Query regarding Credit Card

TrickyNiki

I got a credit card basically for the extra insurance it offers, but being of "low" income I had to go for a card with high interest. This didnt bother me as I wanted to pay it off as soon as the payment went onto the card.

I bought something the other day from the internet and it was delivered yesterday. I decided to pay the balance today but was told I could not make a payment until at least the 6th March, as that was when they calculated the total needed to pay.

I am wondering now will this cause me to be liable for the interest? I was doing this to avoid the interest and hopefully boost my credit rating.

Can they refuse to take a payment from me (which they have)?

smartpicture

Well I've never heard of such a thing, you should be able to make payments at any time, even if that takes you into credit, I've done that many times. Were they just saying that they couldn't tell you the exact balance to pay it all off? So long as you know what you want to pay, I don't see how they can refuse your payment, to be honest. In fact, if you paid it through online banking as I do it would be impossible for it to be refused, so you could try paying it that way maybe?

TrickyNiki

There is a balance on my card. I can see it on the online banking, they also told the the same balance over the phone, but I cannot make a payment on it. I phoned up the call center and they said I can only make a payment after the monthly statement has been produced.

I dont want to be stung for around 30% interest. I got this card for piece of mind buying things in this climate, not to be hit at 30%. I know the bank has to make money but this is daft.

anotherpaul_2

Most cards don't change you interest if you pay for your purchases in full by the due date on the statement they appear on. Most, but not all - which card is it?

Cash, gambling and a few other things don't count as purchases and will acrue interest from day one.

Once you've had your first statement (I assume this will be the first) you'll have the sort code and account number (from the paying in slip) for the card. You can send money from your bank account to the card using these and your card number as the reference and they should be credited to your account (I always start by sending 1p, in case it gets lost). You can do this whenever you like, but avoid having a positive balance on the card - they don't tend to like this.)

TrickyNiki

Its a Barclaycard. It was only a purchase from Amazon, no cash or gambling.

I can wait to pay it off, I just didnt want to in case I forgot or got charged interest.

Yes it will be my first statement and I nievely thought they would want my money. I'll try it your way when my statement comes through. Thanks!!!

anotherpaul_2

I think all the Barclaycard's are fine - if the card is advertised as "up to 56 days interest free on purchases". And Amazon UK is fine too - foreign currency transaction may also get interest from day one - not sure.

I know there's a Lloyds card that charges interest from the day of the transaction (or possibly the day after).

TrickyNiki

I suppose at the minute it is a case of wait and see. If i get charged I will close the card down and do my research better before getting another card. (paying in full obviously)

It was Amazon UK. I dont know about the purchases thing, I will have to dig out the T&C although when I applied I was told I could make a payment anytime I wanted. I'm betting they said that to get my custom.