Keeping a Credit Card in Credit?

Galstonian

I've been wondering about this card. Does it have to be set up with a direct debit? Are there other ways to top-up the card? Where can it be used (Tesco stores, online, other Tesco products like insurance etc)?

Galstonian

I found an application form for this. It states it can be used "at participating Tesco stores" so it is unclear if online shopping or other services would count. It also appears to be possible to make "minimum payments" via direct debit or standing order but you can also top up the card through bank giro credits.
I phoned to ask for clarification and was told that the card can be used for Tesco online purchases but not for electrical or insurance (I don't know if you can purchase electrical goods in store with the card). It can be topped up in store using cash, cheque or debit card, not sure if a credit card could be used (but I suspect not); it can be topped up online using direct deposit.

Not too flexible but could be worth it for the extra points perhaps? If you shop at Tesco a lot then you could get double points on everything, however, you do have to pay up front. This and the inflexibility might mean a Tesco credit card would be better and you get an extra point for every £2 spent (regardless of where you spend it) but for the avid Tesco points hunters then using the Plus card for Tesco shopping and Tesco card for everything else probably yields the most.

I also think they are being a bit cheeky when they suggest that the account earns a "high rate of interest", it's a pittance at 0.99% gross. There is mention of the ability to overdraw by up to the value of one months payment but it does not state what the charges are for this.

It may suit some but I don't think it's for me.

bethyblue612

I have one of these cards, I've had it for years, it is effectively a debit card which you can only use in Tesco Stores. You can use it to buy anything instore, including petrol, I've never tried it online.

I found it very useful in the early days, when my income was MUCH lower, as a way of only using 'real' money to buy food with. At the time, I was buying everything on credit cards, and, although I nearly always paid them in full, by the time I'd paid the card I had nothing left out of that month's salary and the whole cycle would start again.

TBH, for myself, I wouldn't bother opening one now, as you can get the double points on the VISA card, but, when I first got it, it was a godsend (long before I found this site and was struggling to work it all out on my own!). I guess the only reason I still have it is habit, I just put £125 a month on to it by DD.

RobBob_3

Go into Natwest and set up the account - my other half tried to open a basic with Natwest on the internet - accepted whole application etc. but nothing ever happened (3months).

Bossyboots

With the Tesco green (Clubcard Plus) card you get double points on all purchases in Tesco. You can use it for everything they sell in store. With the Tesco credit card, which doubles as a Clubcard, you get three points for £2 spent in store and one point for every £2 spent elsewhere. If you spend a lot in Tesco and take advantage of their Clubcard deals, then the Plus card is the way to go. As one consideration is an account to put your shopping money, this seems ideal. It is certainly the way I operate, having a sum transferred from my bank account every month.

Galstonian

I agree that for some it may be useful but for me when compared to a Tesco credit card :-

Advanatges:
1 extra Tesco point per £2 spent in store

Disadvantages:
Have to pay in advance
Cannot use for non Tesco purchases (or even some departments, e.g. electrical)
Difficult to manage for irregular spending
Pittance of interest paid on credit balances
Tesco card currently offers interest free purchases

Like I said before, if you really chase Tesco points then go for both but I think the argument for using just the Clubcard Plus account is pretty thin.