthday not long ago, and we are glad to see our client’s satisfaction and continuous support,” says Konstantin Romanovsky, OKPAY President and CEO. “We are happy to keep improving OKPAY. This time we would like to offer you a great option for secure online shopping – OKPAY Virtual Debit Card!”

For more information on OKPAY Virtual Debit Card solution visit OKPAY News.

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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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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VocaLink Take Home Pay Index Slumps To Lowest Level On Record

The VocaLink Take Home Pay Index for February has continued January’s downward spiral to hit an all-time low of 1.0%. The combination of the two recent consecutive falls has nearly halved the index during that period, taking it from 1.9% in December to 1.0% in February, signifying the Index’s lowest level since its inception in September 2004.

A slower than expected recovery in manufacturing production has contributed to the significant decrease in the VocaLink manufacturing index which also fell to its lowest level on record by tumbling from 1.1% in January to 0.4% in February. Services sector pay growth followed the downward trend with the index recording a drop of 0.3 percentage points to reach 1.3% in February. Though the reduction is relatively modest, a fall of this size is still significant given the index’s current low level.

The bleak news reflects the fragile state of the labour market which is showing few signs of recovery.

The latest official labour market statistics show that unemployment rose in January offsetting the falls seen in November and December. Specifically, the claimant count measure of unemployment increased by 23,500 in January from December which represents its biggest monthly increase since July 2009. The current doubts around economic recovery are exacerbated by the uncertainty caused by the impending general election with employers waiting to see what fiscal policies are put in place by the new government before making significant decisions regarding employment and compensation.

Marion King, chief executive officer at VocaLink, said: “The fact that the VocaLink Take Home Pay Index Report has reached the lowest level in its history reflects the gravity of the current economic situation. The Index has now fallen below the previous low of 1.1% reached in May of last year when we were still in the depths of the recession. This continued fall in wage growth rates combined with rising inflation means that household finances are still under great pressure. Either the recovery will have to strengthen significantly or it will take a long period of slow growth before upward pressure on wages begins to build and the spending power of households begins to recover.”

VocaLink processes more than 90% of UK salaries and the VocaLink Take Home Pay Index, established in 2004, provides the most timely and accurate disposable income data available in the UK. It is based on salary payments made to employees on a three-month moving average compared with the same continuation measure a year earlier. It is affected by changes in tax rates, National Insurance and other employer payments or deductions.

About VocaLink
VocaLink’s switching platform connects over 60,000 ATMs, the world’s busiest network, while the euro payments platform processes more than 500 million payments per month.

Via EPR Network
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Supermarkets Beat Big Banks In Credit Cards Customer Satisfaction Awards

•Supermarket sweep: M&S and Tesco credit cards (89.4%) top the table for overall customer satisfaction, closely followed by Amex (88.6%)

•Poor service: nearly two million customers dissatisfied with the everyday customer support from their credit card companies with Halifax, Lloyds TSB and Natwest coming bottom of the table

•Biggest improver: MBNA jumps from bottom slot to eleventh place in poll of 16 – overall satisfaction score rises six percentage points from 68% to 74% satisfied

•Better the devil you know: half of customers (50%) have held onto their main credit card for over 5 years, yet over 1 in 3 (34%) don’t know if the interest rate is competitive
•Growing gap: difference in customer satisfaction between the best and worst providers widens to 22% making it more important than ever for consumers to check they are on the right deal.

As 2009 proved to be another rocky year for borrowers and lenders alike, the annual credit card Customer Satisfaction Survey from uSwitch.com reveals supermarket brands to be stealing a march on traditional financial institutions. Marks & Spencer and Tesco have together narrowly taken the top spot from American Express to win Best Overall Satisfaction, but with less than a one per cent difference between the top three, the credit card companies still have everything to play for. The survey of over 10,000 credit card customers also reveals that nearly two million are dissatisfied with the everyday service provided by their card company, and a staggering 22% gap in satisfaction levels between the best and worst provider.

Via EPR Network
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Eight Million Chip And PIN Pals At Risk Of ID Fraud

New research from LV= home insurance has revealed that in the past 12 months, more than eight million adults have given their chip and PIN details to someone else to make a purchase on their behalf or get money from a cash machine for them – with a quarter (24%) of these falling victim to fraud. One in three Brits (34%) say they have been asked to pay for goods or take money out on someone else’s behalf.

According to the research, 20% of card holders have given out their card and pin number to someone else. 85% of these have done so in the past year. According to the Office of National Statistics, the resident population of the UK is 52,042,000. Therefore 52,042,000 x 0.20 = 10,408,400 and 10,408,400 x 0.85 = 8,847,140.

Experts warn that by sharing PIN numbers with others, card users are exposing themselves to fraud and seriously weakening the security of the chip and PIN system.

Businesses themselves need to pay closer attention as 98% of people who have used someone else’s card said they were not caught, leaving retailers open to being targeted by fraudsters.

To help assist the growing number of people affected by ID fraud, LV=’s home insurance policy now includes free access to an Identity Fraud Helpline, staffed by specially trained expert advisors who will explain what to do if you think you may have been a victim of identity fraud.

ID fraudsters can quickly clock up many thousands of pounds of purchases by cloning a card and banks may refuse any kind of refund if the card owner has shared their PIN with others.

This is because in the event of ID fraud, card users sharing details may be considered to have acted ‘without reasonable care’ by banks who will then refuse to pay out to cover stolen funds.

The most common location for ‘borrowed’ cards to be used is at a cash machine. For those people passing on their card details for someone to buy something on their behalf almost one in ten (9%) have told someone the details over the phone, 7% have written them down, 6% have given them face to face in a public place and a few have even sent the details to someone in an e-mail or text message.

John O’Roarke, managing director of LV= home insurance, said: “It’s concerning to see the numbers of card-holders who are so lax with their card details, even if they are sharing them with their friends and family. We would strongly urge all card-users not to tell anyone their PIN number. Not only does it undermine the security of your account and increases the risk of ID fraud but also card holders could end up out of pocket if they are found to have shared their card details.

“We’d urge any customers who think they might have become a victim of identity fraud, to call our Identity Fraud Helpline for help and support.”

Via EPR Network
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Barclaycard Reduces Balance Transfer Fee

Barclaycard has announced that it is reducing the balance transfer fee on its 0% for 12 months Barclaycard Platinum balance transfer deal with immediate effect.

The change means that the current balance transfer fee on the Barclaycard Platinum card has been reduced to 2.5% of the amount transferred from the previous level of 3%. This offer is available for any transfers made within 60 days of opening an account, on amounts up to £5,000. The reduction means customers will be able to save £25 on a £5,000 balance transfer onto the Barclaycard Platinum.

The reduction in the balance transfer fee following the Barclaycard announced in February that it was reducing the annual percentage rate (APR) on its Barclaycard Platinum credit card from 14.9% down to 12.4%. This means that at the end of the promotional balance transfer period, the rate on the card will revert to ne lower rate of 12.4%.

Commenting on the reduction, Amer Sajed, Managing Director of Barclaycard UK said, “This reduction will mean customers looking to move their balance now have to pay less to get a market leading deal”.

Along with services like identity protection, fraud monitoring, purchase delivery protection and contactless payment technology, the new lower rate will help to further consolidate Barclaycard Platinum’s position as the market leading credit card in the UK.

Notes to Editors
The reduced balance transfer fee is available through the Barclaycard website. Barclaycard reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Barclaycard is subject to application and status. This offer is only available to new customers.

About Barclaycard:
Barclaycard, part of Barclays Global and Retail Commercial Banking division, is a leading global payment business which helps consumers, retailers and businesses to make and accept payments flexibly, and to access short-term credit when needed.

The company is one of the pioneers of new forms of payments and is at the forefront of developing viable contactless and mobile payment schemes for today and cutting edge forms of payment for the future. It also issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. Barclaycard partners with a wide range of organisations across the globe to offer their customers or members payment options and credit.

Via EPR Network
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Virgin Money Has Launched A ‘Pay Monthly’ Tariff As Part Of Its Virgin Prepaid Mastercard

Customers can decide which tariff to pay depending on how often they use the card to ensure they get the best deal. Customers will be able to choose from either ‘pay as you go’, or the new ‘pay monthly’ option.

‘Pay monthly’ prepaid card customers will pay a monthly fee of £4.75 per month, but will not incur any UK transaction fees.*

Both cards can be loaded free at the Post Office, or free by debit card or direct transfer, while a credit card load fee of 2.5% (with a minimum of £2) exists on both cards (restrictions may apply). Express top-ups at Pay Point locations are available, with a 2.75% fee applying to both cards. A start-up fee of £9.95 exists on both cards and customers can switch between the two tariffs once the card is set up, and then once every 4 months.

Grant Bather, spokesman at Virgin Money, said: “Pre-paid cards allow the user to set a limit on their expenditure and in the current climate could be a good option for people looking to budget. With users only able to spend what they have topped up onto the card, the prepaid option could be particularly useful for parents keen to give their children some money, or for those worried about over spending.

“The cards are easy to top-up and cardholders can get discounts from a range of Virgin companies including Virgin Experiences and Virgin Wines, as well as access to discounted vouchers for High Street stores including Sainsbury’s, Boots and Debenhams.”

About Virgin Prepaid Mastercard:
The Virgin Prepaid MasterCard® is issued on behalf of PrePay Technologies Ltd by Clydesdale Bank PLC pursuant to a licence by MasterCard® International Incorporated. MasterCard® is a registered trademark of MasterCard® International Incorporated. Prepay Technologies is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 360money is a registered trademark of PrePay Technologies Ltd.

* Customers will be charged a flat fee of £1.50 for cash machine withdrawals in the UK or overseas. A fee of 2.95% on foreign transactions is also in operation. The ‘pay as you go’ pre-paid card includes a transaction fee of 2.95%, with cash withdrawals also charged at 2.95%. Card transactions and withdrawals overseas both incur a charge of 3.5%.

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Pre-paid cards are set to take a major slice of holidaymakers annual spending on plastic this year as tourists bid to keep summer spending under control, Virgin Money believes

Over £20 billion* spent on plastic overseas by UK travellers each year, Virgin Money says. Worries about the soaring cost of living and rising debts will boost the popularity of the cards, which enable customers to spend overseas and withdraw money but not to run up debts, Virgin Money says.

Currently up to 40 pre-pay cards are available on the market with more providers expected to launch over the coming months.

Virgin Money analysis** shows average one-off application fees for the cards are £7.08 with some firms charging as much as £19.95. However customers also need to be aware of monthly fees.

Around 40% of providers charge a monthly fee to users ranging from £1 to £5.95 while customers also need to take into account fees on spending and overseas use when budgeting for holiday spending. Typically debit and credit cards charge handling and commission fees for overseas usage which can add up to as much as £5.95 for a £100 withdrawal.

Virgin, which was among the first to launch into the market with its Pre-Paid MasterCard in July last year, has already seen strong interest from customers and expects the market to continue to grow.

Virgin Money spokesman Grant Bather said: “Everyone needs to keep their spending under control as the credit crunch and soaring inflation take a big bite out of household budgets.

“Pre-paid cards remove the temptation to run up debt while you’re on holiday as you can only spend the amount that is loaded on your card. They’re a good discipline to get into to avoid the risk of the sun going to your head and burning up your bank balance on holiday.

“And they can be more secure to carry than cash as if you lose the card you can get a replacement sent out. Plus if you really do lose control of your finances relatives or friends can load the card up with emergency cash.”

The Virgin Prepaid MasterCard charges a £9.95 application fee but unlike other cards does not charge a monthly fee. Customers can load it up for free by debit card, at Post Offices or through a bank transfer. There’s a 2.95% charge each time you use it in the UK rising to 3.5% when you use it overseas for transactions or to withdraw cash.

Customers also qualify for a range of discounts including 10% off at zavvi, first month free with Virgin Media, 10% off Virgin Wines (for over 18s), a free month’s membership at Virgin Active gyms, 20% off at Virgin Experiences and 10% off Virgin Car, Home, Pet and Annual Travel Insurance.

To apply online go to uk.virginmoney.com/virgin/prepaid-card

*APACS
**Virgin Money research

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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.

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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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