How to escape from Barclaycard?

Fenris

Hi all,

Sorry if this has been covered. I did do a search before I registered for the forums and couldn't find anything.

I've only got one credit card. Unfortunatly, it seems it's the most expensive! I've got a Barclaycard, the standard one I think, charging 19.9%

I've been locked into it since 1999 as I'm always either out of work, or on too low a wage to be able to apply for a different card. I'm currently out of work while attempting to set up my own business, so again, I can't apply for a different card.

This Barclaycard has been killing me for years and I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to lower the interest? Or, is there anything else I could do?

Any advice would be gratefully received!

sicker

You could phone them (0845 600 6000) and say you are fed up with the high rate of interest you are paying and as you have been a loyal customer for 6 years is there anything on offer before you consider applying to a new lender. If you don't ask you don't get so you've nothing to loose.

John

Firsttimebuyer_4

When I phoned them and complained about the rate they reduced it from 18% to 11.9% which is still the highest interest i've got on any card but barclaycard send out promotional 0% cheques on a regular basis so i'm not going to get rid of them any time soon.

Fenris

Thanks for your advice guys. I've just phoned them and they've lowered the rate to 15.9% which isn't wonderful, but it's better than it was!

Firsttimebuyer, I've never had a promo cheque, how often do you get them?

Firsttimebuyer_4

They come with the bill in the post. It's a seperate sheet. I get them every 3 months or so. It's either 0% for 6 months or 6.9% for the life of the balance. Be careful though and transfer ALL your barclaycard balance to another card first to make sure it's empty, then transfer it back. Otherwise they'll sting you with the interest as you always pay the lowest interest back first.

You can also phone up and ask if they got any promos going.

Fenris

Oh right, I see. Well, since I don't have another card and probably can't get one I'll not worry too mcuh, but thanks for the info.

I wonder if I've had them and just binned them thinking they were "sample" cheques? I'll keep an eye out!