Become debt free (Marbles)

Member Name: phoebe1

Product:	Marbles
Date:	04/04/03 (290 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interest free for 6months, Includes balance transfers , Includes purchases

Disadvantages: Only for 6 months., No cashback, No reward scheme

Since the last review on Marbles appears to have been written nearly a year ago it is time for an up to date one. I applied for a Marbles credit card 5 weeks ago as I have recently been experiencing cashflow problems.

The idea of an interest free loan for 6 months seemed too good to be true, but this is effectively what the latest Marbles promotion amounts to. All balance transfers and purchases made in the first 6 months will be charged at 0% as long as you make the minimum repayment each month. There is no annual fee.

I came across this offer on The Lolly website ( an internet shopping cashback tool )which was offering 10 pounds for succesful applications. My existing credit card, Accucard, offers 1.6% cashback so I worked out the equivalent spend for the 10 pound reward with Marbles was 625 pounds.
I duly filled in the online form, which was quick and easy, and a few days later received a phone call from Marbles confirming my details. I was immediately offered the opportunity to transfer any outstanding balances, which I declined.

A few days later my card arrived in the post and was activated by a quick and easy phone call. I have subsequently used it to pay the large bill I was anticipating.

I do not want to give details about the APR of this card because I strongly believe that borrowing on credit cards should be discouraged. Excluding introductory offers, all credit card rates are extortionate. You are much better off arranging a personal loan with your bank, given that you can't obtain a remortage. Even better, don't get into debt in the first place ( lecture over ).

A lot of people labour under the misapprehension that it is difficult to change credit cards. Whilst this may be true of banks with the hassle of transferring salaries, standing orders etc., this does not apply to credit cards. You don't even have to close down your existing card, just stop using it - or cut it up if you don't trus

t yourself!

Keeping a check on your Marbles account is easy. You can access it any time you want, either online where logging on is easy, or by phone. Another good feature of the card is their 'safe shopping promise' whereby you won't be liable for fraudulent use on the Internet.


The one thing that did concern me was the hard sell a few days later over the phone when they were trying to sell me payment protection insurance and card protection insurance. Just say no.

So, to sum up, this is an excellent opportunity to have an interest free loan. Hopefully, by the end of the 6 months you will have paid off any outstanding debts. If not, there is sure to be another credit card offering a similar deal to which you can transfer your balance again.

Update : I have learned today that Marbles/PCWorld do an interest free offer lasting 9 months. Check out the Marbles website www.marbles.com. This might be ideal for couples who have had a new baby and are missing one wage for several months.

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