My Platinum Card (Barclaycard)

Member Name: redballoon

Product:	Barclaycard
Date:	13/05/04 (3633 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Get Nectar Points

Disadvantages: Charges can apply

This is my second credit card. I applied for it as my other credit card from HSBC wasn't giving me anything for using it and I noticed that there where lots of other credit cards about that where offering 0%, cash back or points. I chose Barclay card as it had teamed up with Nectar so when you use your Barclay card you can collect Nectar points which you can then claim money off our shopping bill in Sainbury's or free days out. For more information about what Nectar can offer visit www.nectar.com

I wasn't a Barclay's customer but applying for one was really easy. I applied online and the process of filling in the form was quick and simple. You can choose which card you want, all offering different rates of interest.

They then processed my application and I was accepted. They sent me an agreement thought the post, which I had to sign and return and then they sent me my card. The whole process from application to getting the card took about 3 weeks. As soon as I received my card I was able to use it immediately after I had called the free phone number to activate it. This is now a standard security check to make sure that the right person has received the card.

They sent me my four digit pin number separately thought the post which is used to withdraw money out of cash machines and now for the new chip and pin facility where when you pay for goods, instead of signing for them you enter your pin number on a key pad. You can change this number to anything you want by visiting a cash machine and selecting the option to change pin number. You are advised not to enter anything that someone could easily guess or for example 1,2,3,4.


My card is the normal credit card shape that measures 85mm by 55mm. At the top of the card there is the words "Barclay card" with their logo next to it. Underneath that it says "Platinum"
Then there is on the left hand side a metal chip which is used for the chip a
nd pin facility. Underneath that there is my credit card number which is 16 numbers long. The card also has on it the Visa logo and other information such as the valid from and expiry date and my name at the bottom. And like other credit cards it has the hologram of a dove that changes colour when you move the card about.

The card's colour scheme is silver indicating that it is a Platinum card. On the reverse there is the strip to sign your name on, which you are advised to do as soon as you receive the card. There is also the customer services number on there too which is really useful.



With the platinum card there is no annual fee. Most credit cards have now abolished this.

The interest rate that the Barclay card has is currently 14.9%. However if you withdraw cash from cash machines you will be charged more for doing this, at 18.7%

Depending on how much you spend on your card will determine the minimum payment that you are required to give them on each of your statements. However, if you just pay the minimum payment you will be charged interest for the rest of the balance until it's cleared. If you do not make the minimum payment then they will charge you a late payment fee of £20.00. I got stung by this as my payment was a day late!

Depending on your credit rating will determine how much credit they will give you. I have got £2,500 and this can be reduced or increased if you request it. If you spend over your set credit amount they will charge you £15.00.

I always pay my statements off in full every month so I do not get charged any interest (other than a one time late payment charge which was quite annoying)


Once a month you will get a statement from Barclay card listing all the purchases you have made, your balance and when you should settle your balance.

The statements are clear and easy to read and understand. You should check all of the items and call them if you
have a query.

I have received excellent customer service from Barclay card. You can call them 24 hours a day on a free phone number. First of all you have to enter your credit card number and then your six digit security number which can be set up by calling Barclay Card help line. The automated voice will tell you your balance and you can select from various options such as to make a payment, report you card lost or stolen or to speak to someone. I have used this service quite regularly. It will also tell you when your last payment was and when the next one is due.

You can manage your account online but I haven't done this as the telephone service gives you all the information you need.

If you are wanting to apply for this card to collect more nectar points then you will get 1 point for every pound spent.

With credit cards you are protected when using your card to purchase goods over the internet and it's now even safer with the security number on the back of the card which you sometimes have to enter when going to the checkout on the internet shops. This number is found above the signature strip on the back of the card.


I would recommend this card to people who want credit, but are cautious about their spending habits and can make payments on time other wise they will charge you!

To apply for this card visit the Barclay Card website www.barclaycard.co.uk

Summary: