There is such a thing as a free lunch (Accucard)

Member Name: phoebe1

Product:	Accucard
Date:	04/04/03 (244 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Highest cashback reward, Electronic statements, Design your card

Disadvantages: Only for 6 months.

If, like me, you are the sort of person who pays off their credit card bill in full every month then this is definitely the card for you. If you want to know about APR then this isn't the review for you. I would strongly discourage borrowing money on any credit card. Excluding introductory offers, all credit cards charge extortionate rates. You are much better off arranging a personal loan with your bank, given that you can't obtain a remortage.

The Accucard normal cash back rate of 0.8 per cent is doubled for the first six months from when you open an account to a massive 1.6 per cent. Use your card for all your groceries, shopping, petrol and anywhere else where they will take plastic and the cashback will soon mount up. If, unlike me, you are lucky enough to have an expense account for work then put all these purchases on it too.

I amassed around 100 pounds in my first six months of use and am looking forward to receiving my cheque through the post. Money is sent to you on the first anniversary of opening your account. Online application is quick and easy and there is no annual fee. Payment is normally due 25 days after the date of each statement, giving a maximum interest-free period of up to 56 days, depending on when you make your purchases.

To make the double cashback period last longer, you could apply for one and then six months later your partner could apply, each of you asking to be additional cardholders on the other account!

If you are not sure how to compare the different cash back rates, for every 100 pounds you spend you will earn: 50p on a 0.5% rate, 80p on a 0.8% rate, 100p on a 1% rate, and
160p on a 1.6% rate. As you can see, this means you will earn over 3 times more with Accucard than your present card if it has a 0.5% cashback rate.

Even after your six months is up the normal cash back rate of 0.8 per cent is still very competitive. The best normal rate is 1 per cent elsewhere.




Customer service is prompt and efficient. Other good features include electronic statements which you are reminded of by email, and you even get to choose the colour you want your card to be designed in. I chose a lovely girlie purple one!

Summary: