Dixons 9 Months IFC But Charged £15 For Early Payment

stressedoutmum · 22 March 2006 at 6:31PM

Last September I bought a video camera on 9 month interest free credit from Dixons. The final balance is due by June this year. When I took out the IFC (its done through HFC Bank) you set up a direct debit. However HFC will only take £12.74 per month - you cannot increase your DD - you need to send a cheque for anything more you want to pay. I calculated the cost of my purchase £325 over 9 months and set up a standing order to pay the difference - so I was paying about £39 per month. I called HFC to check my balance which was £15 more than I calculated. I was then told that as long as I pay it by June 06 there is no interest however you are charged a £15 early redemption fee:mad: When I took this out with Dixons I checked and checked that I would incur no extra charges and I was told definitely no - no one mentioned the £15 fee. When I called Dixons to check it they told me to contact HFC and vice versa. Today after spending ages on the phone to their call centre in India on an 0870 number as the freefone one from SayNoTo0870 didnt work - I finally had to go back to Dixons in town.The Deputy Manager said he was aware of the early redemption fee and gave me my £15 back saying I should have been informed, however he gave it to me with such ease I wonder how many other people have fallen victim to this and not noticed. So if you pay early your penalised and if you pay later you are charged extortionate interest rates. So beware at Dixons - 9 months interest free credit but it costs you £15 for paying in time.