The New Argos Card (Argos Card)

Member Name: cindy1

Product:	Argos Card
Date:	19/03/01 (1273 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to apply, easy ways to pay and you are rewarded for shopping

Disadvantages: Not one

What is the new Argos card?

Basically, the new Argos card is like a credit card. It allows you to purchase goods at Argos stores, on their web site or goods from the new Argos Additions catalogue, then spread the cost, over a period that suits your individual needs.

How do I apply?

It's so easy to get your hands on a card, you can either telephone this number 0870 010 2103, or apply in store.
If you apply by telephone like I did, an Argos representative will ask you a few simple questions, such as date of birth, address, occupation and your bank account number.
The great thing is, you will be told on the spot if your application has been successful.
After this you will receive a letter of confirmation, all you have to do is confirm your details are correct, and send it back to them in the pre-paid envelope.
In approximately seven days, you should receive your card.

How do I purchase goods?

All you have to do is decide what you what to buy. You can either walk into your local Argos store, choose an item out of the catalogue, and present your card at the checkout. Alternatively, you can shop through their web site; all you have to do is enter your card details.

When do I have to pay?

Argos will send you a statement every month, the statement is clearly set out, and easy to follow. It will tell you what your minimum monthly payment is. This is 5% of the total balance.
There are a choice of ways to pay. You can pay by direct debit, cheque, debit/credit card or cash.

What is the interest rate?

The interest rate is 2.01% per month and 27% APR.

What happens if I lose my job, or my card gets stolen?

You can take out an optional policy called purchase and protect, this covers you for illness and unemployment, and it also protects your goods against accidental damage and theft.
This costs 95p a month per £100 of outstanding debt.

You can als
o protect all your store cards and credit card against fraud. This costs a mere £12 a year, I would definitely recommend taking out this policy, as it does protect all your cards.

What do I get out of it?

If you spend over £195 Argos gives you six months interest free credit. For example if you wanted a DVD Player that cost £200, you would only have to pay £33.30 a month, and at the end of the six months you wouldn't have paid not one penny interest.

You can also request addition cards for your family, and there is a choice of three designs. You can have a plain card, one with dolphins on, or a duck. I opted for the duck card.

As a cardholder you will be notified of special offers, and be given the chance to win prizes in their prize draws.

Do I get rewarded for shopping?

Yes, you do. Every time you purchase goods, you get five premier points for every pound you spend. These can be used purchase more goods.

Here is a table of how much your premier points are worth.
2500 points = £5.00
2000 points = £4.00
1500 points = £3.00
1000 points = £2.00
750 points = £1.50
500 points = £1.00

The great thing about premier points is that you can earn them at other outlets. These include BP service stations, Southern electric, A1 motor stores and National Express.

All in all the Argos card is a brilliant idea, but you do get a credit limit, so there is a limit to what you can buy, and of course you still have to pay, for what you buy.

This card would really appeal to someone who always shops at Argos, like me.

Summary: