Barclaycard Breathe - denying a 0% purchases offer ever existed

j19

I signed up for a Barclaycard Breathe when they were offering 0% on purchases for 12 months. This exact offer was listed on this site (this was about 3-4 weeks ago).

However, I logged in for the first time to check my online transactions, and saw my interest rate was not 0% on purchases. So I called up and got through to their offshore call centre. Two operators told me in no uncertain terms that the offer has never existed on purchases (he even said "How would a credit card company make money?"!).

To make matters worse, I have lost my credit agreement - which I swear blind cited the 0% introductory offer on the back.

Anyone else found this?

j19

Aha!

http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache:9r5cSkFc6YIJ:www.barclaycardbreathe.com/cardDetails.htm+Barclaycard+breathe+0%25+purchases&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=17&gl=uk&client=firefox-a

It says 0% interest for purchases for 12 months. Barclays have deleted the original page

j19

And they have forgotten to update one of their Breathe microsites:

YorkshireBoy

It's the agreement you signed (either online or paper copy) that governs your account. If you can't find it, or didn't save/print it during the application, you could ask them for a copy (they may charge a fee).

If that says you get 12 months on purchases, then make a formal complaint.

Just a thought...the offer was only available through the Barclays landing page - not directly via www.barclaycard.co.uk - you did apply via the correct link?

Moggles_2

My thoughts exactly. It's not uncommon for lenders to offer different terms and conditions to online applicants from those advertised by other means at one and the same time and to vary or withdraw offers without warning. My own bank (Halifax) is always at it. What's more, the bank's own staff are seldom up to speed with the changes.

I have this particular credit card but, irrespective of what's stated on this forum or anywhere else, it's the credit agreement you signed with Barclaycard which counts

This may sound obvious but, whatever you do, make sure you retain a copy for your records. If you decide to apply online and "sign" electronically, save the file and, just as important, any subsequent changes. (Some lenders seem to love making changes :rolleyes:) It's important to know what Ts & Cs you're signed up to and you'll feel more confident tackling customer services with the paperwork to hand, should the need arise.

j19

Ok, I called back (and was again put through to their Indian call center, and for the third time today was categorically told the offer never existed). I kicked up a fuss, told them I have copies of the web pages citing the offer they deny existed.

They asked that I send them on to head office, and I said the only people I'll be sending them to is the FSA. They were pretty quick to put me through to a manager (based in their England office) who was just as quick to tell me I do have the 0% interest rate. I asked for confirmation of that in writing too.

For the record, I signed up via www.barclaycardbreathe.co.uk, the correct site.

Happy days.

MoneySavingNovice

JimpsEd,

Just to say that I do have my T&C's, and on Page 1 - in box 5 it states:-

PROMOTIONAL ANNUAL INTEREST RATE

0% interest on purchases for 12 months from account opening.
0% interest on "Qualifying Purchases" (up to a maximum of
£5000) until paid in full: The purchase of tickets for travel in the
UK by bus, train, underground rail, tram, ferry or hovercraft, but
excluding travel with Transport for London and other forms of
transport. Purchases from selected retailers which we will tell you
about on the barclaycardbreathe.co.uk website and may change
from time to time.
Promotional balance transfers will be transferred to the standard
balance at the end of any promotional period and also if
you break this agreement, in accordance with condition 1.2.
Condition 1.2 does not apply to the Promotional Travel Rate.

Hope that helps!

johnmoney05

Don't listen to those people from foreign call centre (I am not sure whether it will be any good of UK call centre either) , if you asked them 10 questions, they might give you 1 correct answer if you were lucky. You better call me. At least, I would tell you what I know, well, if I don't know, I might just put the phone down or ask you to call back on Monday that they always do.

Sun

Is this sorted now?

I have same issue, my first online statement of £0 shows 12.90% purchase APR and I do have agreement copy of 0% for 12 months.

Please update....

MoneySavingNovice

Sun wrote: »

Is this sorted now?

I have same issue, my first online statement of £0 shows 12.90% purchase APR and I do have agreement copy of 0% for 12 months.

Please update....

I am in the same position - I was going to wait and see - but of anyone else has had the experience that BarclayCard will still won't keep their of the bargain I would prefer to sort this out now rather than later.

Thanks all

Sun

Any update on this...?