Santander Zero Credit Card

Chinkle

This looks like a good card for overseas spending, so thinking of applying ahead of my hols.

However, would be an even better deal if you could pre-load the card so that it was in credit thus avoiding interest oncash withdrawals. I've checked the forums and some say that's allowed and others that it is against the T&C.

Can anyone clarify?

BenL

We had a chat about it in another post a few months ago. It is against the t's & c's someone advised.

I volunteered to test the pre-loading and cash out when in France, the card didn't arrive in time though (and still hasn't).

It's been about 6 weeks so far!

Chinkle

Well at the very least I should get applying then!

NickX

Chinkle wrote: »

Well at the very least I should get applying then!

All the advice on here suggests you are best to apply in-branch. Online applications for the Santander Zero (previously Abbey Zero) cards appear to frequently suffer horrendous delays.

Good Luck.

td_007

Don't forget the £10 dormancy fees if you do not use it for 6 months. So unlike nationwide of post office card you cannot forget about the card after using it abroad you will have to keep it "live" by making a transaction at least once every 6 months.

Moggles_2

Chinkle wrote: »

This looks like a good card for overseas spending, so thinking of applying ahead of my hols. However, would be an even better deal if you could pre-load the card, so that it was in credit, thus avoiding interest on cash withdrawals.

Santander will not allow you to take this risk.

Section 75 wouldn't apply if you spent from a positive balance, because technically it's not credit. Also, if your card were stolen, you wouldn't be covered for fraudulent transactions.

As above, it's safer to apply in branch. Online applications are still subject to long delays, apparently :rolleyes:

Z0id.berg

Has anyone applied for this card and not had to wait weeks for it to arrive? I go on my honeymoon in 7 weeks today so need it before then!

chattychappy

Z0id.berg wrote: »

Has anyone applied for this card and not had to wait weeks for it to arrive? I go on my honeymoon in 7 weeks today so need it before then!

I applied online end of Feb. I got it by mid-March. Can't remember exact dates now. No problems at all. Before the card arrived I phoned them up and they were able to confirm that I had been approved and what the limit would be.

Only snag was I couldn't get the online system working before going away. Had to wait for the card to come first, then go online and wait something in the post. But really I had left it to the last minute - I think I applied within 3 weeks of my departure date.

So whilst overseas I rang them up to check balance/due dates etc.

Overall my impression is that they were fast, friendly and efficient. The call centre seemed to be locally based and I didn't have to wait long to get through.

Of course I'm aware of all the horror stories posted on MSE. Just didn't match my experience, that's all.

BenL

I got my PIN lastnight so the card should be here in afew days.

You should be ok with 7 weeks if you apply online.

Joe65_2

Moggles wrote: »

Santander will not allow you to take this risk.

Section 75 wouldn't apply if you spent from a positive balance, because technically it's not credit. Also, if your card were stolen, you wouldn't be covered for fraudulent transactions.

.......

That's an interesting interpetation.

Sounds like something their call centre might have dreamed up though.

Wonder if it's ever been tested in the courts.

candyflipper_2

Chinkle wrote: »

However, would be an even better deal if you could pre-load the card so that it was in credit thus avoiding interest oncash withdrawals. I've checked the forums and some say that's allowed and others that it is against the T&C.

Can anyone clarify?

You can do that with a Capital One (USD) card (which is also a card that is free of FX-fees).

I'm not sure if the cap one gbp card is the same.