Best Cashback Cards Article Discussion Area

colbee

This is an update to my original post of 7/6/06. Things have not improved.
After I told the Egg demi-gods that I would not appeal, in writing or otherwise, against the decision to give me an inadequate limit, I got a message on 8/6 asking me for more information, namely:
1/ what is the increase for?
2/ what other cards do I have and what are their limits?
3/ what increase would I like?
4/ what is my income?
I responded that I had already supplied this information on more than one occasion but would summarise, which I did. I emphasised that Egg had to at least match that which I already have with Goldfish, a card I have had for over 10 years (I don't chop and change cards).
On 9/6 I was told my request had been forwarded to the Credit Approvals Team.
On 10/6 I received a message that Egg had been unable to contact me (they could not explain why) and asking me to contact them (Borrowing Solutions) as soon as possible on an 0845 number (no alternative to this particular number on saynoto0870).
So I rang them during half-time of the England game. I first spoke to a woman for a couple of minutes who took my details and then asked me to wait while she found the right person. After a total of over 5 minutes a man came on the line, asked how I was, was I watching the match and was I enjoying the game.
Then he said he would like to ask a few questions which would take about 20-25 minutes. When I queried this he said it would probably take longer - over half an hour. I told him I wasn't desperate for one of his cards and I would not talk to him for that length of time; they either match Goldfish or I'm not interested. He said that was my prerogative, and that ended the conversation.
I had also messaged Egg about my account being set up to pay the minimum amount each month contrary to my instructions; and that two members of this site had similar problems. Their response was simply that my account would be rectified. And that's about it to date.
I wonder if I am being too bloody-minded about this and cutting off my nose to spite my face, but the thought of watching my credit card spending like a hawk so that I don't exceed my limit and thus incur penalties makes it too hard to do for me. I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a hidden agenda here but I can't quite put my finger on it.
Of course, it could be that I am totally wrong! :mad:

dominiquereynolds

Been using my GE card for over a week now.
Spent £20k on our Citi card last year and got a lovely £200 cash back.

Signed my mum up online and she got accepted as well.

lgs6753

Having seen details of the GE card on MSE, I thought I'd apply.
Looking through the small print, it says that payment is due 5 days after statement date.

This means that, after posting and allowing for bank clearance delays, you'll always cop for interest unless you pay by DD. (I don't like DD - it's like having someone else's hand in my wallet!).

Am I right? Or just suspicious?

grumbler

My *guess* is that this is a misprint (missing '2') on their website. Summary box for both their cards state the same:

Maximum 56 days for purchases if you pay your balance in full and on time

And, unlike for the Everyday Card, credit agreement for the Transformation Card states:

We will send you statements showing the date for payment. This will usually be 25 days after the statement date.

lgs6753

Thanks, Grumbler.

cotsvale

Sorry if this is a daft question but I spend about £500 per month in Tescos and use my clubcard to pay thus getting the points for the deals. I spend at least another £500 elsewhere using the same Tesco visa card earning less points. Am I better off doing this or would I be better off having and paying for everything with a cashback card? Sorry not clever enough to work it out myself.

RussWWFC

I've got the GE Money Card.

Statement Dated 17th June
Payment Due 12th July so plenty of time to pay.

I may well set up a D/D as they always take as late as possible and you can be sure that it gets paid.

Cashback rate is superb - spent £63.50 after filling up my car and getting a few bits in a supermarket and made £1.86 cashback

cos_2

I got the GE Money card, too, and am surprised that others have posted about it being 'cherry picking', either for people of very good credit or who don't pay in full but have a good credit rating.

My credit has been very poor but I've been able to pay back previous cards (good ole Cap 1 and other 'starter' cards) in full since about 2002. I had been rejected for a Morgan Stanley about then, but reapplied in 2005 and they gave me a £6700 limit and, of course, the cashback.

I decided to apply for the GE card as I spend most of my money (not counting mortgage and utilities) on food/fuel, and was accepted within 30 minutes of my online app. I'm now using it instead of the Morgan Stanley.

What's confusing is that so many others have been refused when they've posted credit histories FAR better than mine. I pay in full every month so they won't make money from me that way, but is that visible in a credit check? My recent prints from Experian show my balance with Morgan Stanley as around £1200. Perhaps they see that as a running balance and not as paid off every month?

This probably doesn't help those people here who have been refused a GE card, but I thought it useful to post my experience.

qprfact

The updated article refers to the cashback being reduced on Amex Platinum. Is the same happening on Blue?

Also, does anyone know how easy it is to "upgrade" from Blue to Platinum?

oscarhugo

qprfact wrote:

Also, does anyone know how easy it is to "upgrade" from Blue to Platinum?

I did it, reasonably straightforwardly, a couple of years ago. In fact, I actually APPLIED FOR the Plat card & was told I'd HAVE TO upgrade to Plat since I already had Blue. But I'd doubt if they'd give you the 3-months-2% if you were upgrading. Good luck.