Credit Card Reward Schemes Discussion Area

iso_2

Hi,

Anybody else facing the quandry?

Not sure which is the best card to go for - stick with the new MBNA card or apply for the new Thomas Cook card.

Cook_County

Loobeylou wrote:

Not certain I am posting this on the correct thread, but for some years now I have used Goldfish credit card. You were able to rack up 1 point for every £1 spent. These points could then be converted into coupons to use for places like M&S and Boots, and for every 100 points you were given coupons for £1. However, some time ago Goldfish devalued their points system so that you had to have 150 points for a £1 coupon.

After that, I started to mainly spend on our Halifax debit card, so that:

(a) we were spending money in our account and therefore did not have any large bills coming in at the end of the month (which we find very convenient) and

(b) because the Halifax debit card also gives 1 point for every £1 up to a certain limit, but do not devalue the amount they give back.

For some time there has been very little going onto the Goldfish card, but it is still needed for when we pay for things and require the security of a credit card in case of problems.

So my query is, what is a good credit card which will pay a points system but which does not devalue the amount they give back?

There is no such thing as deals change all the time.

Goldfish was owned by Centrica (who own British Gas), sold to Morgan Stanley for £400 million and then sold by them to Lloyds TSB for £700 million. Looyds TSB is not going to give us what we used to have, so us consumers have to vote with our wallets/purses.

Cook_County

boy wrote:

Anyone tried using BMI points for the flights? I either don't get many options or the quoted miles+cash deal is costlier than other airlines's normal tickets.
So annoying as I have loads of BMI miles due to credit card now, but can't use them.
Also, do the points off every year or can I keep them?

I agree BMI points are a rip-off!.

We booked a trip to Chicago for which they are charging us £185. (By way of comparison, American Airlines points would have charged £64 for the same route.)

However for the time of year we want to travel £185 is still about half the market price, otherwise for short-haul destinations the points are of no value. Have you thought of using them for what BMI calls "treats" ie a free case of wine?

CHIHUAHUA

Loobeylou wrote:

Not certain I am posting this on the correct thread, but for some years now I have used Goldfish credit card. You were able to rack up 1 point for every £1 spent. These points could then be converted into coupons to use for places like M&S and Boots, and for every 100 points you were given coupons for £1. However, some time ago Goldfish devalued their points system so that you had to have 150 points for a £1 coupon.

After that, I started to mainly spend on our Halifax debit card, so that:

(a) we were spending money in our account and therefore did not have any large bills coming in at the end of the month (which we find very convenient) and

(b) because the Halifax debit card also gives 1 point for every £1 up to a certain limit, but do not devalue the amount they give back.

For some time there has been very little going onto the Goldfish card, but it is still needed for when we pay for things and require the security of a credit card in case of problems.

So my query is, what is a good credit card which will pay a points system but which does not devalue the amount they give back?

conran card gives 1% cashback - I'm still with Goldfish too but plan to get shot after i cash in the last few B+Q Vouchers!

Grant2407

I've been with the Conran card through MBNA now for about 2 yrs now. I've been very happy with it as I received 1% cashback and the card is visa so unlike my old amex card theres no problem in getting retailers to accept it.

Unfortunately I've just received an letter through the door saying that MBNA and Conran are ending their partnership as of 31st March 2007, so my card will revert to a standard MBNA credit card. I will be credited with all profit share points accrued upto this date.

Has anyone else received this letter or know if the Conran credit card will continue with another company? I guess Martin's article should now be updated to reflect this change.

koru

For anyone who is in business, looks like there's a better cashback deal from Amex if you get their Platinum Business Card, as the top tier of cashback is 2%, not 1.5%.

theschaff

just got a letter from GE money, they are terminating all GE money everyday cards (the one's that give you 3% cashback on fuel and groceries) in November, must be losing too much money!

PM

Whats the best card currently.

I have the M&S &more but recently it was used for fraud and they messed me about so I want to get rid of it.

alexburt1

Sorry, put it in the wrong section

Hi,

Thought you may be interested, I have a Rewards credit card from MBNA, once you take out the card you get access to MBNA Lifestyle. Here you can buy discounted vouchers online for shopping in supermarkets (only with your MBNA credit card), e.g Sainsbury's are discounted 6% on orders over £100.

You can even use the Sainsbury's ones in the petrol station (never tried the others but presuming it works). Also not forgetting you also get the reward points.

You can also buy discounted vouchers from the high street, e.g Argos, Boots, Love2shop

As there is no charge for this card I reckon this beats your top recommendation????

alexburt1

As requested, once you have the card you get access to MBNA Lifestyle, here you buy the discounted vouchers. If you order £100 from each company you get the following discounts

e.g £200 Sainsbury's vouchers will cost £188

Arcadia 9%, Argos 8%, Asda 4%, Boots 7%, Currys 9%, Debenhams 8%, Gap 9%, HMV 8%, Homebase 7%, House of Fraser 10%, JJB 85, Kingfisher 10%, Leisure 9%, Love2Shop 7%, Marks and Spencers 5%, River Island 7%, Sainsbury’s 6%, Threshers 9%, Virgin 7%, WHSmith 9%,

+ you get the Reward Points from MBNA